Chicago P.D. continues to deliver high-stakes drama and emotional depth in its thirteenth season, and Season 13 Episode 12, titled “Missing,” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated installments yet. Airing on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET/PT on NBC (and streaming on Peacock), this episode dives deep into the past of a key character, promising revelations that fans have been eagerly awaiting. With the Intelligence Unit tackling a cold case that hits close to home, “Missing” blends intense police procedural action with personal stakes that could change everything for the team.
In this preview article, we’ll explore the official synopsis, key plot details from promos and previews, character developments (especially surrounding Officer Eva Imani), what fans can expect, why this episode matters in the broader Season 13 arc, and how it sets up future storylines. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or catching up on the One Chicago franchise, here’s everything you need to know about Chicago P.D. Season 13 Episode 12 “Missing.”
Official Synopsis and Episode Overview
According to NBC’s official description: “Details about Imani’s past emerge as the Intelligence Unit seeks the truth behind the sudden resurfacing of a decades-old missing child case.”
This cold case revolves around a child who disappeared approximately 18-25 years ago (with the promo suggesting the boy would now be 25 years old). A new lead has brought the investigation back to life, pulling the Chicago PD’s elite Intelligence Unit into a complex web of buried secrets, questionable evidence, and emotional turmoil.
The episode centers on Officer Eva Imani (played by the talented actress introduced in recent seasons), whose backstory has been teased throughout Season 13. Previews and fan discussions strongly indicate that this missing child case ties directly into Imani’s personal history—possibly connected to the disappearance of her own sister, a traumatic event that has shaped her drive, guarded nature, and relentless pursuit of justice.
As the team digs deeper, questions arise: Is this case truly about a boy named Ben (as hinted in some reports), or does it mirror Imani’s own unresolved family tragedy? The promo teases urgent lines like “The kid was taken 18 years ago… He would be 25 years old now… This is a real lead… If you wanna help, help us find him.” These moments build suspense, showing Imani taking a leading role in the investigation while her colleagues sense there’s more to her involvement than meets the eye.
Why ‘Missing’ Is a Pivotal Episode for Eva Imani
Since her introduction to the Intelligence Unit, Eva Imani has been one of the most intriguing additions to the Chicago P.D. cast. Her tough exterior and quick decision-making in the field have earned her respect from Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) and the team, but subtle hints have suggested a deeper pain driving her actions.
Season 13 has slowly peeled back layers of Imani’s character. Earlier episodes explored her reluctance to open up, her intense focus on cases involving vulnerable victims, and cryptic references to a family loss. “Missing” appears to be the payoff fans have been waiting for—a deep dive into her past that explains her motivations and perhaps why she joined Intelligence in the first place.
Many speculate that Imani transferred to the unit specifically to gain access to resources that could help solve her sister’s long-ago disappearance. If the resurfaced case connects to that event (or even if it’s a parallel tragedy), it could force Imani to confront suppressed emotions, question old memories, and risk her professional objectivity. This personal angle adds layers of tension: Will her involvement compromise the investigation? How will Voight and the team react when her secrets come to light?
This episode also highlights the strength of the ensemble cast. Expect strong support from familiar faces like Detective Antonio Dawson (if returning arcs continue), Officer Kim Burgess, Adam Ruzek, and others who bring their own experiences with loss and redemption to the table. The dynamics within Intelligence—built on trust earned through fire—will be tested as they navigate this emotionally charged case.
What to Expect: Plot Teasers, Twists, and Themes
From the available promo footage and media previews:
- The Cold Case Revival: A fresh piece of evidence (possibly new witness testimony, DNA, or digital records) reopens a file that had gone cold for decades. The child vanished under mysterious circumstances, leaving a family in perpetual grief.
- Imani’s Leadership Role: Imani steps up to lead parts of the investigation, showing her expertise in missing persons cases. This could stem from personal experience, adding authenticity to her performance.
- Emotional Confrontations: Look for powerful scenes where Imani’s past is revealed through flashbacks or intense dialogues. The promo hints at urgency and desperation, suggesting high-stakes chases or interrogations.
- Team Dynamics: The Intelligence Unit must balance procedure with empathy. Voight’s no-nonsense leadership will clash with the personal nature of the case, while other members offer support or raise concerns about bias.
Themes of loss, closure, justice, and the long shadow of unresolved trauma run throughout. Chicago P.D. excels at blending gritty cop work with human stories, and “Missing” promises to deliver both pulse-pounding action and heartfelt moments.
This episode also arrives just before an extended hiatus (due to programming like the Winter Olympics in some schedules), so it may end on a cliffhanger—perhaps a shocking revelation about Imani’s connection or a twist in the case that leaves viewers hanging until the series returns.
Chicago P.D. Season 13 Context: Where We Stand
Season 13, which premiered on October 1, 2025, has kept the momentum strong with episodes exploring corruption, neighborhood tensions, personal vendettas, and team rebuilding after past challenges. Key arcs have included Voight’s leadership struggles, Torres’ moral dilemmas, and evolving relationships among the unit.
“Missing” fits perfectly into this season’s emphasis on character-driven stories amid intense procedural plots. It builds on earlier teases about Imani’s backstory while advancing the overall narrative of a unit that treats cases personally—sometimes to their detriment.
For fans of the One Chicago universe, crossovers with Chicago Fire or Chicago Med remain possible, though this episode appears focused on P.D.-centric drama.
Why Fans Should Tune In
Chicago P.D. Season 13 Episode 12 “Missing” is must-watch TV for several reasons:
- It delivers long-awaited character development for Eva Imani.
- The cold case format allows for clever twists and red herrings.
- Emotional depth combined with classic Chicago P.D. intensity.
- Potential setup for major Season 13 payoffs.
Don’t miss it on NBC Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 10/9c, or stream it on Peacock the next day. Set your reminders—this one could be a game-changer.
In conclusion, “Missing” stands out as a highlight of Chicago P.D. Season 13, blending heart-wrenching personal stakes with the show’s signature thrilling investigations. As secrets from Imani’s past surface, the Intelligence Unit faces not just a decades-old mystery but the challenge of supporting one of their own through pain and truth. Whether it brings closure or opens new wounds, this episode promises to leave a lasting impact. Tune in and prepare for an emotional ride—Chicago P.D. at its best.
