CHICAGO P.D. Post-Mortem: Rick Eid on Voight’s Big Decision, Upstead and Burzek, Atwater’s New Flame, and More
September 22, 2021 by Marisa Roffman
CHICAGO P.D. — “Closure” Episode 901 — Pictured: Jason Beghe as Hank Voight — (Photo by: Lori Allen/NBC)
[Warning: This post contains spoilers for the CHICAGO P.D. season premiere.]
CHICAGO P.D.’s Voight (Jason Beghe) and Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) have gotten away with their coverup—at least for now.
In the season 8 finale, after Burgess (Marina Squerciati) was kidnapped, Voight reverted to his more forceful method of interrogation. Upton found her boss and talked him down, but she was forced to shoot the suspect to save Voight’s life. As a result, he disposed of the body, and the duo spent the premiere hour covering their tracks.
But can this stay quiet? And has this decision set Voight back to his old ways? Showrunner Rick Eid answered a few burning questions via email (and here’s what Beghe and Spiridakos had to say)…
Voight spent last season adjusting to the new parameters of police work. With his actions—and seemingly getting away with it—has he essentially regressed back to his old way of doing things? Or is he viewing this as a one-time, necessary slip-up?
Voight lives in the present. What he did in the finale was based on the facts and circumstances of that case. In short, he was trying to save Kim’s life. So, he did what he needed to do. But that doesn’t mean he’s regressing — or ignoring the reality of being a cop in 2021.
Upton and Halstead are now engaged, but she’s hiding a big secret from him. How will her guilt impact that relationship, and how much are they actively planning a wedding in the season so far? How does taking that step forward impact their relationship?
She’s definitely hiding a BIG secret, which will clearly impact their relationship. But they love each and other and are both committed to making their relationship work.
After having such a close brush with death, how does Burgess bounce back, literally and figuratively? And how does it impact how both she and Ruzek view their still-undefined relationship?
Burgess will struggle early on to regain her footing. In fact, episode 2 speaks to that very issue. She not only needs to recover from her physical wounds, but from her emotional wounds. Ruzek is definitely there to help. But, sometimes, Ruzek tries to help too much.
The Burgess/Ruzek relationship continues to be undefined—yet it’s clear they love each other very much.
Atwater struggled for much of last season with his place in the force. How much does that continue for him this season & what else is in store?
Atwater becomes more vocal in his beliefs, yet still enjoys being a Chicago policeman. Things get more challenging for him on this front when he starts dating a politically active Black woman—with strong, negative opinions of the CPD.
What can you preview about what else is ahead this season? Any new faces swinging by to help (or join) the team? Any particular episodes you’re most excited for fans to see?
I’m excited about all our episodes. For real. There are more character storylines than ever, but the cases remain exciting and topical.
CHICAGO P.D.,Wednesdays, 10/9c, NBC
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- CHICAGO P.D.: Rick Eid Teases the ‘Intense’ Season Finale and a ‘Big Question’ Ahead
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I am excited to see Atwater in a relationship with a strong BLACK women. As a BLACK WOMAN who lived, grew up in Chicago, it is disappointing to see so many TV shows and TV commercials with black men and white women as though black women don’t film well. I understand the new need to show black women with their natural hair but we also spend more money then any other race of women at the salons getting our hair professionally done and not all weaving hair down to our butts trying to look like white women.
It was hard to watch the one Black man character Blair, with Burgess. The other black people were thugs with their girlfriends. The occasional Black cop didn’t have a wife on the show. One other thing to the casting director, you keep killing off people and bring them back in new episodes as different people. We are faithful watchers,of One Chicago, surely there are other people of color you can hire.
I am a die hard fan of Chicago med, fire, and Pd I am thankful that y’all are finally getting Atwater a woman.the whole 8 urs he’s had one partial sexual relationship and I think like many die hard fans we feel he should have someone too. I can’t believe y’all let both Dawson’s leave the show.y’all have not had anybody else that can mesmerize that show like they can it was more realistic when she was on Fire. Antonio needs to be brought back y’all really dropped the ball and Med that first Sergeon needs to come back.
I love Chicago PD. However, I don’t understand the purpose of some of the story lines. For instance killing of “Al” that was dumb and has taken away from the show. And the episode where “Atwater” finally got a love interest and then had to arrest her. Now you’re giving him a girl friend only for them to break up. He won’t be able to stay with someone who is against CPD. Unless you’re planning on taking your ONLY black person on there, which is ridiculous and a part of the systemic racism in this country. Please don’t mess up this show, it is too much loved. Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinion.
I really love this show.The stars are fantastic .I have a deep crush on Atwater he is soooo fine. Is he ever going to be in a serious relationship. I hope Burgess and Adam continue their relationship. Voight needs a woman lmbo