Summary
Hailey Upton’s exit officially endsChicago PD’s opportunity to make up for its worst character assassination. Intelligence is known for many things. Its proficiency and dedication to solving a case are some of them, and that’s thanks to its small but capable team led by Hank Voight. Each member of the squad brings something to the table, which is why it can function even when it’s understaffed, which has been the case for the last few years. Still, it isn’t easy whenChicago PDloses a character, especially one as pivotal as Tracy Spiridakos' Hailey Upton.
Much has been said about the drawbacks of Upton’s exit. That includes Intelligence getting much smaller and Voight losing his right-hand person. One Chicago was secretly building up her departure for a while. Although she only talked to Voight about it in theChicago PDseason 11 finale, which saw the return of Alvin Olisnky, she had been itching for a new start ever since it became clear that her marriage was over. She will be missed, but as she left, she also took away the series' ability to make up for ruining one of its best characters — Jay Halstead.
Chicago PD’s Forgotten Original Character Last Seen 5 Years Ago Is The Perfect Upton Replacement In Season 12
Intelligence needs to replace Upton in season 12, and her best replacement is a forgotten Chicago PD original character last seen five years ago.
As an original cast member, Jesse Lee Soffer played an integral role in the earliest years of the One Chicago series. Known for being principled, he butt heads with Voit early on because of the Intelligence leader’s penchant for toeing the line between legal and illegal when working on a case. Halstead functioned as the team’s moral compass. He was also loyal and committed both to his personal and professional relationships. Somehow, however, he significantly changed just before he left. Most of his actions then were uncharacteristic, that’s whyHalstead’sChicago PDseason 10 exit was so disappointing.
Beyond his impulsive decision to leave Chicago, arguablythe worst thing that Halstead did inChicago PDwas abandoning his wife. Before he left, he promised that he would come back after 8 months. At this point, Halstead and Upton had just been married for a short period. His wife waited, but he didn’t return. Halstead just ghosted her, which was arguably worse because it was continued torture for Upton until they decided to get a divorce. Even after that, there was hope that Halstead could come to his senses and come back to her. That, too, didn’t happen.
While seeking out Upton wouldn’t have erased all the hurt that he inflicted upon her, at least it would have been proof that he realized that he made a big mistake, and he was remorseful about it.
With Upton no longer inChicago PD, the police procedural no longer has the chance to fully make up for destroying Halstead’s character. He hasn’t even properly apologized for the way he treated her. For long-time viewers of the procedural, it was difficult to watch Halstead act like a total jerk. While seeking out Upton wouldn’t have erased all the hurt that he inflicted upon her, at least it would have been proof that he realized that he made a big mistake, and he was remorseful about it. Sadly, none of that can’t happen now inChicago PDseason 12.
Chicago P.D.
Cast
Chicago P.D.: This police drama, set in Chicago’s District 21, follows the distinct units within the Chicago Police Department—uniformed officers addressing street crimes and an Intelligence Unit tackling major offenses such as organized crime and drug trafficking, capturing the dedication of those who serve and protect their community.
