Chicago P.D. fans were treated to a gripping and intense episode on May 14, 2025, as Season 12, Episode 21, titled “Open Casket,” delivered a powerful mix of betrayal, corruption, and emotional turmoil that left the Intelligence Unit reeling. This episode set the stage for the season finale by pushing the characters to their limits and threatening to dismantle the very team fans have come to know and love.
The episode centers on a dangerous power struggle within the Chicago Police Department, as Deputy Chief Charlie Reid’s corrupt influence becomes impossible to ignore. Reid, long suspected of using his position for personal gain and manipulating department affairs, steps up his game by exploiting his authority to target rival gangs selectively. His ultimate goal is to strengthen the position of gang leader Jesus Otero, who benefits from Reid’s covert protection and assistance in expanding his drug operations across the city. Sergeant Hank Voight, the unwavering leader of the Intelligence Unit, refuses to back down in the face of Reid’s intimidation tactics. Partnering with Assistant State’s Attorney Nina Chapman, Voight intensifies his efforts to expose Reid’s corruption and protect the integrity of the unit. Yet Reid isn’t just fighting in the shadows—he’s directly interfering with the unit’s work, using Reid’s power to undermine Voight and those loyal to him.
The tension escalates as Reid attempts to leverage dirt on Voight and his team, specifically targeting Detective Dante Torres. Reid’s threat to expose Torres’s past inappropriate relationship with a criminal informant illustrates the extent to which Reid will go to control and destabilize the Intelligence Unit. This not only adds a personal dimension to the conflict but also puts Torres’s career and reputation on the line. In a risky move to undermine Reid’s alliance with Otero, Voight proposes a plan to use Otero’s son, Rennie, who has been secretly skimming profits from his father’s drug empire. By offering Rennie leniency, Voight hopes to sow distrust between Otero and Reid and unravel their partnership. However, the plan goes horribly wrong when Otero is kidnapped and subsequently found dead—an act that strongly suggests Reid’s hand in the murder.
“Open Casket” is more than just an action-packed episode; it’s a deep exploration of loyalty, justice, and the personal costs of fighting corruption. Viewers see how Voight’s leadership is tested, as his commitment to the truth puts his team and himself at risk. The emotional weight of Burgess’s firing is palpable, especially given her character’s growth over the series—from a rookie officer learning the ropes to a tough, compassionate detective and mother.
Kim Burgess’s character has always been a fan favorite, thanks to Marina Squerciati’s nuanced portrayal. Seeing Burgess face such professional and personal setbacks underscores the stakes involved in the conflict with Reid. Her firing is not just a professional blow; it’s a symbolic fracture within the Intelligence Unit and a reminder of how vulnerable they are when corruption runs unchecked.
Similarly, Detective Torres finds himself in a precarious position. His arrest shakes the foundation of trust within the unit and highlights the complexity of navigating personal histories while serving justice. Torres’s storyline adds layers to the narrative, reminding viewers that the line between right and wrong can be blurred in the face of loyalty and survival.
The episode masterfully balances fast-paced police procedural elements with rich character development, making every twist and turn feel earned rather than sensationalized. The audience is invited to feel the pressure mounting on the Intelligence Unit as internal and external threats close in. Every interaction crackles with tension, from confrontations with Reid to moments of solidarity among the team members.
