If you’re a Chicago P.D. fan, you probably noticed something surprising about the series finale — the much-anticipated Burzek wedding barely made an appearance. For fans who have followed the heartwarming (and sometimes heart-wrenching) journey of Burgess and Ruzek, this was a huge letdown. So, what really happened behind the scenes? Why did the show decide to downplay one of the biggest moments in the entire series?
In this article, we’re diving deep into the mystery, unpacking the finale’s creative choices, and revealing insights from the showrunner that might just change how you feel about that quietly powerful wedding scene.
What Was the Burzek Wedding and Why Did Fans Care So Much?
Before we get into the why, let’s talk about the what. The Burzek wedding is the long-awaited union of Officer Kim Burgess and Officer Adam Ruzek, two fan-favorite characters whose relationship has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Fans have invested years watching their bond grow from colleagues to soulmates.
This wedding was supposed to be the big moment of closure — a celebration of love and hope after seasons of drama. Naturally, viewers expected a lavish, full-screen wedding episode filled with heartfelt vows, emotional speeches, and maybe even a few surprises.
The Finale’s Unexpected Approach: Why So Little Screen Time?
When the finale aired, the wedding was barely there. A quick ceremony, a few scattered scenes, and that was it. The rest of the episode focused heavily on the final missions, goodbyes, and wrapping up character arcs.
The question on everyone’s mind: Why did the show choose to keep the wedding low-key? Here’s what the Chicago P.D. showrunner shared in an exclusive interview.
Creative Decisions: Prioritizing Story Over Spectacle
According to the boss, the decision was rooted in storytelling priorities. The finale was all about the bigger picture — wrapping up loose ends, saying farewell to the squad, and closing the door on a decade of hard-hitting police drama.
“We wanted the emotional climax to come from the characters’ journeys, not just the wedding itself. The Burzek wedding is special, but it’s a chapter in their story, not the whole book.”
In other words, the showrunner emphasized that focusing too much on the wedding might have overshadowed the emotional weight of the finale’s other critical moments.
Behind the Scenes: Production Constraints and Timing
Beyond creative choices, practical factors played a role. The finale’s tight runtime meant the team had to be selective about what made the cut. A longer wedding sequence might have forced them to trim crucial scenes involving other main characters.
The showrunner explained:
“We had to balance giving fans what they wanted with delivering a satisfying conclusion for the entire cast. It’s a tough tightrope.”
Why Fans Felt Disappointed
Even with these explanations, many fans expressed disappointment online. They felt the wedding deserved more spotlight, especially given how long the relationship took to develop.
It boils down to expectations versus reality. After years of buildup, fans naturally craved a bigger payoff. The minimal screen time left some feeling like their investment in Burzek wasn’t fully honored.
How ‘Chicago P.D.’ Handled Other Major Character Endings
The finale didn’t just downplay Burzek’s wedding; it also had to address multiple characters’ farewells. This meant the episode was packed with emotional goodbyes, flashbacks, and key story resolutions.
This balancing act meant that every moment on screen was precious, and not all could be expanded equally — a harsh reality in a finale.
The Symbolism of a Quiet Wedding
Interestingly, some fans and critics interpreted the understated wedding as a bold storytelling move. Instead of a flashy event, the wedding was intimate and subtle — mirroring real life for many couples.
It was about the essence of commitment, not the spectacle. This quiet moment allowed viewers to focus on the meaning behind the vows, not just the event itself.
Did the Finale Leave Room for a Possible Spin-off or Future Storylines?
The finale’s tone and pacing also hinted at possible future storytelling. The showrunner hinted at open doors for spin-offs or returning characters, leaving some threads unfinished on purpose.
This approach means the Burzek story, and other character arcs, could be explored more deeply elsewhere — maybe even in a new series.
What the Cast Had to Say About the Finale and the Wedding
Cast members shared mixed feelings in interviews. Some expressed sadness that the wedding wasn’t a bigger focus but understood the necessity of the overall story arc.
The actors playing Burgess and Ruzek highlighted how important their characters’ relationship has been to the show’s heart and soul, emphasizing that the finale’s emotional impact wasn’t lost, even if the screen time was short.
How Fans Are Celebrating the Burzek Relationship Despite the Finale
Even with the finale’s limited wedding scene, the Burzek fandom remains passionate. Fans celebrate through fan fiction, art, and social media communities, keeping the couple’s love story alive beyond the show.
This speaks volumes about how deeply the relationship resonated with viewers — it’s a testament to great character writing and chemistry.
What We Can Learn From the Finale’s Storytelling Choices
The finale of Chicago P.D. reminds us that sometimes, less is more. In storytelling, pacing, and emotional payoff don’t always come from big, flashy moments.
The Burzek wedding may have been brief, but it was purposeful — a quiet punctuation mark to a vibrant story that spanned years.
Why Finales Are Always a Balancing Act
Finales carry enormous pressure. They must wrap up multiple storylines, satisfy fans, and honor the characters — all within limited screen time. This balancing act means some moments, no matter how beloved, might get less focus than fans wish.
Understanding this helps us appreciate the tough choices showrunners make behind the scenes.
Could the Burzek Wedding Have Been a Standalone Special?
Some fans wondered if the wedding deserved its own special episode or TV movie. This idea isn’t uncommon in long-running series with popular couples.
While this didn’t happen for Chicago P.D., it’s an interesting thought — and maybe a hope for future storytelling expansions.
How the Finale Honors Burzek’s Journey, Even in Small Doses
Despite limited screen time, the wedding scene was carefully crafted to highlight the emotional core of Burgess and Ruzek’s relationship.
It wasn’t just about a ceremony; it was about commitment, resilience, and love surviving through chaos — themes that defined their journey from the start.
What This Means for Chicago Franchise Fans
For fans of the broader Chicago TV universe, the finale and its treatment of Burzek open conversations about how interconnected stories might be told differently across shows.
It also raises questions about fan expectations in franchise finales and how to balance multiple fanbases.
Conclusion: The Quiet Power of the Burzek Wedding in the Finale
While the Chicago P.D. finale showed little of the Burzek wedding, it was a deliberate choice that balanced storytelling, production constraints, and emotional focus. Sometimes, the most powerful moments aren’t the longest ones on screen but the ones that resonate quietly with meaning.
For Burzek fans, the love story isn’t over — it lives on in the characters’ hearts and the passionate community that celebrates them. The finale may have been understated, but the impact of their journey remains loud and clear.
