Warning: Spoilers for Chicago P.D. Season 12
Tracy Spiridakos’ portrayal of Detective Hailey Upton has captivated audiences in the NBC drama Chicago P.D.. Her engaging dynamics with Detective Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer), the father-daughter relationship she shares with Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), and her tireless devotion to solving tough cases have made her a fan favorite. Following seven impactful seasons, the exit of Upton from the cast leaves viewers speculating about who will step into her shoes as the second-highest ranking member of the Intelligence unit.
In Season 12, Episode 6, titled “Pawns,”Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) earns her promotion to detective after her longstanding commitment to Hank’s team. This promotion stems not only from Upton’s departure but also from Burgess’s eagerness to embrace greater responsibilities and leadership within the Intelligence unit. Although this new role might complicate her relationships with Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) and their daughter, Makayla (Ramona Edith Williams), it positions Burgess to potentially lead the unit in upcoming seasons of Chicago P.D..
Upton’s Departure Opens Doors for Leadership Growth
Impact of Upton’s Absence on Intelligence
Throughout her time with Voight’s team, Upton has proven to be fiercely dedicated to her work and her comrades. Her character has endured personal challenges, including a fraught relationship with her father and intense confrontations with various criminals. However, after Halstead enlists in the Army and following a harrowing near-death encounter with a serial killer in the Season 11 finale, Upton opts to leave Chicago, seeking a fresh start and personal recovery.
Her exit aligns with Halstead’s earlier decision to depart, further emphasized by a trend of detectives such as Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush) and Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda) who have also left the series. Upton’s departure reflects the emotional toll that serving in the brutal landscape of a city rife with crime can take on its officers. While fans will undoubtedly miss Upton, her absence paves the way for other team members—like Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins), Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar), and newcomer Kiana Cook (Toya Turner)—to delve deeper into their narratives.
Potential Promotions in Chicago P.D. Season 12
Promotion Opportunities Within the Intelligence Unit
With Upton’s position open for new leadership, the opportunity for promotion exists for all qualified members of the Intelligence unit. Candidates like Ruzek and Atwater, who have extensive experience in both undercover operations and the demands of the unit, could be strong contenders. Nevertheless, Burgess emerges as the standout candidate due to her proven reliability, emotional control, and considerable leadership skills, especially during high-pressure situations.
As Burgess steps into her new role as detective, it brings fresh possibilities for the recruitment of new officers, ultimately strengthening the Intelligence unit. From her evolution as a patrol officer to her crucial role in Intelligence, Burgess possesses the requisite experience to excel as second-in-command. Echoing Upton’s journey, she has faced life-threatening challenges and demonstrated her willingness to protect her teammates at all costs, solidifying her suitability for this significant elevation in rank.
Fans of Chicago P.D. can look forward to Episode 9 of Season 12, set to air on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 10 PM ET on NBC.