Chicago P.D.’s Season 7 premiere, “Mercy” (aired January 2020), is a defining moment for Jay Halstead and Hailey Upton, known as “Upstead.” This episode, available on Peacock, captures the couple’s burgeoning romance amidst life-or-death stakes, cementing their place as fan favorites. With its blend of intense police work and raw emotion, “Mercy” is a perfect entry point for new viewers and a nostalgic gem for long-time fans.
The episode opens with Jay Halstead, played by Jesse Lee Soffer, fighting for his life after being shot in the Season 6 finale. In a gripping hospital scene, Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) sits by his bedside, her stoic facade cracking as she whispers, “You can’t leave me.” This moment, highlighted in a 2020 TVLine recap, marks Upstead’s shift from partners to something deeper. Fans on X flooded feeds with #Upstead, calling it “heart-wrenching.” Hailey’s vulnerability, contrasted with her fierce pursuit of Jay’s shooter, showcases the duality that defines Chicago P.D.—action and heart.
The investigation drives the episode’s tension. Hailey goes undercover in a drug ring, infiltrating a warehouse in a pulse-pounding sequence. Her quick thinking averts a bust gone wrong, but it’s her quiet moments with Jay that resonate. When he wakes, their clasped hands signal a turning point, a scene fans still gif on X. The episode balances this with Voight’s moral ambiguity, as he bends rules to protect Jay, adding layers to the Intelligence Unit’s dynamic.
Upstead’s chemistry, rooted in Soffer and Spiridakos’s real-life camaraderie, electrifies the screen. Their Season 7 arc, from partners to lovers, unfolds through shared traumas—like Jay’s PTSD and Hailey’s abusive past—making their bond relatable. A 2025 EW retrospective noted Upstead’s appeal lies in “their ability to heal each other.” “Mercy” sets this foundation, with scenes like Hailey’s rooftop confession about fearing loss, which drew 1.2 million viewers, per NBC ratings.
For new audiences, “Mercy” offers a standalone thrill—shootouts, betrayals, and a mole in the unit—while teasing Upstead’s future, like their Season 9 marriage. Long-time fans revel in rewatching on Peacock, where posts like @UpsteadForever’s “Season 7 is peak Upstead” trend. The episode’s universal themes—love, loyalty, and survival—transcend borders, making Chicago P.D. a global hit. Dive into “Mercy” and discover why Upstead’s courage captivates hearts worldwide.
