The latest episode of Chicago P.D., titled “Marie,” delivers an emotionally intense hour that focuses on Detective Adam Ruzek’s struggle to balance his personal and professional life. While the show has often explored themes of family and sacrifice, this episode takes it to another level, forcing Ruzek to face a devastating reality regarding his father, all while racing against time to save an abducted girl.
Ruzek’s Emotional Turmoil
At the heart of the episode is Adam Ruzek, who finds himself grappling with his father Bob Ruzek’s worsening Alzheimer’s disease. Watching a loved one slip away is painful, but for Ruzek, the situation is made even more agonizing as he juggles his demanding job and the duty he feels toward his father. Bob, once a strong-willed man and a former police officer himself, is now fading into confusion, sometimes forgetting where he is or even who Adam is.
Ruzek tries to remain strong, but the burden is overwhelming. The heartbreaking moments where Bob has brief flashes of clarity, only to be pulled back into the fog of his illness, make for some of the most gut-wrenching scenes in Chicago P.D. history. Adam is forced to accept that his father may never fully return to the man he once knew.
The Urgent Case: Saving Zoe
Amidst his personal turmoil, Ruzek is pulled into a high-stakes case—the disappearance of Zoe, a young girl taken from her foster home. As Intelligence investigates, they uncover a terrifying truth: Zoe has been kidnapped by Thomas Cronin, a serial killer known for targeting mothers and their children. With time running out, the team races to track Cronin down before it’s too late.
As the investigation intensifies, Bob Ruzek surprisingly becomes an unlikely asset. Despite his condition, he remembers a crucial detail about the case from his past police work, leading the team in the right direction. It’s a fleeting moment of lucidity but one that gives Adam a bittersweet sense of pride in his father.
A Devastating Ending
Just when it seems the team is closing in on Cronin, the episode takes a tragic turn. Though Zoe is ultimately found alive, Ruzek is met with another emotional blow—Bob’s condition worsens dramatically. In a final heartbreaking scene, Bob looks at Adam with empty eyes, unable to recognize him. The moment is raw and painful, leaving both Ruzek and viewers shattered.
A Familiar but Effective Trope
Chicago P.D. has long used strained parent-child relationships as a storytelling device, and while “Marie” treads familiar ground, it does so with exceptional emotional depth. The dynamic between Adam and Bob is one of the most touching relationships in the show, making this episode feel especially powerful.
Standout Performances
Patrick John Flueger delivers one of his best performances to date, portraying Ruzek’s internal struggle with authenticity and intensity. Jack Coleman, as Bob Ruzek, gives a heartbreaking performance, capturing both the strength and vulnerability of a man slipping away from himself. Their father-son chemistry is palpable, making the emotional weight of the episode hit even harder.
Final Thoughts
“Marie” is a standout episode that blends the intensity of a criminal case with a deeply emotional storyline. While Chicago P.D. has explored similar themes before, this episode is particularly devastating due to its raw performances and heartbreaking resolution. It’s an episode that reminds viewers why they’ve stayed invested in these characters for so long—because at its core, Chicago P.D. isn’t just about solving crimes; it’s about the people behind the badge and the personal battles they fight every day.
