With the unknown premiere date of Chicago PD season 11 due to the writers and actors strike in the summer of 2023, predictions about the characters' fate in the upcoming episodes continue. Season 10 saw various developments, such as the departure of Jesse Lee Soffer, the original cast member who portrayed Detective Jay Halstead, the reignited romance between Adam Ruzek and Kim Burgess, and a chilling storyline involving a white supremacist crime lord. As season 11 approaches, the writers have a plethora of storylines to explore.
In the season 10 finale of Chicago PD, the Intelligence Unit confronted Richard Beck, the previously mentioned white supremacist criminal mastermind. While the majority of the officers pursued Beck, Ruzek tried to protect his daughter, Samantha, and grandson, Cal, by aiding their escape from Chicago. Unfortunately, Cal succumbed to Beck's influence and shot Ruzek. Eventually, Voight and his team located Beck and took him down, but the episode concluded without providing an update on Ruzek's condition. Consequently, in Chicago PD season 11, this is the primary issue that the NBC series must address.
7 Ruzek Lives In Chicago PD Season 11
The season 11 premiere of Chicago PD must address the burning question on every fan's mind: Did Ruzek survive his gunshot wound from Cal? Although it may be optimistic thinking, all indications point towards Ruzek being alive and well in the upcoming season. Notably, Ruzek had recently reconciled with Burgess in season 10 and the two were sharing custody of their daughter Makayla. With everything going smoothly for him, amidst the ongoing heartbreak in the NBC series, it's about time for a victory. Additionally, promotional photos released after the finale seem to hint at Ruzek's survival, as they showcase Burgess by his side in the hospital. However, it's important to note that these photos may not be definitive since the scene was ultimately cut from the episode. Nonetheless, there are no indications that Patrick John Flueger, who portrays Ruzek, will be leaving the show. Therefore, fans can anticipate seeing his character in season 11.
6 Ruzek & Burgess Get Married
Once Ruzek recuperates from his gunshot injury, it's only a matter of time before he pops the question for the third time to Burgess on Chicago PD. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts, there is hope that this proposal will be the charm, leading to their long-awaited marriage (with Kevin Atwater overseeing the ceremony). After ten seasons of ups and downs between Ruzek and Burgess, it is high time for them to settle down and put an end to recycled storylines. While the Chicago PD writers haven't always been known for fulfilling fans' romantic desires on the show, perhaps they will finally deliver a satisfying outcome for Ruzek and Burgess in the upcoming 11th season.
5 Cal Returns To Get Revenge
After Atwater gunned down Beck in the heart-pounding season 10 finale of Chicago PD, Cal glared at the Intelligence Unit officer with a seething mix of anger and contempt. It became apparent that Beck had passed on his abhorrent racist and white supremacist values to his grandson, and Atwater's lethal act of vengeance against Cal's grandfather only intensified the deep-rooted animosity. The expression on Cal's face served as a powerful indication that his narrative in Chicago PD was far from concluded, suggesting that this young child is likely to resurface in season 11, driven by an undying desire to avenge his grandfather's tragic demise. Even though he is just a youngster, fans should be genuinely concerned for Atwater's wellbeing in the upcoming episodes.
4 A New Detective Replaces Halstead In The Intelligence Unit
Following Halstead's resignation from the Intelligence Unit in Chicago PD season 10, episode 3, the NBC series has been unsuccessful in finding a suitable replacement at the 21st District. Even though Officer Dante Torres was introduced in season 9, he has not played a significant role in season 10 and cannot be considered as a replacement for Halstead. Therefore, it is imperative for Hank Voight to embark on a search for a seasoned detective who can step into Halstead's shoes. Despite the daunting nature of this task, it is essential for everyone, including the audience, to move on from Halstead's departure from Chicago PD.
3 Halstead & Upton Finally Divorce In Chicago PD Season 11
In season 10 of Chicago PD, Halstead made the decision to join the army in Bolivia to combat drug cartels, a choice he made without consulting his wife, Hailey Upton. This decision marked a turning point in their relationship. Despite initially agreeing to work on their marriage, it became increasingly clear that Upton was the one invested in their partnership. Halstead started neglecting her calls and prolonging his time overseas. Unable to bear the strain, Upton ultimately removed her wedding ring towards the end of the season. However, the show did not provide any further updates on the status of their marriage following this scene.
Chicago PD season 11 is bound to confront the inevitable divorce between Halstead and Upton. This development seems likely, specifically because Jesse Lee Soffer, who portrays Halstead, is not anticipated to make a return to the NBC series in the near future. Upton will finally have the opportunity to attain the essential closure she so desperately requires, subsequently enabling her to commence her healing process following the dissolution of their marriage. Consequently, she can focus on other significant aspects of her life.
2 Atwater Becomes A Detective
At the conclusion of season 1 in Chicago PD, Atwater transitioned from a patrol officer to an official member of the Intelligence Unit. After a considerable period, it is anticipated that he will attain the rank of detective in season 11. Commemorating his decade-long tenure with the esteemed unit, there is no better way than through a promotion, and undoubtedly, Atwater is deserving of this recognition. Despite being a character of great intrigue, Atwater has unfortunately been frequently sidelined by the writers during the course of Chicago PD. To address this matter, it would be prudent to provide Atwater with a compelling storyline, exemplified by his elevation to detective, in the forthcoming episodes.
1 Chicago PD Teams Up With Chicago Fire & Chicago Med For A Major Crossover Event
After the challenges posed by the 2020 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, NBC faced immense difficulty in organizing a three-way crossover between its highly popular One Chicago shows—Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med. However, now, several years have passed, and the network is finally in a position to bring together these three television series for an extraordinary and game-changing event. As the eleventh season of Chicago PD kicks off, the beloved characters such as Voight, Burgess, Atwater, Upton, and others are expected to join forces with the firefighters and doctors from Chicago Fire and Chicago Med in an exhilarating crossover event. It's been a long-awaited moment for fans of Chicago PD, and finally, their patience is about to be rewarded.