The Possible Reasons Behind Hailey Upton's Departure in Season 11 of Chicago PD

Article Overview

Detective Hailey Upton, played by Tracy Spiridakos, will be leaving Chicago PD in the upcoming season, but the details of her character's exit remain unknown.

Upton has the possibility of reuniting with her husband, Jay Halstead, in Bolivia which would lead to repairing their relationship and finding a mutually satisfying conclusion.

Alternatively, another theory suggests that Upton might choose to depart from the Chicago Police Department and pursue a career in a different law enforcement agency, perhaps the FBI, given her past experience and the prospect of a fresh professional opportunity.

Unfortunately, Chicago PD fans will be disappointed to learn that Tracy Spiridakos, who portrays Detective Hailey Upton, has decided to leave the NBC police procedural series in the upcoming season. Details regarding Upton's exit, such as the episode in which it will occur and how the producers will address her departure, remain unknown. Due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike at the time of writing, it is uncertain when NBC will release new episodes, possibly not until next spring or later. As a result, fans can only speculate about Upton's departure without having any concrete information.

Upton joined the Intelligence Unit as a replacement for Detective Erin Lindsay, who left the series after season 4. She formed a partnership with Detective Jay Halstead in the season 5 premiere and their relationship evolved from friendship to romance. Eventually, Halstead and Upton married in season 9. However, their breakup during season 10 indicates that it is now time for Upton to bid farewell to Chicago PD in season 11.

7. Upton Joins Halstead In Bolivia

One theory about Hailey Upton's departure from Chicago PD suggests that she may choose to leave Chicago and reunite with her husband in Bolivia. Despite their growing distance in season 10, with Halstead neglecting Upton's calls and extending his contract with the Army, it's possible that they could mend their relationship. Although Upton removed her wedding ring in episode 20, she never officially filed for divorce.

In season 11 of Chicago PD, Upton could make the decision to fight for her marriage and join Halstead in Bolivia. This would provide a happy ending for both Upton and Halstead. However, it's important to note that this theory is just one of the more optimistic explanations for Upton's departure from the NBC police procedural series.

6. Upton Gets Back Together With Halstead & The Couple Leaves Chicago Together

There is an alternative scenario for Upstead's happy ending in Chicago PD season 11. Halstead could potentially leave the Army and come back to Chicago. He would express his desire to be with Upton, prompting her to start wearing her wedding ring again. Eventually, the couple would decide to move away from the city and embark on a new life elsewhere. Despite leaving the show in season 10, Jesse Lee Soffer, who portrayed Halstead, has expressed his willingness to return as a special guest star. Therefore, this would provide the perfect opportunity for Soffer to briefly reprise his role and give his character the closure he never received in his final episodes, while also allowing for a proper sendoff for Upton.

5. Upton Is Offered A New Position In The CPD

Upton's departure from Chicago PD could possibly be attributed to her receiving a well-deserved promotion within the Chicago Police Department. Given her continuous growth in her career, a promotion would be the natural progression for her. However, due to Tracy Spiridakos leaving the show in an undisclosed episode of season 11, her character's potential new position would be located outside the Intelligence Unit at the 21st District. It wouldn't make sense for Upton to remain in the same building without being shown to the viewers. Hence, if this theory proves to be accurate, Upton might be relocating from the 21st District to a different precinct within the city.

4. Upton Leaves The CPD & Joins The FBI

Upton may decide to resign from the Chicago Police Department and join another law enforcement agency, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in the upcoming season 11 of Chicago PD. This move would align with her previous experience working with the FBI. In the seventh season, she temporarily worked with the FBI in New York City, filling in for an undercover agent, before returning to the Intelligence Unit in Chicago in season 8. This set the stage for the possibility of Upton eventually working with the FBI full-time.

Considering her background, it would be reasonable for Upton's departure to involve her pursuing a new career at the FBI. However, the writers previously used a similar storyline to write out Erin Lindsay, played by Sophia Bush, at the end of season 4. They may be hesitant to repeat this plot, but only time will reveal their decision regarding Upton's exit in season 11.

3. Upton Quits The Intelligence Unit & Police Work Altogether

One potential hint at Upton's departure occurred during a particular episode in the tenth season of Chicago PD. Episode 20 primarily revolved around Upton and her abduction, alongside a former informant of Halstead. The experience proved to be remarkably traumatic, potentially leading the detective to reevaluate her chosen profession. Such intense trauma undoubtedly has adverse effects on an individual, and Upton may consider leaving behind her role as a police officer to embark on a different path during the upcoming eleventh season.

2. Upton Moves Out Of Chicago After Divorcing Halstead

For fans who ship Upton and Halstead as a couple, one heartbreaking theory is that Upton will leave Chicago and embark on a new life without Halstead in season 11 of Chicago PD. In the upcoming episodes, Upton might decide to officially file for divorce, effectively ending the Upstead relationship. This divorce could bring about a desire to leave behind the city that constantly reminds her of Halstead, prompting Upton to resign from the Intelligence Unit and accept a position at another police department in a different city or state.

1. Upton Dies

Upton's potential demise in season 11 of Chicago PD is the last and decidedly unfavorable theory. While Officer Adam Ruzek's fate remained uncertain at the end of season 10, recent news regarding Tracy Spiridakos' departure suggests that Upton's survival may be of greater concern. The writers have demonstrated a willingness to eliminate beloved characters, making it entirely justified for viewers to be apprehensive about Upton's potential fate in the upcoming season.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Chicago PD, I am deeply saddened by the news that Tracy Spiridakos will be leaving the show in season 11. Hailey Upton has been a beloved character on the show since her introduction in season 4, and her departure will leave a significant void in the Intelligence Unit.

There are several possible reasons why Upton might be leaving Chicago PD. One possibility is that she will be joining her husband, Jay Halstead, in Bolivia. Halstead left the show in season 10 to join the Army, and it's possible that Upton will want to be with him. Another possibility is that Upton will be leaving the Chicago Police Department altogether. She has been through a lot in recent seasons, and she may decide that it's time for a change. Whatever the reason for her departure, I'm sure that Upton will be missed by fans of Chicago PD.