What’s wrong with Cruz on Chicago Fire?

Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) has had a difficult stretch on Chicago Fire. The character nearly drowned in the season 10 premiere, and while he made it out physically unscathed, the psychological trauma of his close call has stifled his ability to operate.

In the episode “Head Count”, Cruz froze up twice, and asked that other firefighters take over him. His uncertainty has taken root in the Firehouse as well, as the goofy figure has suddenly become meek and humorless. Stella (Miranda Rae Mayo) is the only one who’s noticed so far, but it’s clear that Cruz is going to have to come to grips with his trauma or become a liability.

What’s going on with Cruz? Are the character’s issues going to force his departure from Chicago Fire?

Is Joe Cruz leaving Chicago Fire?

Thankfully, Joe Cruz isn’t going anywhere. The character may seem like he’s on the cusp of leaving his Firehouse 51 position, but this is more of a pitstop than a farewell. Cruz has a child on the way, and his preoccupation with mortality will serve as an recurring theme throughout season 10. This was already established in the “Head Count” episode, where Cruz discovers a boy was trapped in a vehicle that he was supposed to have swept.

Joe Minoso told TV Insider that Cruz’s arc will be a crucial part of season 10. He also pointed to the guilt the character feels over his near death, and the fact that Severide (Taylor Kinney) put his own life in danger to save him.

“We’re going to be watching Cruz deal with really kind of a psychological trauma after the events of that capsized boat”, he stated. “That trauma will still exist. If anything, it adds pressure to the situation for Cruz because his lieutenant almost sacrificed his own life to save him.”

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The disconnect between Cruz’s fraught professional life and his blossoming personal life is also going to come into conflict during the season. Cruz’s fiancé Chloe has had concerns about his firefighting in the past, and the character is going to find himself lying to put Chloe’s mind at ease. Eventually, he’s going to have to come clean.

Cruz’s mental health is something that Minoso and the showrunners are very proud to highlight. The actor said his hopes are that the character’s arc is able to spark conversation among fans and encourage more people to seek help when they’ve experienced trauma.

For the latest Chicago Fire season 10 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.