Chicago P.D. remains a top-tier police procedural, yet the dynamics of the Intelligence Unit have transformed over the years due to the departure of key characters. Now in its twelfth season, the series continues to deliver gripping drama, intricate cases, and intense confrontations between Hank Voight (played by Jason Beghe) and various superiors within the police department. Nevertheless, the series has evolved significantly since its inception as a mid-season replacement in January 2014.
Revisiting the inaugural season of Chicago P.D. reveals a darker narrative, characterized by Voight’s readiness to employ violence for the sake of justice. Throughout its twelve-year journey, the series has witnessed numerous notable cast exits. These shifts do not diminish the current episodes’ engagement; however, the absence of certain characters is profoundly felt, even after several seasons.
5 Alvin Olinsky
Played by Elias Koteas
Alvin Olinsky served as Voight’s closest ally and deputy for the first five seasons of the series. His character was multifaceted, showcasing a complex home life intertwined with the show’s challenges. Olinsky’s connections with Dawson, Ruzek, and Burgess enriched his character arc, making his on-screen demise even more heartbreaking.
In the early episodes of season five, Olinsky’s life came to a tragic end when he was arrested and subsequently murdered in prison. This loss remains a painful memory for fans, especially after his spectral appearance in the season eleven finale, which solidified the permanent nature of his departure.
4 Antonio Dawson
Played By Jon Seda
As an inaugural member of the cast, Jon Seda’s portrayal of Antonio Dawson ended without the compelling exit he deserved. Dawson’s family faced the repercussions of Voight’s violent methods, sometimes endangering his children. His loyalty frequently strained his relationship with Gabby from Chicago Fire.
During season four, Dawson was away, working for the State Attorney’s Office as part of Chicago Justice. Since his departure in season six, one can hardly believe it’s been so long; his absence is felt deeply within the series. He resigned off-screen, triggered by a crisis stemming from his addiction to pain medications, leading to a chaotic incident that Voight tried to cover up.
3 Jay Halstead
Played By Jesse Lee Soffer
Jay Halstead was integral to the first decade of Chicago P.D., with his absence altering the show’s fabric drastically. As a principled cop, Halstead was often torn between his ethical standards and Voight’s controversial directives. His connection to the medical spin-off, Chicago Med, via his brother Will, further highlighted his role in the larger narrative.
Halstead’s open-ended exit, wherein he left for a temporary mission in Bolivia only to extend his stay indefinitely, raises the possibility of a return. This is a tantalizing prospect, especially following the cancellation of FBI: International, freeing actor Jesse Lee Soffer for future storylines.
2 Justin Voight
Played By Josh Segarra
Justin, Voight’s troubled son, spent much of the series wrestling with his personal demons. His tragic storyline culminated in his murder while attempting to protect a friend, illustrating the deep contradictions in Voight’s life as a cop who fiercely sought justice for others while his own son struggled within the criminal system. Despite Justin’s flaws, Voight’s love for him added depth to his character.
This loss was particularly poignant, as Justin’s final act was a sacrifice that echoed his father’s violent tendencies. Voight’s quest for vengeance against his son’s killer left an indelible mark on the series as well as on his personal arc.
1 Erin Lindsay
Played By Sophia Bush
Erin Lindsay, introduced as Voight’s surrogate daughter, played a vital role in the first three seasons. She viewed Voight as a father figure, supporting her through troubled times shaped by her difficult upbringing.
Her exit from the series soon after Justin’s death marked a pronounced shift in storytelling for Chicago P.D., steering it towards a more conventional police drama. This transition was unfortunate, as Lindsay’s character had deep ties to Voight and significantly impacted the show’s ongoing plotlines.
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