Two episodes intoChicago PDseason 12 andthe Intelligence Unit still hasn’t found a permanent replacement for Hailey Upton,but that will soon change, and I’m confident about who is getting Upton’s job. The NBC police procedural series follows the law enforcement officers who comprise the aforementioned Intelligence Unit. In the beginning, Erin Lindsay held one of the detective positions on the team until Upton replaced her whenSophia Bush leftChicago PDafter season 4. Following the season 11 finale, Upton is gone, too, and someone must take her place in Intelligence.
Sadly, theChicago PDseason 12 premiere killed Upton’s first replacement— Emily Martel. Martel, played by Victoria Cartagena, was Adam Ruzek’s friend from the police academy and had been working at the 21st District for about a month when season 12 opened. However, during the premiere’s ending, Martel was shot in the head and immediately died, meaning thatChicago PDmust look elsewhere for Upton’s successor. While Martel’s death is tragic, the good news is thatIntelligence already contains the perfect replacement for Tracy Spiridakos' character.
Burgess Is Upton’s Best Chicago PD Season 12 Replacement
Intelligence Needs A Woman Detective
During an interview withTV Insider, showrunner Gwen Sigan alluded to an establishedChicago PDcharacter receiving a promotion in season 12 to replace Upton. So, that means thateither Kim Burgess, Adam Ruzek, or Kevin Atwater will become a detectiveand take Upton’s position in Intelligence. Dante Torres is too young and inexperienced to get a promotion, of course. While all three characters are worthy candidates, Burgess is the best person for the job.
Chicago PD Season 12’s Ending Repeats Its Most Shocking Twist After 10 Years
The Chicago PD season 12 premiere ended with a tragedy, which seemingly parallels one of the most devastating surprises from the pilot episode.
A woman has always held this position inChicago PD.First, it was Lindsay, and then Upton and Martel for one episode. Now, it’s time for Burgess to get a chance to prove herself and show that she deserves a promotion after all her hard work. Burgess has been around since the police procedural’s beginning (although she didn’t officially join Intelligence until season 4). She has consistently worked hard in her field, and if anyChicago PDseason 12 characterhas earned the detective’s spot in Intelligence, it’s Burgess.
Chicago PD Cast’s New Comments Sets Up Burgess As Upton’s Replacement
Ruzek & Atwater Don’t Sound Interested In Promotions
Atwater and Ruzek should eventually become detectives. However, based on comments fromtheChicago PDcast, they aren’t interested in becoming detectives in season 12, opening the door for Burgess to be Upton’s permanent successor. While speaking withTV Insider, Patrick John Flueger and LaRoyce Hawkins discussed who would get a promotion. Flueger revealed,“Somebody very deserving gets it,” in episode 6, but it likely won’t be Ruzek.Flueger doesn’t believe Ruzek “needs that job [because] it’s just more eyes on you. I think he’s happy to be where he is. It may be better pay, but more responsibility, too.”
Shawn Hatosy
Charlie Reid
Meanwhile, Hawkins teased that Atwater’s attention is elsewhere intheChicago PDseason 12 episodes. Hawkins said that Atwater “would love to be a detective and serve at a higher level.” However,landing a promotion isn’t high on Atwater’s list of priorities.Hawkins explained:
“[Season 12 is about] focusing and locking on protecting the legacy of Sergeant Voight. I think [Atwater’s] in a position to be able to do that. And he doesn’t have to be a detective to do that. All he has to do is be in the pocket. All he has to do is be there for Voight. Everybody in that unit is special, and we’re there for a reason. And some of us aren’t there to be detectives. Some of us are just there to be there and to be present and to help Sarge out. We just lost another valuable member, somebody who we know was very, very close to Sarge. Plus, he almost lost his life, more importantly … And so win, lose, or draw as far as the promotion is concerned, Atwater’s going to be in the pocket.”
According to Flueger and Hawkins, it appears as if bothRuzek and Atwater are out of the running to take Upton’s place in Intelligence.As a result, that only leaves Burgess as the last eligible candidate. We will have to wait until episode 6 ofChicago PDseason 12 premieres, but I’m quite convinced that Burgess will (rightfully) replace Upton and become a detective.
Chicago PD Season 12 Is Shaping Up To Be Burgess' Best Year
Burgess & Ruzek Are Getting Married
AlthoughBurgess was absent during theChicago PDseason 12 premiere, season 12 appears like it will be a standout outing for the character. Burgess is more than likely to be promoted to detective, taking Upton’s place in Intelligence. Plus, she is set to (finally) get married to Ruzek.
Burgess will (probably) become a detective and plans to marry Ruzek inChicago PDseason 12, hopefully, making it one of her best years yet.
Ruzek proposed to Burgess at the beginning ofChicago PDseason 11, and she said yes. The couple didn’t get married during the season, buttheOne ChicagoTV show’s showrunner previously teased thata wedding is in Burgess and Ruzek’s plans for season 12.So, Burgess will (probably) become a detective and plans to marry Ruzek inChicago PDseason 12, hopefully, making it one of her best years yet.
Chicago P.D.
Cast
Chicago P.D.: This police drama, set in Chicago’s District 21, follows the distinct units within the Chicago Police Department—uniformed officers addressing street crimes and an Intelligence Unit tackling major offenses such as organized crime and drug trafficking, capturing the dedication of those who serve and protect their community.
