For more than a decade, Marina Squerciati has brought grit, determination, and vulnerability to the role of Kim Burgess on NBC’s Chicago P.D.. As the longest-standing female cast member, Burgess has faced more danger than almost anyone else in the Intelligence Unit, with multiple storylines pushing her to the brink of death. These high-stakes moments have not only kept audiences on edge but have also shaped Burgess into one of the show’s most resilient and deeply human characters.
One of the earliest brushes with death came in Season 2, when Burgess was shot during a harrowing ambush. The shocking moment left fans fearing that her time on the show might be cut short. While she survived, the incident marked a turning point for her character. It forced Burgess—and viewers—to confront the vulnerability of even the most capable officers, adding depth to her journey as both a cop and a person.
In Season 4, Burgess once again found herself in mortal danger when she was kidnapped during an investigation. The scenes depicting her fight for survival were among the most intense of the season, highlighting her resourcefulness and determination to live. The storyline also offered a rare glimpse into the psychological aftermath of trauma, an element that set Burgess apart from other characters who often seemed to bounce back from danger unscathed.
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching near-death experience arrived in Season 8, when Burgess was brutally attacked and left to die, bleeding out alone. The sequence was one of the most emotionally charged in the show’s history, not only because of Burgess’s precarious condition but also because of what was at stake. As a mother figure to her adopted daughter Makayla and with her complicated but enduring bond with Adam Ruzek, the potential loss of Burgess resonated far beyond the hospital room. It underscored how essential she had become—not just to the team, but to the emotional core of Chicago P.D..
Through each of these life-threatening ordeals, Burgess has emerged stronger, though often scarred. These storylines have transformed her from a wide-eyed patrol officer in Season 1 into a hardened yet empathetic detective whose resilience inspires those around her. They also reflect the sacrifices and dangers faced by women in law enforcement, balancing the physical demands of the job with the emotional costs of survival.
What makes these moments so unforgettable is not just the suspense of whether Burgess would make it out alive, but Marina Squerciati’s nuanced performance. Her ability to portray pain, fear, and determination has turned each near-death experience into a defining chapter of the show. Audiences don’t just watch Burgess fight for her life—they feel the weight of her struggle and the triumph of her survival.
In many ways, Kim Burgess has become the beating heart of Chicago P.D.. Her repeated encounters with death have solidified her as a symbol of endurance, reminding viewers that even in a world filled with violence and chaos, strength and hope can still prevail. And as long as Marina Squerciati is on screen, fans know one thing for certain: Burgess may be knocked down, but she’ll never stay there for long.
