Hailey’s exit from Chicago P.D. was a symbolic departure not only from the team but also from her past.
The decision to leave out Jay Halstead from Hailey’s final episode was a way of underscoring Hailey’s personal growth. It was a moment of her stepping into the future, where she would no longer be defined by her partnerships—whether with Jay or anyone else. By focusing the final episode on Hailey, the writers also gave other characters the chance to take center stage in their emotional reactions to her departure.
Characters like Hank Voight and Kim Burgess were able to showcase their respect for Hailey and their sadness over her leaving. Without Halstead’s presence, the spotlight could be fully shared by the other members of the team, who had worked with Hailey closely over the years and had developed their own unique bonds with her.
While some fans were disappointed by Halstead’s absence in the episode, many understood the reasoning behind the decision. As viewers who had watched Hailey and Jay’s journey unfold, they recognized that Jay’s exit had already been handled in a previous season, and this was Hailey’s time to shine alone. The choice to leave Jay out of her final episode was a narrative decision that, while emotional, served to respect the integrity of both characters’ journeys. In the grand scheme of things, Halstead’s absence was an intentional narrative choice that reflected both the character’s and Hailey’s evolutions. It was a way for Hailey to say goodbye on her own terms, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for both her and the Chicago P.D. universe.
The decision to leave Jay Halstead out of Hailey Upton’s final Chicago P.D. episode was a powerful narrative choice that allowed for a more personal, emotional, and independent farewell for Hailey. By focusing on her individual growth and journey, the show made sure that her exit was as impactful as her time on the force. While Jay’s absence might have left fans longing for a reunion, it was a necessary step in letting Hailey move forward in her own way, free from past attachments. The choice reinforced her strength as a character and gave fans the space to reflect on the mark she left on the series.
