The long-awaited One Chicago crossover event has finally arrived, and Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 11, “In the Trenches, Part 1,” delivers an explosive opening that launches

this massive three-hour saga. As the first piece of this highly anticipated event, the episode wastes no time plunging us into a whirlwind of action and intrigue that seamlessly

ties together the worlds of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD. At the heart of this crossover is a catastrophic gas explosion at a government building—a daring plot twist sparked by

a group of thieves attempting to cover up their heist of a bitcoin-filled hard drive. Unlike previous crossovers that revolved around serial killers, biological threats, or runaway fires, this time the storyline takes a bold, tech-savvy turn. The incorporation of modern elements like bitcoin and gas leaks injects fresh energy into the narrative, even if it means juggling a host of technical details that slow the pace with heavy exposition.

Amidst the chaos of the explosion, our brave firefighters and paramedics are thrown into a high-stakes scramble. The episode quickly shifts from the initial blast to the ensuing hospital’s mass casualty response, and then to the meticulous investigation led by Chicago PD. The urgency of the disaster forces every branch of the One Chicago family to collaborate, setting up a tense and gripping narrative that promises to keep viewers riveted over the next two parts of the event.

As is tradition with crossover episodes, “In the Trenches, Part 1” brings together familiar faces from across the franchise. Chicago Med’s characters are thrown into the fray, with Dr. John Frost taking an unexpected ride-along with Ambulance 61—a setup that might stretch believability but yields some dramatic moments, particularly for Darren Barnet’s character. Meanwhile, Chicago PD’s presence is felt through the involvement of key investigative figures, while the always-resilient Chicago Fire team leads the charge in the midst of the disaster.

Taylor Kinney once again shines in his role as Severide, emerging as a steadfast leader during the crisis. However, it’s Dermot Mulroney’s portrayal of Chief Dom Pascal that truly stands out. Pascal’s commanding presence and no-nonsense attitude provide a stark counterpoint to Chief Boden’s warmth, underscoring the fierce determination required to manage a disaster of this scale.

Despite all the action, some familiar faces are noticeably absent. Longtime fans of Firehouse 51 will miss the presence of certain paramedics and firefighter Darren Ritter, and Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) is notably off-screen, a fallout from his previous suspension. These omissions add a bittersweet note to the episode, particularly for those who have followed the series since its inception.

Predictably, the episode doesn’t shy away from placing its heroes in peril. Key characters face life-threatening situations, and the narrative is peppered with twists that hint at even greater dangers to come. Even as the episode builds tension and lays out the catastrophic scenario, the identity of the inside man among the thieves is left tantalizingly within reach of even the most eagle-eyed viewers.

In all, “In the Trenches, Part 1” delivers everything fans have come to expect from a One Chicago event: high-octane action, intricate character moments, and a seamless blend of familiar storylines with innovative, modern twists. Though it may lean on some predictable tropes, this episode is a welcome return to form—a high-stakes kickoff to a crossover event that promises to be one for the history books.