The Season 12 finale of Chicago P.D. delivered all the intensity, emotion, and high-stakes drama fans have come to expect. Yet, for all its satisfying moments, the final episode also left viewers reeling with unresolved storylines, character departures, and major cliffhangers. As the screen faded to black, one thing became crystal clear: Intelligence may have wrapped another case, but their world is anything but calm.
Arguably the most gut-wrenching moment of the finale came when Kim Burgess made a life-altering decision. After a tense season filled with emotional strain, particularly in her relationship with Ruzek, Burgess hinted at a possible exit from Intelligence. Her final scene, packing up her desk with tears in her eyes, felt eerily final. But is this truly the end for Burgess? The showrunners have remained tight-lipped, and no official statement has confirmed Marina Squerciati’s permanent departure. Given her integral role in the squad—and her fan-favorite status—many are hoping this is just a temporary break. Still, her ambiguous exit has left a huge emotional void heading into Season 13.
Adam Ruzek has been on a steady arc of growth, especially in his role as a father and partner. But with Burgess seemingly stepping away and their future as a couple uncertain, Ruzek is left in limbo. His devastation in the final moments was palpable—this wasn’t just a breakup; it felt like a total unraveling. So, what’s next for him? Will he throw himself further into his work to cope? Will his bond with Makayla remain intact without Burgess as the central glue? Or could Ruzek spiral back into his old impulsive ways? The finale sets up a crossroads for him, and fans are anxious to see which path he’ll choose.
Could she step into Burgess’s shoes? Or might the show surprise us with a completely new addition? The dynamics within Intelligence are delicate, and whoever joins will have big shoes to fill—and significant trust to earn. Throughout the series, Hank Voight has remained a hardened, morally grey figure. But this season showed glimmers of change, especially in how he handled the delicate case involving trafficked youth and his mentorship of Torres. The finale suggested a wearier, more introspective Voight—someone who may be finally questioning his old-school tactics. Will we see a “softer” Voight next season? Or will pressure from above, and the increasing danger on Chicago’s streets, push him back into old habits? His leadership continues to be both a strength and a risk for the unit, and the show seems poised to test his boundaries like never before.
Dante Torres emerged as a standout this season, tackling undercover assignments and facing personal trauma head-on. But his deepening relationship with Voight, while mentorship-based, also hinted at possible manipulation. Voight sees promise in Torres—but is the young officer fully onboard with the ethical gray zones that come with being in Intelligence? Torres’s internal conflict remains unresolved. As he’s pulled between loyalty to the team and a desire to do things “by the book,” it’s unclear whether his future lies within this morally complex unit. Season 13 could be the season Torres either fully transforms—or walks away.
Tracy Spiridakos’s Hailey Upton was absent for much of the season after a painful farewell early in the year. While fans were prepared for her exit, many held onto hope for a last-minute cameo or hint at her possible return. That never happened. The show carefully left the door open for Upton, with characters referencing her departure in vague terms. Could this mean we’ll see her again? Or was her absence this season the franchise’s way of easing her out entirely? If so, how will the show fill the emotional void left by one of its most complex and beloved characters?
This season introduced new layers of political tension, particularly involving oversight from the CPD’s Internal Affairs division and city officials scrutinizing Voight’s unit. The finale hinted that bigger powers are watching—and perhaps planning to make changes that could shake Intelligence to its core. Could Intelligence face restructuring? Will Voight be forced into retirement? Will new characters be inserted to “clean up” the team? The political landscape around the department is more unstable than ever, and Season 13 may shift the focus toward this external pressure, threatening to dismantle the tight-knit bond within the team.
The Chicago P.D. Season 12 finale was equal parts closure and chaos. While some storylines found temporary resolution, others were cracked wide open, leaving a trail of questions behind. Relationships are hanging by a thread. Loyalties are being tested. And the future of Intelligence feels more uncertain than ever. What makes Chicago P.D. so compelling isn’t just its action—it’s the emotional heartbeat of its characters. With Burgess’s potential exit, Torres’s rising conflict, and Voight’s looming evolution, the stage is set for a transformative Season 13.
