Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 9 recap: Cruz confronts his dark past

Chicago Fire Season 13 continues to intrigue fans with its ongoing narrative, which began in 2012 with Season 1 on NBC. At the heart of this show are the firefighters, paramedics, and rescue personnel of the fictional Firehouse 51, tasked with handling tough situations in the city.

While it focuses on high-stakes rescue missions, Chicago Fire also highlights the personal struggles of the first responders. They often put their lives at risk only to ensure that others are safe.

The story revolves around several characters of the show, and in the latest Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 9, the focus was on Joe Cruz, the firefighter from Rescue Squad 3. The episode kicks off with Cruz encountering Junior Polanco, the cousin of a gang leader whom he let die in Season 1.

So does that mean the latest episode brings back a storyline from Season 1? Yes, it definitely does. Continue reading to know what happened when Joe Cruz faced the late gangster's cousin.

Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 9 recap: Flaco's death and Joe's moral dilemma

Junior Polanco in Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 9 (Image Source: NBC)

Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 9, "A Favor," opens with Joe Cruz meeting the late gang leader Flaco's cousin, Junior Polanco, at a bar. If you forgot, Flaco is the gangster whom Cruz didn't save from a fire in Season 1. Cruz had a chance to save him, but he rather chose to let him die, as he was a corrupt man.

But now, in Chicago Fire Season 13, the gangster's cousin is seen threatening him. Junior demands Cruz's help to find protection, which ultimately means breaking the law. However, Joe Cruz strongly denies, to which Junior says:

"You left my primo there to burn, Joe. What happens if the whole world finds out you did to a Flaco like that? You ready for your life to go to hell?"

He blackmails Cruz about exposing what he did, but despite that, he stands by the refusal and even tells Junior that if the harassment continues, he will tell the cops. While Junior claims Joe Cruz was wrong, the firefighter claims he was just doing his job.

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A brief celebration takes place at the firehouse in Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 9

Mouch and Herrmann passed their exams (Image Source: NBC)

The scene then shifts to Christopher Herrmann and Randall Mcholland, aka Mouch, as the two are seen comapaling about the wives. They are then called for a private conversation, and when they enter the office, their co-workers are cheering up for them.

Turns out Mouch has passed his lieutenant’s exam, and Herrmann clears his captain’s exam. They are incredibly happy and proved that it’s never too late to climb the ranks. The firehouse then plans to celebrate their achievement at Molly's, but before they can plan further, a call to an apartment fire arrives.

Mouch discovers a days-old dead body in Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 9

Mouch found the old man's dead body (Image Source: NBC)

Now that Mouch is a lieutenant, he leads the rescue mission at the apartment. When he goes up and finds a man inside a room, he thinks he collapsed due to the smoke. However, the Paramedic in Charge (PIC), Violet Mikami, informs that the man has been dead for days.

Later in the Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 9, Mouch was shocked to learn that nobody from George Thompson's family checked on him for days, and he eventually died. Struck by the tragedy, Mouch decides to locate the deceased man's family, hoping to inform them about his death.

Mouch finally discovered that George Thompson had no loved ones or family, even during his final moments. This deeply affects Mouch, as he feels incredibly sorry for the old man.

Violet tries to lift his mood by organizing a party at Molly's to celebrate Mouch and Herrmann's test results. While everyone is seen celebrating the night, Mouch still can't forget the tragic story of Thompson in Chicago Fire Season 13.

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Joe Cruz's past catches up with him in Chicago Fire Season 13

Joe Cruz faces constant threats (Image Source: NBC)

While Cruz cuts the conversation at the bar, Junior calls him again when he's working and tells him to meet outside the firehouse at 4 and cuts the call. The trouble escalates in the episode when Junior contacts the Office of Fire Investigations (OFI) to reopen the case of Flaco’s death.

Cruz continues to face the constant threat posed by Junior, as he keeps on demanding help. Later in the episode, Junior's true motives are revealed. He wants Cruz to help him recover stolen drug money while disguised as a firefighter.

Joe Cruz is only left with two choices: participate in the heist with Junior or risk an investigation into Flaco’s death. He makes a tough decision to steal spare firefighting gear, which results in Chief Pascal being suspicious of his actions.

Joe Cruz's final confrontation with Junior Polanco

Junior revealed his actual motive (Image Source: NBC)

Though Joe Cruz initially crossed the line, he finally decided not to help Junior Polanco. But the late gangster's cousin doesn't stop forcing him and even pulls out a gun and tells Cruz to participate in the heist.

During a confrontation, Junior is killed in a shootout, and Cruz barely escapes with his life. His hand is injured, and he's seen sitting inside his car, all alone, crying over the chaos and guilt that have consumed his life.

However, his trouble isn't over yet. Jo Cruz's blood and fingerprints are there at the crime scene, hinting at a greater problem in the future.