The latest bombshell episode of Chicago P.D. has left fans reeling, and now the cast is breaking their silence on the shocking turn of events that saw Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) stripped of her badge—and a sinister threat from Reid that may change everything for the Intelligence Unit.
Season 12 has already proven to be one of the most emotionally intense seasons of Chicago P.D. to date, but the latest installment has taken the drama to a whole new level. In a devastating sequence of events, Burgess was placed under investigation following a controversial shooting, and by the end of the episode, she was forced to hand over her badge. While fans are still recovering from the heartbreak, the cast is opening up about how these scenes were crafted—and what they mean for the road ahead.
Burgess’s Breakdown: “It Was Her Identity”
For Marina Squerciati, filming the badge handover was one of the most difficult moments of her Chicago P.D. career. “That badge—it’s not just a piece of metal for Burgess. It’s her identity, her purpose, her life,” she explained in a behind-the-scenes interview. “To lose it, even temporarily, is like losing a part of herself.”
The decision to suspend Burgess came after her judgment was questioned during a high-stakes operation gone wrong. Though loyal fans know she acted from instinct and heart, internal affairs had other opinions. The moment when she quietly placed her badge on the desk—visibly trembling—was as symbolic as it was tragic.
Squerciati added that she worked closely with the episode’s director to convey the full weight of the scene. “We wanted it to be quiet, not explosive,” she said. “That silence says everything. It’s a character who is questioning her value for the first time in a long time.”
Reid’s Threat: A New Villain Emerges
Just when viewers thought the emotional damage was enough, the final moments of the episode introduced an even more disturbing development: a direct threat from Reid (portrayed chillingly by new cast addition Derek Webster), a shady political figure with deep connections and a dangerous agenda.
In a hushed, private conversation with Voight (Jason Beghe), Reid made it clear: keep digging into his business, and there will be consequences—not just for Voight, but for the entire unit. “You think losing a badge is bad?” Reid whispers. “Try losing everything you care about.”
The cast and crew are calling Reid the most dangerous adversary the Intelligence Unit has faced in years. According to Beghe, “Reid isn’t just another corrupt official. He’s a mastermind. He doesn’t shout. He whispers. And that’s a hell of a lot scarier.”
Cast Reactions: “It Hits Different This Time”
Several Chicago P.D. cast members took to social media and interviews to discuss the episode’s gut-wrenching themes.
LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater) posted on X:
“That ending… man. Watching Burgess lose her badge? It hit different. Marina gave a masterclass.”
Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton) told fans via Instagram Live, “The emotions in this episode were very real on set. We’ve all grown so close as a cast, and watching Burgess go through that felt personal. You’re going to see the unit react in a big way next episode.”
Even showrunner Gwen Sigan weighed in, teasing that this is just the beginning of a larger arc. “We wanted this to feel like the floor is dropping out beneath the Intelligence Unit,” she said. “Losing Burgess isn’t just emotional—it’s strategic. It weakens the team. And Reid knows it.”
What This Means for Burgess and the Unit
The question on everyone’s mind now is: what happens next?
Early spoilers suggest that Burgess’s suspension may not be permanent—but that doesn’t mean the damage won’t linger. Without her badge, she’s not just off the street—she’s vulnerable. Fans are already theorizing that Burgess might take matters into her own hands to clear her name, which could put her even more at odds with Reid and the department.
Meanwhile, the Intelligence Unit is feeling the pressure. With Voight walking a tightrope, Atwater and Upton will need to pick up the slack. There’s also talk of new leadership being installed temporarily—possibly someone working directly under Reid’s influence. If that’s the case, then the Intelligence Unit could be facing an inside threat unlike anything they’ve seen before.
Fans Are Rallying Behind Burgess
The fanbase has erupted in support for Marina Squerciati and her character. #JusticeForBurgess quickly began trending after the episode aired, with fans flooding NBC’s social platforms with messages of hope, fury, and love.
“She’s the heart of the team,” one fan wrote. “Without her, the unit doesn’t function.”
Another tweeted, “This better be temporary. Burgess deserves justice, not humiliation.”
Marina responded to the outpouring with gratitude, tweeting:
“You guys… I’m speechless. Thank you for riding with me and with Kim. There’s more story to tell. Stay tuned.”
The Bigger Picture: A Battle Brewing
What Chicago P.D. has done masterfully this season is introduce a layered, slow-burning arc that intertwines personal heartbreak with systemic corruption. The Reid storyline is a reminder that the threats aren’t always from criminals on the street—sometimes they’re in suits, making decisions behind closed doors. Voight, who has always lived by his own code, now finds himself in a position where his typical brand of justice might not be enough. With Burgess sidelined and Reid playing puppet master, it’s clear the Intelligence Unit is in for its most dangerous fight yet.
This episode marks a turning point for Chicago P.D. Season 12. With Burgess’s badge gone and a political war brewing, the stakes have never been higher. The performances, the writing, and the emotional depth of this episode have reminded fans why Chicago P.D. remains one of the most gripping dramas on television. As the cast continues to speak out about the intense experience of filming these scenes, one thing is clear: this story is far from over. And when Burgess does come back—and fans have no doubt she will—it’s going to be with fire in her eyes.
