Chicago PD stars LaRoyce Hawkins and Patrick John Flueger reveal when Hailey Upton’s replacement will be announced and tease who it will be. Motivated by Jay Halstead’s Chicago PD season 10 exit, his ex-wife was forced to move away from Chicago in the hopes of having a new start elsewhere. Tracy Spiridakos’ departure was so much better than Jesse Lee Soffer’s, although it left Intelligence with a big challenge — finding her replacement. The first two episodes of Chicago PD season 12 have yet to properly acknowledge this, but both Hawkins and Flueger reveal that the confirmation is coming soon.
In a new interview with TV Insider, the long-time Chicago PD cast members explain why they actually don’t want the promotion that will essentially make them Upton’s replacement. Hawkins says that Kevin Atwater is more focused on protecting Hank Voight’s legacy at this point instead of climbing the ranks. Meanwhile, Fleuger’s Ruzek isn’t interested because it will put him under more scrutiny. Their comments tease Kim Burgess’ eventual promotion. The report also reveals that Upton’s replacement will officially be announced in Chicago PD season 12, episode 6. Read the actors’ quotes below:
Hawkins: “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.”
Fleuger: 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. When you’re a detective, you don’t chase people down. You don’t get into gunplay, you run the scene. That’s your responsibility. I think he’s fine where he is.
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Burgess Is Good At One Thing That Ruzek & Atwater Aren’t
Replacing Upton is more than just getting promoted and becoming Voight’s deputy. Aside from being the second in line, it also means that whoever assumes that post can call out Voight when he is out of line or on the cusp of breaking the law in the name of justice. There’s no doubt that both Atwater and Ruzek can do the primary roles of being Intelligence’s number 2. However, based on everything that has happened in Chicago PD thus far, only Burgess is equipped to pull Voight out of the dark when he finds himself there.
Because of this, Burgess is better positioned to be promoted in Chicago PD season 12. Interestingly, this also means that she will be higher in rank compared to her peers despite becoming an Intelligence member the last. For context, when the One Chicago procedural debuted in 2014, Ruzek was recruited by Alvin Olisnky from the Academy and immediately became a member of Voight’s team, while Atwater was eventually called up after being Burgess’ patrol officer partner.
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At this point, I’m just thrilled to know that someone from Intelligence will be promoted after so many years. The team has gone through a lot, and it’s jarring to think that, despite that, none of its veteran officers have climbed the agency ladder. Beyond that, however, setting up Burgess to be Upton’s successor makes the most sense. Several times throughout the One Chicago franchise‘s police procedural, she has called out Voight if she doesn’t agree with him — something that her peers aren’t exactly good at.
If Burgess and Ruzek end up pulling back again from tying the knot in Chicago Fire season 12, it will be very frustrating for fans.
If Burgess really ends up being promoted, Chicago PD is shaping up to be her best year in the show thus far. On top of getting an expanded role, she is also set to marry Ruzek. The pair got engaged for the third time in season 12. If Burgess and Ruzek end up pulling back again from tying the knot in Chicago Fire season 12, it will be very frustrating for fans.
Source: TV Insider
