Chicago P.D. has thrived on the complex and often morally ambiguous leadership of Sergeant Hank Voight, played by Jason Beghe. Voight’s unorthodox approach to justice has shaped many members of the Intelligence Unit, but perhaps none more so than Adam Ruzek. As the show progresses, fans have noticed how Ruzek has adopted some of Voight’s traits—a shift that Jason Beghe himself has commented on.
Ruzek’s Evolution: Following in Voight’s Footsteps
Ruzek, played by Patrick John Flueger, began his journey in Chicago P.D. as a young and impulsive recruit with a strong moral compass. Over time, under Voight’s guidance and exposure to the darker sides of police work, Ruzek has demonstrated a willingness to bend the rules in pursuit of justice. Whether it’s using intimidation tactics, operating in moral gray areas, or making tough, on-the-spot decisions, Ruzek’s development has drawn notable parallels to Voight.
Jason Beghe’s Take on Ruzek’s Transformation
In a recent discussion about the series, Jason Beghe provided insight into Ruzek’s shifting demeanor. He acknowledged that Voight has undoubtedly influenced Ruzek, shaping him into a cop who understands the complexities of real-world law enforcement. However, Beghe also pointed out that while Ruzek is adopting Voight’s methodology, he still maintains his own unique identity and internal conflicts “Ruzek has learned a lot from Voight, but he’s still his own man,” Beghe explained. “What makes it interesting is seeing him struggle with that balance—how far is too far? And at what point does he draw the line?”
The Impact of Voight’s Influence on Ruzek’s Decisions
Throughout Season 12, viewers have witnessed moments where Ruzek’s choices mirrored Voight’s ruthless efficiency. Whether it’s extracting information from suspects through intense interrogations or taking matters into his own hands when justice seems out of reach, Ruzek’s approach has evolved significantly. One pivotal moment that highlights this transformation occurred in a recent episode when Ruzek took extreme measures to protect a witness, reminiscent of the way Voight operates. These actions raised questions about how much of Voight’s influence is truly shaping Ruzek’s future.
Will Ruzek Become the Next Voight?
While Ruzek’s trajectory suggests he is following in Voight’s footsteps, there remains a lingering question: Will he fully embrace Voight’s methods, or will he find a way to forge his own path? With Chicago P.D. known for its unpredictable character arcs, Ruzek’s journey is far from over. As the show continues, fans eagerly watch to see whether Ruzek’s Voight-like behavior will define him permanently or if he will carve out a different leadership style in the Intelligence Unit.
