For more than a season, Chicago P.D. has teased a possible romantic arc between Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) and Assistant State’s Attorney Asa Chapman (Sara Bues). Their bond carried the kind of slow-burn chemistry that fueled speculation and fan theories across social media. Yet, as Season 12 drew to a close and conversations around Season 13 ramped up, the show delivered a firm and, for many, disappointing update: the relationship between Voight and Chapman will remain platonic.
The Build-Up
From the moment Chapman joined the series, her sharp intellect and moral clarity provided a compelling counterbalance to Voight’s gruff, rule-bending persona. Scenes between the two quickly revealed mutual respect that went beyond professional collaboration. Chapman’s brief admission of feelings in the episode “The After” only heightened fan expectations, sparking talk of a romance that could finally humanize Voight after years of loss and trauma.
But the writers pivoted. In the later episode “Open Casket”, Chapman confronted Voight directly, asking why he no longer seemed open to the possibility of something more. Voight’s evasive response—that he simply doesn’t “notice it anymore”—shut down speculation. Instead of an evolution into romance, the series chose to underscore Voight’s emotional distance and unwillingness to let someone new into his life.
The Fan Reaction
The reaction from fans has been swift and divided. Many expressed frustration that the series dangled a romantic storyline only to pull it away. For longtime viewers, the pairing represented an opportunity to see Voight soften and reveal new layers of vulnerability. On Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), users voiced disappointment, with some accusing the show of missing a chance for real character growth.
Others, however, defended the choice as realistic. Voight has been scarred by years of personal loss, most notably the death of his son Justin. For some fans, keeping him in an emotionally guarded state reflects an authentic portrayal of trauma and resilience rather than forcing him into a romance that might not align with his character arc.
What It Means for Season 13
While romance may be off the table, Voight and Chapman’s relationship remains one of the most intriguing dynamics in Chicago P.D.. Showrunners have signaled that Chapman will continue to play a significant role in Season 13, even as the Intelligence Unit faces seismic changes.
The decision to keep the bond platonic may allow the writers to explore different kinds of intimacy—trust, professional loyalty, and unspoken emotional support—rather than a traditional love story. In doing so, the show preserves the complexity of Voight’s character while continuing to highlight Chapman as a strong, independent figure in her own right.
A Controversial Choice
For a series entering its 13th season, Chicago P.D. continues to provoke conversation by defying audience expectations. Whether fans see this decision as a missed opportunity or a bold commitment to realism, one thing is clear: the Voight–Chapman storyline has struck a chord. The frustration it has generated is proof of just how invested viewers remain in these characters—and why Chicago P.D. still has the power to stir debate more than a decade into its run.
