The 300th episode of Chicago Fire was filled with amazing moments as the writers crafted a perfect sendoff for original cast member Joe Minoso. From the birth of his twins and the sweet moments woven into the episode featuring the Cruz family to Cruz’s goodbyes and his tribute to Otis, the episode was a beautiful final episode for a beloved member of the cast, which truly honored Cruz and his legacy. In fact, there was one hidden Easter egg in the episode that called back to a storyline introduced 12 seasons ago back in season 3.
Early in the episode before the birth of his twins, Cruz dropped in at 51, and his presence was a welcome surprise for everyone at the firehouse when they returned from a difficult call. As Engine 51 pulled into the firehouse, Herrmann joked to Cruz, “Hey, are you teaching Zumba yet or what?” upon seeing that Cruz was now getting around with the help of a cane and making significant strides in his recovery. But this remark wasn’t some random quip.
Herrmann’s comment was actually a fun callback to a season 3 plotline in which we learned that Cruz was teaching Zumba classes on the side, which, of course, earned him a bit of ragging from his pals at 51 once they learned of his side gig.
It was a storyline that was introduced back in the seventh episode of season 3 when paramedic Sylvie Brett managed to get a spot in the most sought-after Zumba class in the city. Much to her surprise, when she arrived for her class, the flamboyant instructor leading the class was none other than Cruz! Brett’s appearance at his class left Cruz so shocked he stopped the class and told her to leave, but she wanted in on the highest-rated Yelp class, which was when they struck a deal.
In exchange for allowing her to remain in the class, Brett promised not to tell anyone about his side gig teaching Zumba, and she offered to help him cook food for Molly’s truck. Unfortunately, the gang at 51 would eventually learn about Cruz’s Zumba classes and surprised him at a class in the following episode. It was all in good fun though, as they ultimately supported him as they always did.
The Zumba class comment was such a fun and unexpected callback. Hearing Herrmann joke about Zumba classes took us right back to season 3 and the laughs we shared as part of that original storyline, a storyline we honestly hadn't thought of in years given that those episodes aired way back in 2014.
It's a moment that might have gone unnoticed by some but one that certainly was recognized by longtime viewers. It was a deep cut that paid tribute to Cruz but also to the fans who have been around from the beginning and enjoyed the season 3 storyline back in the day and highlighted how much attention to detail the writers put into crafting Minoso’s final episode.
Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
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