In the ever-expanding universe of TV dramas, it seems that fate may be throwing Chicago Fire fans a long-overdue lifeline — and this time, it’s coming not from NBC, but from an entirely different network. CBS’s upcoming FBI spinoff, CIA, might just resurrect the spirit of one of Chicago Fire’s most beloved characters — not through resurrection, but through brilliant casting.

At the heart of this intriguing development is none other than Lucifer star Tom Ellis, who is set to step into the fiery shoes of Hart Hoxton — a slick, unpredictable CIA operative who lives on the edge and laughs in the face of protocol. Ellis, known for his charismatic turn as the devilishly charming Lucifer Morningstar, seems tailor-made for this kind of role — a wildcard agent with wit, mystery, and just the right amount of danger.

But even a maverick like Hoxton needs balance, a grounding force — a partner who follows the rules, who keeps the chaos in check. And here lies the brilliance of this pairing: the role of Hoxton’s partner is shaping up to be the perfect opportunity for one unforgettable actress to return — Lauren German.

For Chicago Fire fans still mourning the tragic loss of Leslie Shay, the mere possibility of German stepping into this new role is like oxygen after smoke.

Before flames and falling debris took her life in the explosive Season 2 finale of Chicago Fire, Leslie Shay lit up Firehouse 51 with her irreverent humor, dry wit, and fiercely loyal spirit. She wasn’t just a paramedic — she was a confidante, a best friend, a sister-in-arms. Her bond with Severide was the emotional spine of the show in its early years. She brought levity to the dark and chaos of emergency response, finding moments of joy even in the worst calls.

But tragedy struck, and Shay’s story ended abruptly — her skull fatally pierced by debris from an explosion. The screen faded to black, but the fans never forgot.

What if there was a way to bring that light back, in a different form — without undoing the emotional weight of her original departure?

Tom Ellis’ CIA character, Hart Hoxton, is a devil-may-care operative with a flair for improvisation and bending every rule in the book. He’s reckless but brilliant — a man who thrives in chaos. He sounds familiar because, in many ways, he’s Lucifer reborn in an intelligence agency setting. And just like Lucifer had Chloe, Hoxton needs someone who’s grounded, steady, and calm in the storm.

That someone? Lauren German.

The concept is elegant in its simplicity. Cast German as Hoxton’s partner — a sharp, by-the-book FBI agent assigned to the CIA’s most unmanageable operative — and you’ve got not only a balanced, electric dynamic, but an emotional homage to Shay as well.

This wouldn’t be a repeat of Lucifer. German’s potential character in CIA wouldn’t be Chloe Decker 2.0. Instead, this role could allow her to embody the best of Leslie Shay — her sarcasm, her guarded vulnerability, her fierce professionalism — but in an entirely new environment.

Imagine a storyline where she’s the disciplined Fed who finds herself reluctantly paired with the enigmatic Hart Hoxton. At first, she’s unimpressed — even resentful. She doesn’t trust him. She doesn’t like him. She wants off the assignment.

But as the two navigate high-stakes operations, betrayals within the agency, and unsanctioned missions that blur the line between right and necessary, a trust begins to form. Beneath the banter and conflict, a bond takes shape — a partnership forged in fire.

And through this partnership, Chicago Fire fans would see something magical: a chance to see Lauren German lead again, not in Shay’s shoes, but with Shay’s soul.

The beauty of television is its capacity to reinvent, to surprise, to breathe life into stories in unexpected ways. With CIA, CBS and Dick Wolf — the creator behind the Chicago universe — could right a creative wrong that has haunted fans for over a decade. Not by rewriting Shay’s death, but by honoring her impact through a role built to echo her legacy.

In truth, German’s portrayal of Shay was more than just a performance — it was an emotional anchor for viewers. Losing her wasn’t just about saying goodbye to a character. It was about losing the heart of the team.

By casting Lauren German in CIA, the producers would offer a subtle, poignant gift: closure. Not by erasing Shay’s end, but by allowing her spirit to live on through someone just as passionate, just as bold, just as unforgettable.

Television isn’t just about scripts and sets — it’s about healing, connection, memory. For years, Chicago Fire fans have wished for a way to feel that spark again — the spark Shay lit every time she stepped into the frame.

Now, they might just get that wish.

With Tom Ellis bringing charm and chaos, and a role perfectly poised for Lauren German’s return, CIA may become more than just another spinoff — it could be the emotional epilogue we didn’t know we needed.

And somewhere, in a parallel universe of sirens and smoke, Shay would be smiling.