Fans of Chicago P.D. have been on the edge of their seats for seasons, eagerly following the tense power struggles and emotional turmoil within the 21st District. But according to showrunner Rick Eid, the drama is only just heating up as the possibility of a showdown between Detective Hank Voight and Chief Patrick Reid looms large on the horizon. In a recent interview, Eid teased that Voight, known for his hard-hitting, no-nonsense approach to policing, might finally be gearing up to take down the increasingly corrupt Chief Reid. However, this won’t be a quick, explosive confrontation—it will be a slow burn, one that will build with increasing intensity over the course of the season.
Voight, played by the talented Jason Beghe, has always been a character defined by his grit, determination, and willingness to operate in the grey areas of the law to get results. His actions have often skirted the edges of legality, but his commitment to justice, especially for the victims he deals with on a daily basis, has made him a fan favorite. However, his methods have led him into direct conflict with both internal and external forces throughout the series, none more significant than the looming figure of Chief Reid.
Chief Reid, played by the seasoned actor John C. McGinley, has established himself as a formidable antagonist over the past few seasons, slowly revealing his corrupt practices and questionable leadership decisions. While Reid may have the power and the position, it’s clear that his reign is anything but secure. The tension between Reid and Voight has been building for quite some time, and the clock seems to be ticking down to a major reckoning.
Rick Eid recently spoke about this brewing conflict, hinting that the battle between Voight and Reid would be one of the season’s central arcs. “This is a slow burn,” Eid explained, noting that while the tension between the two characters has been simmering for some time, the eventual takedown won’t happen all at once. Instead, it will unfold gradually, with each episode bringing us closer to a dramatic, climactic moment that will change the course of both their lives—and potentially the future of the district.
The idea of a slow-burn narrative is especially fitting given the tone of Chicago P.D. over the years. The show has always excelled at creating long-term arcs that pay off with intense, emotionally charged moments. Whether it’s Voight’s complicated relationships with his team or the ongoing battle with the powers that be, the series thrives on its ability to build tension and keep viewers hooked with its intricate storytelling. Voight’s personal and professional life has always been fraught with danger, but a direct confrontation with Reid promises to be one of the most high-stakes challenges he’s ever faced.
Fans of Chicago P.D. know that Voight isn’t one to back down, and this showdown will likely push him to his limits. His relationships with other characters, such as Erin Lindsay and his fellow Intelligence Unit members, have always been central to the show’s emotional core. But now, Voight is being forced to navigate a far more perilous game, one where his own survival—both as a cop and as a man of principles—is on the line.
In true Chicago P.D. fashion, the slow-burn nature of this storyline promises to keep audiences hooked, building suspense and tension until the moment when the clash between Voight and Reid reaches its boiling point. As Eid hinted, this is a battle that won’t be resolved quickly—and that’s exactly what makes it so captivating. Fans can expect this storyline to be one of the most riveting and impactful arcs the show has seen, as Voight’s ultimate takedown of Chief Reid seems inevitable, but the cost of victory may be higher than anyone expects.