Burgess and Ruzek have always had a relationship that fans root for, yet it’s been marked by its ups and downs.
Behind the scenes, it seems that Marina Squerciati, who plays Burgess, has been portraying her character with an extra layer of intensity when interacting with Patrick John Flueger’s Ruzek. Several set insiders have noted how some of their scenes together are particularly charged, with Burgess’s behavior appearing more erratic than usual. Some speculate that the writers are building towards a pivotal moment for the characters. Is Burgess struggling with unresolved trauma from past seasons? Could the pressures of balancing her role as a mother and a detective be getting the best of her? Or is something more deeply personal causing this new level of emotional turmoil?
A key aspect that might explain Burgess’s strange actions is her unresolved trauma from past events. The shooting in Season 8 left her both physically and emotionally scarred, and although she’s recovered on the surface, deeper emotional wounds might still remain. Even with therapy and support from her colleagues, Burgess’s sense of self-preservation and fear of being vulnerable may be pushing her to keep Ruzek at arm’s length.
It’s also possible that Burgess is reacting to the pressure of parenthood. Being a mother to Makayla, especially in a high-stakes job like hers, would undoubtedly add strain to anyone’s life. Perhaps Burgess is realizing that the more she lets Ruzek into her and Makayla’s life, the more she feels the weight of her decisions. Could she be distancing herself to protect her daughter, or is she afraid of Ruzek’s potential to leave again?
For Ruzek, this shift in Burgess’s behavior must be disheartening. Throughout their on-and-off relationship, Ruzek has shown a deep commitment to Burgess and Makayla, even after everything they’ve been through. His dedication to them, especially during her times of vulnerability, has been steadfast. So, seeing Burgess push him away would likely leave him feeling confused and hurt.
This tension could also be setting the stage for a major showdown between the two characters. Ruzek, who has a history of not always handling emotional conflict well, might finally reach his breaking point. The audience may witness an emotional confrontation where everything they’ve been bottling up comes to the surface, forcing them to either address their issues head-on or risk further damage to their relationship.
As Season 12 progresses, fans can expect more layers to be peeled back regarding Burgess’s erratic behavior. While her love for Ruzek and her dedication to her family are undeniable, her struggles with trauma, motherhood, and her professional responsibilities could drive her to make decisions that neither she nor Ruzek are fully prepared for. The show has never shied away from diving deep into the emotional complexities of its characters, and this storyline is shaping up to be no exception.
Whether Burgess’s strange behavior is leading to a permanent shift in her relationship with Ruzek or if it’s merely a temporary struggle remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the emotional tension between the two will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting to see how their story unfolds.
In the end, Chicago PD thrives on character evolution, and this current arc is just another testament to the depth and complexity of its beloved cast. As Burgess continues to wrestle with her personal demons, her connection with Ruzek will be tested in ways it never has before. Will they come out stronger on the other side, or is this the beginning of the end for one of the show’s most beloved pairs? Only time will tell, but fans are sure to be gripped by every moment of their journey.
