Chicago P.D.’s Patrick John Flueger Reveals the Grit Behind Ruzek’s Biggest Episode Without Burgess
Season 12 of Chicago P.D. kicked off with a bang, and the premiere episode had a massive impact on Adam Ruzek (played by Patrick John Flueger). The absence of Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) gave Ruzek a pivotal moment to shine, but it came at a high cost. Flueger recently shared his thoughts on the intense episode and how it showcases a side of Ruzek that fans may not have fully grasped.
A Shocking Loss One of the most jaw-dropping moments of the premiere was the death of Ruzek’s colleague, Officer Emily Martel. According to Flueger, this moment was written to be as shocking to the audience as it was to the characters. He explained that it felt real and raw, capturing the unpredictability and danger of being in the line of fire. The suddenness of Martel’s death — with no dramatic goodbyes or drawn-out scenes — left a profound impact on Ruzek, especially as it happened right in front of him.
Flueger emphasized that this was a major wake-up call for his character. Despite being in dangerous situations before, Ruzek had always maintained a sense of invincibility. The events of this episode shattered that illusion, marking a turning point for him. It was the first time Ruzek called out to a fellow officer and received no response — a grim reminder of the stakes involved in their work.
A Void Without Burgess The absence of Burgess in this episode created a different dynamic for Ruzek. While their bond is a cornerstone of his character development, going through such a traumatic event without her support added another layer to the emotional weight. Fans are used to seeing Burgess by Ruzek’s side in difficult times, but this episode forced him to cope with the loss on his own. However, Marina Squerciati will return in future episodes, promising further exploration of this storyline.
A Gritty and Realistic Approach Flueger also spoke about how the portrayal of Martel’s death was meant to be true to life. In reality, these moments often happen suddenly, without any fanfare or preparation. He praised the show for capturing that authenticity and highlighted how it underscores the harsh realities that police officers face every day.
The episode is a testament to the show’s ability to balance action with emotional depth, making it one of the most intense openers in Chicago P.D. history. With the rest of the season ahead, Ruzek’s character is bound to evolve as he processes this loss and faces new challenges. Fans can expect more high-stakes drama as the show continues to push boundaries and delve deeper into the lives of its characters.
