Chicago P.D. gears up for its 13th season, fans are facing another unexpected shake-up: Toya Turner, who played Detective Jo Martinez in Season 12, will not be returning. The news has sparked a wave of frustration and concern among viewers, especially given the show’s recent history of mishandled exits. Turner’s departure is the latest in a string of character changes that have disrupted the emotional continuity of the series — and this time, fans are hoping the writers don’t repeat the mistakes of the past.
Jo Martinez was introduced as a new addition to the Intelligence Unit in Season 12. With a background in military intelligence and a calm, analytical approach to investigations, Martinez brought a refreshing change of pace to a team known for its emotionally charged methods. She was methodical, measured, and didn’t shy away from questioning Hank Voight’s controversial tactics — earning her both the respect and suspicion of her fellow detectives.
As of now, neither NBC nor Wolf Entertainment has provided a clear explanation for Turner’s departure. Theories range from creative decisions in the writers’ room to potential scheduling conflicts or new opportunities for the actress herself. Turner, who gained widespread recognition in Netflix’s Warrior Nun, is reportedly exploring new projects and lead roles elsewhere. Still, that doesn’t absolve the series of the responsibility to close her arc in a respectful, believable way.
What would a respectful exit look like? Ideally, it would involve at least one meaningful scene — a conversation between Jo and Voight, or an emotional farewell with Atwater or Upton. Whether she leaves for a promotion, transfers to another unit, or takes a leave for personal reasons, the key is acknowledgment. Anything less would feel like a dismissal not just of the character, but of the audience who invested in her.
The show also has to consider what this means for the larger ensemble. With Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton) confirmed to be leaving early in Season 13 and Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead) already gone, Chicago P.D. is losing key anchors in its cast. That leaves Marina Squerciati’s Kim Burgess as the only remaining female detective in the Intelligence Unit, raising concerns about gender balance and character diversity moving forward. The stakes for Season 13 are high. The series has always thrived on character-driven storytelling, and while cast changes are inevitable in any long-running show, how they’re handled makes all the difference. The writers have the chance to correct past missteps by treating Jo Martinez’s departure with care, intention, and narrative weight.
Fans aren’t asking for a multi-episode sendoff — just a moment that honors what Martinez brought to the show. She wasn’t just another new recruit; she was a symbol of change in a unit grappling with moral gray areas. Her quiet strength, discipline, and moral clarity challenged the status quo in ways that made her more than just a supporting character — she was starting to reshape the team.
The disappointment surrounding her exit speaks volumes. It’s not just about losing a character; it’s about losing a sense of continuity and emotional payoff. When characters disappear without explanation, it undercuts the realism and emotional stakes that Chicago P.D. is known for. Still, it’s not too late to make it right. If the show uses its Season 13 premiere to explain Jo’s departure — ideally on-screen and in a way that honors her contributions — it can still offer fans the closure they deserve. And if Turner ever returns down the line? Even better.
