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Annually, NBC’s One Chicago series unite for a dramatic crossover event that converges all three shows into a single, enthralling narrative. This year’s storyline, however, bears a striking resemblance to scenarios typically seen in the procedural series “9-1-1,” known for its flair for aviation-related drama.
George Burns Jr./NBC
The latest One Chicago crossover, set to air on March 4, centers around a passenger jet that mysteriously loses communication mid-air, unveiling a dire situation that endangers numerous lives. This plotline echoes the thrilling style of “9-1-1,” which frequently features characters grappling with airborne crises. For example, in Season 8, a passenger plane is threatened by a swarm of bees, compelling series regular Athena Grant (Angela Bassett) to heroically land the aircraft with guidance from her flight instructor. Similarly, in the Season 9 premiere, Athena and Hen (Aisha Hinds) find themselves in space, contending with a geomagnetic storm that leaves them stranded.
Despite the parallels, the One Chicago universe typically handles such air disaster themes with a more grounded approach compared to the often extravagant scenarios of “9-1-1.” Nonetheless, the adrenaline-fueled narratives of both series share undeniable similarities.
Traditionally, One Chicago crossovers are rooted in realism, even though each show sometimes ventures into peculiar storylines individually. These crossover events, however, are marked by intense stakes and emotionally charged plot twists. Previous collaborations have depicted a deadly virus outbreak, a catastrophic gas explosion threatening the city’s infrastructure, and a bomber targeting Chicago Gaffney Medical Center, keeping police and fire departments on high alert. Unlike “9-1-1,” which might feature shark attacks, One Chicago’s crossovers maintain a more plausible tension, often delivering some of the franchise’s most memorable moments.
On the other hand, “9-1-1” stays within its thematic boundaries, occasionally crossing paths with related shows like “9-1-1: Lone Star” and “9-1-1: Nashville.” It has even intersected with the quirky one-season show “Doctor Odyssey,” in a storyline involving a potential shipboard heist that Athena has to handle. While the full details and tone of the upcoming One Chicago crossover remain a mystery, it is likely to stir emotions more than incite laughter.
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.
