The world of Chicago P.D. was rocked once again in the explosive midseason finale, and this time, the shock came not from a shootout or a car chase — but from a brutal twist of fate for one of Intelligence’s most beloved officers. Kim Burgess, played with incredible emotional nuance by Marina Squerciati, found herself stripped of her badge after a controversial takedown spiraled out of control. And if that wasn’t enough, rising villain Jack Reid delivered a bone-chilling threat that promises chaos in the back half of Season 12.
Now, the cast of Chicago P.D. is finally breaking their silence on the jaw-dropping developments — and hinting at a much darker road ahead. Fans have long admired Kim Burgess for her resilience. Over the past 12 seasons, she’s survived trauma, heartbreak, and near-death experiences. But nothing could’ve prepared her — or the audience — for the moment Internal Affairs turned on her after what appeared to be a justified use of force.
In the controversial incident, Burgess acted on instinct to protect a hostage during a tense standoff. But when bodycam footage was leaked and social pressure mounted, the department caved — suspending her and initiating a formal badge removal hearing. “Burgess isn’t just losing her job,” Marina Squerciati said in a behind-the-scenes interview. “She’s losing her identity, her purpose. She’s always put everything on the line for that badge, and now it’s been taken from her.”
Jason Beghe, who plays Sergeant Hank Voight, weighed in on the impact this has on the entire team. “Voight’s furious. He’s protective of his people, and he knows the politics behind this stink. He’s going to push back hard — but it might be too late.” While Chicago P.D. has never shied away from difficult storylines, the cast admits that this moment feels different. It’s not just another temporary suspension or emotional hurdle — it’s a turning point for the entire Intelligence unit.
LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater) shared, “You’ll see cracks form in the team. This kind of injustice makes people question everything — the system, each other, even their own decisions. We’re going to see sides of Burgess and the rest of the squad that we haven’t seen before.” Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek) also commented on the emotional fallout between his character and Burgess. “Ruzek’s devastated. He’s been fighting so hard for their family and their relationship. Watching Burgess spiral, knowing he can’t fix it with a hug or a rescue mission — it’s heartbreaking.”
The show’s writers have masterfully woven the threads of Burgess’s badge loss and Reid’s vendetta into a single, overarching crisis. Burgess’s vulnerability makes her an easy target, while Reid’s strategy seems designed to dismantle the team from the inside out — starting with its heart. “What’s happening to Burgess is part of Reid’s larger plan,” Squerciati revealed. “He knows how to exploit weakness, and he’s using that to isolate us — to make us question our loyalty to each other.”
With the second half of Season 12 looming, fans are left with more questions than answers. Will Burgess fight to get her badge back, or will she walk away from Intelligence forever? Can Voight outmaneuver a villain who’s always one step ahead? And how far is Reid willing to go to destroy the team? Showrunner Gwen Sigan teased, “We’re building toward something massive. The fallout from Burgess’s suspension and Reid’s threat will redefine this season. Nobody’s safe, and no one comes out of this unchanged.”
Social media erupted after the episode aired. Hashtags like #JusticeForBurgess and #ReidMustFall trended within hours, with fans expressing outrage and heartbreak. “This better not be the end for Burgess. She deserves better!” one user tweeted.
“Reid gives me serious chills. Haven’t hated a villain this much since the early seasons,” another wrote. Many fans have praised the show for its bold storytelling and willingness to push characters out of their comfort zones. “It’s raw. It’s real. It hurts. But that’s why we love this show,” said one Reddit user.
