Share this @internewscast.com
In a television tradition that fans eagerly anticipate each year, NBC’s One Chicago series converge for a dramatic crossover event that intertwines all three shows. This time, however, the storyline echoes familiar themes reminiscent of the thrilling chaos often seen in the procedural drama “9-1-1.”
George Burns Jr./NBC
Set to air on March 4, this latest One Chicago crossover promises to captivate audiences by featuring a passenger jet that falls silent mid-flight, unveiling a perilous situation that endangers numerous lives. This scenario closely mirrors the high-stakes narratives “9-1-1” frequently explores, where characters find themselves grappling with aerial disasters. Notably, Season 8 of “9-1-1” opened with a gripping three-part episode involving a passenger plane besieged by a swarm of bees, compelling series regular Athena Grant, played by Angela Bassett, to take control of the aircraft with guidance from her flight instructor. Similarly, the Season 9 premiere saw Athena and Hen, portrayed by Aisha Hinds, navigating the challenges of a geomagnetic storm after being stranded in space.
While the One Chicago universe approaches the air disaster trope with a level of gravity that contrasts the often extravagant nature of “9-1-1,” the parallels between these two action-packed series are unmistakable.
Traditionally, the sweeping narratives of One Chicago crossovers are rooted in realism. Although the individual series sometimes venture into unusual storylines, their joint events remain grounded, driven by intense stakes and emotional plot developments. Past crossovers have tackled crises such as a deadly citywide virus, a catastrophic gas explosion, and a bomber threatening the Chicago Gaffney Medical Center, which kept the police and fire departments on high alert. Unlike “9-1-1,” with its occasional shark attacks, these crossovers eschew the fantastical, delivering some of the franchise’s most compelling moments.
In contrast, “9-1-1” maintains its unique thematic identity, occasionally crossing over with its sister shows “9-1-1: Lone Star” and “9-1-1: Nashville.” It even intersected with the similarly adventurous series “Doctor Odyssey” in a memorable episode where Athena confronts a potential shipboard heist. While the details of the upcoming One Chicago crossover remain under wraps, audiences can expect a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings rather than indulging in lighthearted antics.
The One Chicago crossovers have mainly stayed earthbound
Peter Gordon/NBC
Historically, these sweeping One Chicago stories have stayed grounded in reality. Individually each of the dramas sometimes promote bizarre storylines of their own, but the crossovers are usually exempt from such tomfoolery, unified by high stakes and heartbreaking plot twists. Previous joint outings have seen a deadly virus sweep the city, a gas explosion endanger the town’s infrastructure, and a mad bomber threaten Chicago Gaffney Medical Center, putting the police on high alert and keeping the fire squad on their toes. Nothing too fanciful or unusual — not a shark attack to be found, unlike on “9-1-1” – and some of the franchise’s best crossover moments have taken place during these multi-show events.
“9-1-1,” meanwhile, has stayed within its own lane thematically and has crossed over with sister shows “9-1-1: Lone Star” and “9-1-1: Nashville” occasionally. It also intersected with the similarly campy one-season wonder “Doctor Odyssey,” in an episode tha saw Athena cope with a possible shipboard heist. While the newest One Chicago crossover’s tone and full plotline are currently still under wraps, don’t be surprised if it touches your heart instead of tickling your funnybone.
