After a turbulent and emotionally charged Season 12 finale of Chicago P.D., fans took to social media and online forums to voice a wave of frustration about a key creative decision that, in their eyes, left the story feeling incomplete—or even disappointing. Now, executive producer Gwen Sigan has broken her silence on the matter, offering a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on the controversial ending that left Intelligence fractured, fans divided, and Voight once again alone. But has her response been enough to satisfy the vocal fan base? Not exactly. Here’s what happened, what fans are so upset about, and how the producers are defending one of the boldest storytelling decisions in Chicago P.D. history.
The complaint that’s gotten the most traction is simple: Why did the Season 12 finale feel so unresolved? After a season marked by tension, tragedy, and leadership challenges, many fans expected a more conclusive resolution—particularly regarding Voight’s strained dynamic with his team and the emotional fallout from Noah Martel’s death. Instead, the finale ended on a quiet, haunting note, with Voight alone, sitting in the dark, contemplating the ripple effects of a decision that cost lives. Fans felt cheated. After a full season of rebuilding trust and evolving character arcs—especially with Ruzek, Atwater, and Upton—the finale’s lack of closure and its somber, ambiguous ending left many wondering: Was that really how we were supposed to say goodbye to the season?
In a recent interview, showrunner Gwen Sigan addressed the backlash and defended the creative direction of the finale. According to her, the team was intentionally going for a more introspective, psychological ending, one that mirrored the core theme of the season: the consequences of leadership, isolation, and blurred morality. “Voight’s journey this season has been about control—and what happens when he loses it,” Sigan explained. “We didn’t want a traditional big-bang ending. We wanted something that sits with you, that makes you think. He’s left with guilt, responsibility, and silence. That’s real.”
Sigan also revealed that the writers deliberately pulled back on action-heavy plotlines in favor of internal conflict, particularly as Voight struggled with his mentorship of Martel and how that misjudgment led to tragedy. While many critics praised the finale for its cinematic restraint and emotional complexity, longtime viewers were less impressed. The common sentiment online was that the ending didn’t feel earned. Some of the most vocal complaints included:
-
Lack of team cohesion: After episodes building up Intelligence as a family, the finale left them disconnected and adrift.
-
No closure for Voight and Upton: With Upton’s exit looming all season, fans expected at least a heartfelt moment or confrontation—something more meaningful than her quiet departure.
-
The sidelining of supporting characters: Atwater, Burgess, and even Ruzek had limited screen time in the finale, leading many to feel that key storylines were dropped without resolution.
Fans are passionate because they care deeply about these characters. For many, the show’s emotional impact comes from the family dynamic within Intelligence. To end the season with everyone so emotionally distant felt like a betrayal of that core message.
While the finale may not have wrapped things up with a neat bow, it’s clear that the writers are planting seeds for Season 13. Voight’s solitude isn’t just a dramatic ending—it’s a warning sign. His team is fracturing, morale is low, and for the first time in years, his leadership is in question. There are also rumors of a new officer joining Intelligence, which could shake up the already unstable team dynamics. With Upton gone, there’s a vacuum of trust and experience, and Voight’s judgment is clearly under scrutiny—by both his peers and the audience.
Love it or hate it, the Chicago P.D. Season 12 finale refused to play it safe. It abandoned the high-octane cliffhanger for a quieter, more introspective ending—one that focused on emotional weight rather than physical action. For some, that was a powerful artistic choice. For others, it was a frustrating letdown. Gwen Sigan and the creative team made it clear: this finale was never meant to wrap things up. It was meant to leave us unsettled, reflective, and a little haunted—just like Voight. Whether or not Season 13 can deliver the closure fans crave remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the conversation is far from over.
