Summary
The latestChicago P.D.update suggests that season 12 will return to telling the types of stories the show did during the early part of its run, and the return to its original storytelling is great. The police procedural is one of theshows in the sharedOne Chicagouniverse, sometimes crossing over withChicago MedandChicago Fireto tell complex stories. While its focus is on the crime of the week, in recent years it has also dedicated time to various romantic relationships and other personal storylines involving the detectives.
Chicago PDrecently had a cast shakeup. For several seasons, Upton and Halstead were the main characters, but Halstead left at the end of season 10 and Upton followed suit two years later. Toya Turner has joined the cast, and one of the only pieces of information NBC has released about her character so far is that she will be a patrol officer rather than another detective. The recentChicago PDseason 12 casting updatesuggests thatthe new season will tell different stories than the ones that have dominated recent seasons.
Chicago PD Season 12’s Upton Replacement Is The Best Possible Outcome After Tracy Spiridakos' Exit
Chicago PD has confirmed who will replace Upton in season 12, and preliminary information about the character is a good sign of what’s to come.
Chicago PD Season 12 Officially Brings Back The Patrol Officers
Patrol Officers Have Not Been A Regular Part Of The Series Since Season 4
During the early years,Chicago PDfocused on both patrol officers and those in the Intelligence Unit. Burgess and Atwater were on a beat together, and a running conflict involved Platt being rude to Burgess whenever she checked in with the precinct because of her status as a patrol officer. Atwater was promoted at the end of season 1; in season 4, Burgess got the promotion she wanted and became part of the Intelligence Unit, effectively ending that story.
This decision means that there will be more patrol officer-centered stories since one of them is a main character for the first time in seven years.
Patrol officers continue to serve an important function,as they are the first to arrive on the scene and can provide the Intelligence Unit with important case details before they begin their investigation. This role has been filled since season 4 by random officers who are not seen again. However, that is likely to change now thatToya Turner has been hired to playChicago PD’s Kiara Cook, who is a patrol officer. This decision means that there will be more patrol officer-centered stories since one of them is a main character for the first time in seven years.
Why Chicago PD Needs The Patrol Officer Now More Than Ever
The Exclusive Focus On The Intelligence Unit Limited Its Storytelling Abilities
Season 4 was a turning point forChicago PDbecause Hailey Upton joined the Intelligence Unit. Burgess also joining ended the era of patrol-centered stories and the series shifted its focus to the Intelligence Unit. Upton and Halstead’s relationship, as well as Upton’s relationship with Voight, became a big part of the show. Thus, Upton left a large hole when she left the unit at the end of season 11.
Halstead had left after season 10, leaving Upton in limbo relationship-wise, as they were married but he was in Bolivia while she was in Chicago.
Chicago P.D.could have replaced Upton with another Intelligence officer. However, her absence gave the series a unique opportunity to shift its focus for a second time. By adding a patrol officer instead of another detective, the police procedural can tell a wider variety of stories rather than every episode being about how far Voight is pushing the envelope and how work-related stress affects Burgess and Ruzek’s romantic relationship. Going in this direction can breathe new life into a series that was falling into a rut by offering a different type of story.
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.
