Following its winter break,Chicago Fireseason 13 returns with its second half in 2025,focusing on one storyline that began in season 1 and is the perfect excuse to bring back Matt Casey.Jesse Spencer, who played Casey, exited the NBC procedural drama during season 10. To explain his absence, Casey moved to Oregon to serve as Andrew Darden’s sons' legal guardian after their mother was arrested. Since then,Spencer has returned toChicago Firea handful of times, whether it was to work on a special task force concerning terrorism or to marry Sylvie Brett.

New episodes ofChicago Fireseason 13 air on Wednesdays at 9 pm ET on NBC. Season 13 is expected to have 22 episodes.

Severide in Chicago Fire

AfterCasey and Brett’s wedding inChicago Fireseason 12, neither has come back to Firehouse 51. However, one tense storyline in season 13 could give cause to Casey’s return. NBC hasn’t announced that Spencer is reprising hisChicago Firerole in season 13, but the perfect time for him to do so is during Joe Cruz’s arc. Back in season 1, Cruz left Flaco, the leader of a gang who had control over Cruz’s brother, to die in a fire. More than a decade later,Flaco’s cousin was freed from prison and immediately confronted Cruz,blackmailing him into doing his bidding.

Casey Knows About Cruz’s Past Crimes (He Could Offer Some Guidance)

Cruz Needs Someone To Confide In

DuringChicago Fireseason 13, episode 9, Junior coerced Cruz into helping him steal money from other criminals. However, they got caught, resulting in a shootout. Junior was killed, whileCruz escaped with a gunshot wound to his arm.Despite Junior’s death, Cruz isn’t out of the woods yet, especially since he hasn’t confided in anyone about his recent troubles. If there was oneChicago Firecharacter who could help Cruz, though, it’s Casey.

Katelynn Shennett

Kylie Estevez

Casey has been there for Cruz in the past when the firefighter had gotten in over his head.Spencer’s character was the one who Cruz felt he could confine in regarding his past crimes,but Casey is now on the other side of the country. Nevertheless, Spencer could still return as Casey (even if it’s via a phone call) to offer Cruz some guidance he desperately needs. Cruz certainly hasn’t handled this Junior situation well, and he must look to others for helpinChicago Fireseason 13.

Severide Is Failing Firehouse 51 In Chicago Fire Season 13, Again

Chicago Fire season 13 returns in January 2025 following its winter break, and during the midseason premiere, Severide makes a mistake.

Casey Can Still Return In Chicago Fire Season 13 And Help Cruz Fix His Mistakes

Cruz Has Time To Redeem Himself

If there was ever a time for Spencer to reprise his role as Casey inChicago Fireseason 13, it’s now.Cruz’s arc is a solid story that could be elevated via a visit from Casey(which wouldn’t feel forced at all, thanks to Cruz and Casey’s past). Casey’s return would emphasize the true bond of Firehouse 51 and bring Cruz’s plotline to a satisfying conclusion. Even Joe Miñoso, who stars as Cruz intheChicago Fireseason 13 castthinks so. When asked about who Cruz could confide in, Miñoso toldCinemablend:

“First of all, no one in the firehouse at this point, except for maybe Mouch, has an idea of this ever happening. Jesse Spencer [as] Casey was the one who he really tried to confess to and really knows, but he’s long gone. The new people in the firehouse have no clue, and I think he wants to keep it that way. It’s going to be especially difficult for him and Severide, because Severide is incredibly nosy and intuitive, and so he’s going to notice something’s up there, and it’s going to be really hard on Cruz to try and figure out how to avoid that completely and not get himself in even more hot water.”

Chicago Fire Movie Poster

Casey would be the best person for Cruz to turn to concerning this Junior mess. However, if he’s unavailable,Miñoso’s comments suggest that Kelly Severide will be the one to help Cruzin his time of need following the events of episode 9. Only time will tell how Cruz gets out of this tricky situation, though, inChicago Fireseason 13.

Chicago Fire

Cast

Chicago Fire follows the lives of firefighters, rescue squad members, and paramedics of Firehouse 51 in Chicago as they face professional and personal challenges, showcasing their dedication, teamwork, and resilience.