One Chicago Crossover Review: Infection

This is how you do a crossover, folks. 

All three shows in the One Chicago universe have come together again for one-night crossover event, and it’s as gross and epic as the cast members told us it would be.

Chicago Fire Season 8 Episode 4, “Infection, Part I” begins the crossover. It’s followed by Chicago Med Season 5 Episode 4, “Infection, Part II,” and finally Chicago P.D. Season 7 Episode 4, “Infection, Part III.” But it truly is difficult to know where one show begins and another ends, and that’s the largest strength of the crossover itself. 

This isn’t just a few characters popping over from one show to the next. The hospital and the police department are involved immediately in the first hour of the event, and the firefighters and paramedics are a part of it through to the end of the Chicago P.D. episode. It’s one cohesive story.

Sure, there’s an extra focus with a major fire in the first hour, more attention on the hospital in the middle, and more focus on the police investigation at the end, but it’s seamless and feels quite natural, making the entire thing a little extra special.

The premise is that there is a flesh-eating bacteria that’s spreading in the city, but it’s unlike anything anyone has seen, so much so that it veers toward a bit of science fiction — or at least it feels that way.

The special effects used across the board are really something. This is a new level of unsettling, especially when that flesh-eating bacteria affects the face. I’ll be okay if I never see anything like that again, so kudos all three shows on this one for making sure I’m going to have nightmares.

What makes the bacteria more interesting right away is the realization that this is an act of terror. And as much as this bacteria feels too much like science fiction, what makes it feel real is the idea that some sort of biological weapon could be unleashed at any time. In fact, what I didn’t expect from these episodes was that they would be so thought-provoking. 

Even to the smallest details, there are some interesting issues that come up. How do we react when we’re afraid? That’s what Goodwin’s narration speaks about at the episode’s end, and it’s such a fascinating psychological question. These episodes explore that from the bonds that form (or are clearly re-forming) to the way people can cause more damage when they panic.

Put a group of frightened people in quarantine with so many unknowns, and they really might just try to bust out of there and make a run for it. 

There’s also the role that the media plays. Severide says it, and it’s pervasive throughout: the media relies on fear for ratings. And Ms. Goodwin has no patience for the way she’s misquoted. 

Then, of course, we have the man behind the outbreak in the first place. He is motivated by fear more than anything. His justification? Hurt the few the save the many.

His argument has some logic to it. He’s angry that he couldn’t get the funding needed for his research — research that could be helpful in the case of something precisely like what he’s unleashed on the city. Instead, funding goes to the kinds of drugs that can earn a bigger profit.

And now we have a comment on the entire prescription drug industry. Even when we first have the chance to start piecing things together following the fire, Atwater is surprised to learn how the private sector partners with the university.

With all of these ideas driving the story, what makes the crossover work even more so is the understanding that firefighters, paramedics, nurses, doctors, and police all do work together — probably even more than we realize.

The scene with the empty Chicago street is also striking. It’s unsettling to see such quite when the city should be preparing for a big parade, and this is in stark contrast to the way the episode opens: a big crowd of happy people whose biggest worries are things like missing the pregame.

Honestly, I could have done with more from that opening scene, only because it’s so fun to see all of these characters together and enjoying something so very ordinary together.

I suppose that wouldn’t get things started quickly enough, though. And the crossover does provide some really key character moments throughout the crossover.

In terms of danger, Upton finds herself in quarantine — and remains as calm as she can, especially considering how those around her are reacting. Will gets knocked over the head and it’s a whole bloody mess, and Jay is forced to cut himself and nearly infects himself while being held at gunpoint.

For Upton, she bonds with the young girl next to her, who is naturally afraid especially since she finds herself otherwise alone in this situation. Upton works well is those kinds of moments, so that’s nice to watch.

What’s most interesting about Will and Jay, I think, is the way the worry over each other as brothers. Their sibling connection is always going to be important during crossovers, and one of the highlights of this one is seeing Will set aside any kind of fear he could have to go in after his brother when he’s in danger.

Their scene at the bar at the end is sweet too, and it’s what bookends the episodes. There is life and there is joy around them.

There are also a few unexpected moments in terms of romantic pairings. I am heartbroken for Cruz, whose plans to propose to Chloe have him acting like a young boy with a crush.

It’s sweet and hopeful until Chloe ends things with him seemingly out of nowhere. Hasn’t Cruz been through enough? I’m hoping we’ll see that explored in a bit more detail moving forward.

Will and the woman from the CDC also have a connection. His surprise that she once had a crush on him is such a cliche, but it still works because it’s so darn endearing. And despite the horrifying crisis around them, it’s nice to see him have those lighter moments.

We need that about when it comes, also, because there has to be some reprieve from that horror. Besides, even with such a unique premise to bring the three shows together, we’re always going to be more interested in what happens with the main characters than anything else.

I mentioned that the end of Part III shows that life has returned to Chicago and has a nice scene for the Halstead brothers, but it’s also a montage of several of the characters connecting. 

Kidd and Severide are seen happy together once again — these two have that going for them throughout the three episodes. (Seriously, when did Kelly get so good at saying the right things?)

Then from the P.D. side, we have a moment of reconnection that we’d gotten hints about from the actors in a recent interview. Burgess and Ruzek decide to leave together, with the implication that neither wants to be alone. Blink and you might even miss it, but it’s there. 

Overall, the crossover is well-done despite feeling a little too much like science fiction at times, which is pushing some boundaries for all three of these shows.

That aside, it’s an interesting way to bring the three shows together that’s also shocking and fun to watch. Like I said, this is how you do a crossover. 

What did you think of the One Chicago crossover? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Chicago Med airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC, followed by Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.

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