Warning: Spoilers for Chicago PD Season 12Tracy Spiridakos' role as Detective Hailey Upton in Chicago Police was considered a fan favorite on the hit NBC drama. Upton's relationship with Detective Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer), her father-daughter bond with Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), and her relentless work ethic on challenging cases have made her a standout. After seven seasons on the program, Upton's departure from Chicago Police The casting raised the question of who would replace her as the detective and be the second most senior member of the Intelligence unit.
Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) would end up being promoted to detective in Season 12 Episode 6, “Pawns,” after years of dedicated work alongside Hank's team. Burgess' upgraded status is possible due to Upton's departure and willingness to take on more responsibilities and leadership in Intelligence. Although being a detective may complicate her relationships with Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) and his daughter Makayla (Ramona Edith Williams), Burgess can convince Voight that she could perhaps lead the unit one day, whether in Chicago Police season 13 or some other time in the future.
Upton's absence leaves room for others to grow in intelligence
Since Upton joined Voight and her unit, she has always been supportive and dedicated to her work solving cases. Reminiscent of everyone on the team, Upton has a history of personal turmoil (including issues with his father) and violent confrontations with a variety of criminals and killers. However, after Halstead leaves Upton to serve in the Army in Bolivia, and her and Voight's near-death experience against a serial killer in the season 11 finale, the detective leaves Chicago emotionally to move on to another job so she can settle down. evaluate and recover. .
Upton's departure isn't surprising considering Halstead's decision to leave Chicago before her, along with a history of detectives who have come and gone, such as Erin Lindsay (Sophie Bush) and Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda). Upton's departure underscores the grim toll law enforcement takes to work in Chicago's cold, brutal criminal world. While the crew and viewers will miss Upton, his absence leaves room for other characters to expand their stories, including Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins), Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar), and newcomer Kiana Cook (Toya Turner).
Anyone in intelligence can be promoted to detective
Upton's former position as a detective was also left vacant and available to any qualified person in the unit. Ruzek and Atwater are possibilities given their extensive time in Intelligence and their experience in undercover work. However, Burgess is the best candidate for the position because she is one of the most trusted officers in Intelligence, with the ability to control her emotions and separate her personal and professional lives. She also possesses leadership qualities in guiding and supporting her fellow officers, especially during traumatic situations.
As Burgess takes on his new role as a detective, there are more possibilities for new officers to join Intelligence and make the team even stronger.
From her days as a patrolman to working in Intelligence, Burgess has the experience to be second in command. Reminiscent of Upton, Burgess has also faced dangerous perpetrators in near-death situations and is willing to sacrifice her career to protect a teammate, such as supporting Dante when he didn't reveal his relationship with Gloria Perez. As Burgess takes on his new role as a detective, there are more possibilities for new officers to join Intelligence and make the team even stronger. Chicago Police future.
Chicago Police season 12 returns with episode 9 on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 10pm ET on NBC.