In a show known for intense interrogations, moral gray zones, and brutal takedowns, emotional intimacy is a rarity. But in Season 12 of Chicago P.D., viewers have found themselves captivated by something different — the undeniable spark between Hank Voight and Chief Patty Chapman. And now, showrunner Gwen Sigan is shedding light on the surprising chemistry that has fans talking. “I just love their chemistry,” Sigan said in a recent interview, smiling as she acknowledged the unspoken tension between the two seasoned law enforcers. “There’s a spark you can’t ignore when those two are on screen together. It’s not always about romance — it’s about trust, history, and a deep mutual understanding.”
That trust hasn’t come easy. Voight, played with iconic intensity by Jason Beghe, has spent over a decade as a hardened, often controversial leader of the Intelligence Unit. Chapman, portrayed by Sara Bues, is a newer addition — but her no-nonsense attitude and strategic mind have already made her a force to be reckoned with. Since her introduction, Chapman has challenged Voight in ways few characters have. Where others feared or followed, she questions. Where most defer, she debates. And according to Sigan, that dynamic was intentional from the start. Their shared scenes are often subtle but charged. A lingering glance across the precinct. A quiet exchange during a high-stakes briefing. The silences between them say as much as the words — and fans have taken notice. Social media buzz has steadily grown, with hashtags like #VoightAndChapman and #SlowBurnPD popping up after each episode.
For actress Sara Bues, the response has been both surprising and rewarding. “It’s always great when people connect to something authentic,” she said. “Voight and Chapman are both complicated, messy people. But there’s respect there. And sometimes, respect is where intimacy begins.” Still, not everyone in the Intelligence Unit shares the warm feelings. Within the world of the show, Chapman’s presence hasn’t gone unnoticed — and not always in a good way. Her influence over policy decisions, her proximity to higher-ups, and her working relationship with Voight have raised eyebrows. “She’s a wildcard,” said Patrick John Flueger, who plays Ruzek. “And anytime someone gets close to Voight, it changes the balance of the team. There’s tension, for sure.”
That tension is only expected to rise as Chicago P.D. barrels toward its Season 12 finale. With Chief Reid mounting pressure on the Intelligence Unit and Burgess’s shocking badge removal, the stakes have never been higher. Chapman, stuck between loyalty to Voight and her own political survival, may be forced to choose sides. “It’s not just about chemistry anymore,” Sigan teased. “It’s about consequences.” And yet, fans continue to root for the connection between Voight and Chapman — whether it becomes romantic or not. Some see it as a late-career love story. Others appreciate the emotional vulnerability it unlocks in both characters. Most simply enjoy watching two powerful forces orbit each other with equal parts friction and admiration.
Critics have echoed the sentiment, noting that Voight and Chapman’s relationship has breathed fresh air into the show’s character dynamics. While Voight has had love interests in the past, none have challenged him intellectually and morally the way Chapman does. “They bring out something human in each other,” said Sigan. “And in a show filled with brutality and loss, that humanity matters.”
As for what’s next, the showrunner is playing her cards close to the chest. Will Voight and Chapman finally act on their chemistry? Will professional duties get in the way? Or is this simply a rare, meaningful friendship built on mutual respect? “All I can say,” Sigan said with a knowing smile, “is that we’re not done exploring that relationship.” Fans will have to wait for the finale to see how — or if — their bond shifts. But one thing is certain: in a world where every day could be your last, finding someone who sees you clearly — flaws and all — is more than just rare. It’s a lifeline.
