Jay Halstead's return will only ruin the Chicago PD, even if Jesse Lee Soffer wants to return

In Chicago PoliceDetective Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) had an emotional departure from the series after working with Intelligence for nearly 10 seasons. Halstead's journey ends when he takes down a criminal involved in pharmacy robberies, forcing Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) and Detective Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) to cover for him. Halstead decides to leave Chicago because he is tired of the lies and cover-ups he and his unit have been a part of, believing that serving in the Army again will revitalize his sense of purpose and discipline.

Halstead's departure left Hailey and fans emotionally devastated because he was one of the most popular characters among Chicago Police cast. His departure also leaves Voight and the Intelligence unit with the opportunity to expand other characters' stories. However, Soffer stated that he is open to the possibility of returning to Chicago Police without interfering with your new role FBI: Internationalanother popular Dick Wolf series. However, if that were to happen, it would unfortunately not be beneficial to the show regardless of what he generally brings to the table.

Jesse Lee Soffer is open to returning as Jay Halstead on Chicago PD

Halstead has a chance to complete his story

Soffer's interest in reprising his Halstead role in Chicago Police It's a welcome sign for fans who believe her last appearance on the show was sudden and controversial. If Halstead returned to Chicago, his character could be given a final storyline, such as working a special case and saying a proper goodbye to his friends and comrades in Intelligence. Killing Halstead is another option, but it would be even more controversial because fans want a happy ending for the detective rather than a dark one.

A possible return for Halstead could also guarantee a reunion with Upton (who left Chicago a year after him), signaling a path for both cops to rekindle their relationship. Considering that Soffer and Spiridakos are the only actors who have experience with the A Chicago and FBI franchises, Halstead and Upton could unleash a major reprisal together during a crossover episode between Chicago Police and FBI or FBI: International. Halstead and Upton's relationship was a focal point of Chicago Police for years, and closure would be satisfying after years of emotional turmoil.

It's better if Jay Halstead never returns to the Chicago PD

Halstead's story has already been told

While Halstead's return to Chicago Police would please viewers, it could upset the show's current cast. There are several ongoing storylines, including Voight's uncertain relationship with Nina Chapman, Kim Burgess' promotion to detective and her relationship with Adam Ruzek, Dante Torres emotionally losing Gloria Perez, and Kiana Cook's rise with Intelligence. Halstead's story has dominated the show for the past decade because of his relationships with Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush) and Upton, and his intense work with Voight and Intelligence. Bringing Halstead back in the midst of these stories and recapping his own history may be redundant.

There would also have to be a clear purpose for Halstead's return beyond TV ratings or fandom, and with Upton also leaving the show, it's best to let them and Intelligence move on. Soffer proved successful in his new role as Wes Mitchell in FBI: Internationalproving how insignificant it would be for the actor to go back to being Halstead. Additionally, Halstead's decision to leave Chicago was clear because he didn't feel good about himself and his job during the last episode.

Chicago Police Will Never Right Their Jay Halstead Mistake

Halstead has to accept his flaws like everyone else

Halstead's potential return to Chicago Police It could be a special opportunity for the character to resolve his issues as a detective and make peace with Hailey after his divorce was officially finalized in Season 11. However, the show can never truly right Halstead's mistakes, like killing the perpetrator in his last case, because he understands that these are deep wounds that he will have to live with throughout his career. Halstead went through traumatic and near-death situations reminiscent of what Voight, Upton, and everyone in the unit were forced to endure.

Jon Seda's Antonio Dawson initially left the show to Chicago Justice but returned after the spin-off was canceled after one season. Several others, like Upton, Lindsay and characters from One Chicago, have left the franchise because the actors intend to pursue other acting projects rather than spending their entire tenure in one role. Halstead's return to Chicago Police it's up to Soffer and whether he and the creators believe the detective deserves a return or your story is officially over.