For longtime fans of Chicago P.D., the absence of Officer Kim Burgess in Season 12 has left a noticeable void in the Intelligence Unit. Played by Marina Squerciati since Season 1, Burgess has been at the heart of countless emotional and high-stakes storylines. From her tumultuous romance with Adam Ruzek to her fierce dedication as a police officer and adoptive mother, Burgess has been one of the show’s most dynamic characters. So why is she still missing in the latest season?
The answer lies in a mix of creative decisions and behind-the-scenes factors. At the end of Season 11, Burgess found herself at a crossroads. After enduring years of trauma, including her near-fatal kidnapping in Season 8 and the emotional toll of raising her daughter Makayla, she was finally beginning to see a glimmer of stability. But in typical Chicago P.D. fashion, peace never lasts long. Showrunners hinted that her absence in Season 12 is tied to giving the character some breathing room, a chance to recover and reset both personally and professionally.
From a storytelling perspective, Burgess’s absence has allowed the writers to explore different dynamics within the team. Ruzek’s struggles in her absence have highlighted just how much of an anchor Burgess has been in his life. Her absence also gives more screen time to characters like Upton, Voight, and Torres, reshaping the balance of the unit in interesting ways. However, this shift hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans, who have been vocal on social media about missing her steady presence and emotional depth.
Behind the camera, Marina Squerciati’s future on the show has been the subject of speculation. While NBC and Dick Wolf Productions haven’t confirmed her permanent departure, the door has been left wide open for her return. This deliberate choice suggests Burgess’s story is far from over. Whether it’s a triumphant comeback later in the season or a shocking twist involving her family, the writers know that removing such a beloved character without resolution would leave fans unsatisfied.
Ultimately, Burgess’s continued absence in Chicago P.D. Season 12 is both a narrative tool and a way to build anticipation. Her journey has always been about resilience, and when she does return, viewers can expect her to be stronger, more determined, and perhaps facing a whole new set of challenges. Until then, fans will have to wait and see how the Intelligence Unit survives without one of its most important members.
