Chicago Fire’s Joe Minoso is One Chicago performer of the week

Chicago Fire star Joe Minoso is One Chicago Center’s performer of the week for his work as Joe Cruz in Chicago Fire season 7, episode 15.

This week’s Performer of the Week honors go to Joe Minoso from Chicago Fire, for his portrayal of Joe Cruz in Wednesday’s crossover event.

Most of the time when we see Joe Minoso, it’s in a comic relief-type storyline. Cruz is one of those characters who’s likely to come up with some quirky idea, or end up in some weird situation, or get into a funny argument with his Firehouse 51 colleagues.

But this week’s crossover between Chicago Fire and Chicago PD reminded audiences that Cruz has a very serious side, and gave Joe a lot more screen time that he excelled with.

There were so many great scenes for him in the crossover, but particularly in the first part (in the second he was more of a supporting character, reacting to everyone else’s actions).

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“What I Saw” brought back Cruz’s brother Leon (Jeff Lima), and put him in the new and awkward position of needing advice from Leon, instead of trying to get him out of trouble. It was a vulnerable moment with the brothers that left fans wanting more.

Based on Leon’s experience, One Chicago viewers got to see Cruz’s trepidation about being asked to work for the Intelligence Unit. He didn’t just forget all of that; he was nervous, and skeptical, and audiences watched all of that in Joe Minoso’s performance.

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Once Cruz was actually undercover, though, it was clear that he was terrible at it (as he should be since this was not his job). Chicago Fire showed how he meant well, but was too nervous not to be suspicious, didn’t know how to casually get information out of people and found himself becoming sympathetic toward the people he was supposed to be investigating.

Joe Minoso got to play every single one of those notes. From Cruz’s awkwardness, to his attempt at bonding with the firefighters of Engine Company 66, to his terror when he thought he ‘d blown his cover, and his disbelief at the real culprit—it was all there, and that’s a lot to go through in one episode!

So kudos to Joe for getting the crossover spotlight and shining in it. He’s a much more versatile actor than Chicago Fire normally shows, and he made One Chicago particularly proud this week. Between this and Cruz’s new relationship, Chicago Fire season 7 has been good for him.

For the latest Chicago Fire season 7 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.