Hailey Upton, played by Tracy Spiridakos, has been a central part of the Intelligence Unit since her introduction.
One of the key issues Chicago P.D. has faced is the constant turnover in its cast. The departure of major characters like Alvin Olinsky (Elias Koteas) and the shift in relationships within the team has made it difficult for the show to regain the same energy it had in its earlier seasons. When a beloved character like Upton leaves, it’s not just about the loss of a singular presence but the impact it has on the larger narrative structure of the series.
Another key issue that Chicago P.D. has been facing is the decline of Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) as a central figure in the series. Voight has been a defining character from the beginning, but over time, his increasingly controversial decisions and his morally ambiguous nature have made it harder for the audience to connect with him in the same way. As the leader of the Intelligence Unit, Voight’s role should be one of authority and respect, but his actions have often blurred the lines between right and wrong.
Voight’s leadership has come under scrutiny over the years, and with Upton’s departure, the question of who will take charge of the unit in a way that will restore some sense of stability and moral clarity is left hanging. His shifting relationships with his team and his more reckless actions have contributed to the show’s struggles, as the once-strong foundation of the Intelligence Unit now feels fractured. While Chicago P.D. has experienced significant highs throughout its run, it’s evident that the show has reached a point where it needs a revitalizing change. Upton’s exit is just one more symptom of the show’s growing instability, and unless the writers take bold steps to introduce new characters, fresh storylines, and a clearer sense of direction, the show could continue to falter in the coming seasons.
Upton’s exit from Chicago P.D. may have been the catalyst that exposed the series’ struggles, but it’s clear that the show has been facing these issues for some time. With a revolving door of characters, repetitive storylines, and a waning sense of direction, Chicago P.D. needs to refocus and bring back the elements that made it one of the top procedural dramas on television. Whether it’s through fresh characters, a renewed focus on the procedural aspect, or a reinvention of existing characters, Chicago P.D. has the potential to rebound—if it can find a way to adapt and evolve without losing the heart of what made it great.
