Thrill Ride of the Year: One Chicago Crossover "Infection"

Wow, last night's One Chicago Crossover event was so intense and thrilling—it felt like the Super Bowl of all Crossover events! Let’s dive into the recap together!

The three-hour crossover event started like any other day as the Fire, Med, and PD gang had a tailgating party outside of Solider Stadium. But soon, they notice a mysterious man drawing a big crowd and collapse; when they check on him, they see his leg has been infected. What turns into a baffling mystery turns into a horror as not only the guy from the game but four more people (including a mother and her child) showing the same symptoms of the flesh-eating bacteria.

As soon as Fire, Med, and PD work, an arson occurs at the University of Chicago bio-lab. Voight and the team take a foot on the case, and soon Hailey finds the next victim but also has contact with the victim with her blood on her. As Hailey is in quarantine along with everyone from that building as its placement zero, Will and a former colleague work with the scientist from the university laboratory to find a cure for this disease. If that wasn't enough, Goodwin is getting killed by the press as they're just trying to put fear into the news, while those in quarantine escape because they don't want to be there.

But PD gets their first lead, a man posing as an exterminator spraying bug spray around that apartment, and Ruzek and Burgess find their suspect, who just so happens to be working with Will at Med. Will spots the scientist destroying their work for a cure, attacks Will, and leaves. As PD goes on the hunt, Chicago has been taking their own hands with their fears from the internet, including attacking a local favorite restaurant. 

As the suspect plays with PD, Voight turns the tables and searches the history of the guy, who has been going for six months, which leads to a place at the docks. Ruzek spots a map of the following location, the Octoberfest parade route, but nothing happens. It wasn't until Burgess and Ruzek found a pattern that BRT Health Corp. decided to cut the suspect's funding and planned to be at the board meeting scheduled for that day.

As Fire and PD get there, Halstead comes with the cure; Jay locates the suspect with hostages, some infected with the disease. As Jay talks with him, Hailey tries to get a shot from across the building, but nothing. Jay takes a risk by cutting his arm to place the bacteria, but Voight has other plans. Hailey takes a distraction shot, and Voight comes in, shooting the suspect dead. As all calms down, life returns to being expected in Chicago.

Just a little heads up: In this episode, Cruz finds himself in an awkward moment with Chloe, and when Brett and Mouch press him for details, he confidently mentions he's ready to pop the question. However, Chloe has different ideas and decides to end their relationship. As the episode wraps up, we’re treated to a sweet moment where Ruzek asks Burgess if she'd like to join him, and she says yes!

The "Infection" event is recognized as the most significant crossover event since the inception of Fire and PD seven years ago. Initially, I perceived that surpassing the previous installments was unattainable; however, it exceeded expectations. During the initial thirty minutes of the first episode, the narrative felt prolonged, resembling an hour and a half, due to the considerable amount of content presented. Notable moments of fear were palpable, particularly when Burgess gazed at the mother in the van, who remained alive yet afflicted by the infection.

The performance of the cast was exceptional; they executed their roles admirably. Although minor technical issues, such as the audible presence of Jesse Spencer's authentic voice while throwing the football, did not significantly detract from the overall experience. The emotional moments were enriched with intense thrills, including Hailey's bonding with Amanda and Trudy's admonition to the CPD officers regarding the gravity of the situation. I believed I understood what constituted a high point in television; however, after witnessing this crossover event, I now comprehend its true essence—exemplary writing and a compelling plot. Overall, I rate this episode event a 10 out of 10.

You can catch Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD on Wednesdays beginning at 8/7c on NBC.