If you’re a Chicago PD fan like me, you probably felt the sting after watching the Season 12 finale. What was supposed to be a gripping, emotional crescendo instead felt like a massive letdown—especially when it came to two of the show’s beloved characters, Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek. In this review, I’m diving deep into why NBC’s handling of these characters not only fell flat but left fans genuinely dismayed.
Why Fans Care So Much About Kim Burgess & Adam Ruzek
Before we jump into the finale itself, it’s important to understand why Kim and Adam are such fan favorites. These two characters have been through thick and thin together. Their chemistry and storylines have been a cornerstone of Chicago PD’s emotional pull for years. Their dynamic isn’t just about work; it’s about real human connections, struggles, and growth.
The Build-Up to Season 12 Finale: Expectations Were High
The finale had the potential to be one of the best episodes ever. After an entire season packed with intense drama, personal struggles, and complex cases, fans were expecting closure and payoff. Did NBC deliver? Unfortunately, not in the way we hoped.
The Plot Twist That Didn’t Land
Instead of a powerful climax, the finale offered an underwhelming plot twist that left more questions than answers. It felt rushed, like the writers didn’t give enough thought to Burgess and Ruzek’s arcs. Was it lack of planning, or just a failure to value these characters? The jury’s still out.
NBC’s Storytelling Miss: Lack of Character Development
One of the biggest issues was how Burgess and Ruzek’s development was sidelined. Rather than evolving naturally, their storylines felt forced and inconsistent. This lack of depth made it hard for viewers to stay emotionally invested.
The Impact on the Overall Season 12 Narrative
Because these two characters are so central, their mishandling hurt the entire season’s narrative. The finale felt disjointed, and the emotional beats didn’t hit as hard. The audience was left wondering: was the whole season building up to this?
What Could NBC Have Done Differently?
Looking back, NBC had plenty of opportunities to give Burgess and Ruzek a satisfying send-off. Here are some things they could have done:
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Given them meaningful dialogue that reflected their growth
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Allowed their relationship to resolve organically
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Offered clarity on their futures instead of vague cliffhangers
Fan Reactions: A Community Let Down
Social media exploded after the finale. Fans took to Twitter and Reddit, expressing their disappointment. Many felt betrayed, as if NBC didn’t respect their investment in these characters.
How This Finale Compares to Previous Seasons
Comparing Season 12’s finale to previous seasons is painful. Earlier finales balanced action, emotion, and character arcs expertly. This time, the balance was off, and Burgess and Ruzek suffered the most.
Behind The Scenes: Possible Reasons For The Misstep
Rumors have circulated about behind-the-scenes issues—contract disputes, rushed writing schedules, or shifting priorities. While speculation, these factors might explain why NBC faltered here.
The Importance of Kim Burgess & Adam Ruzek to the Chicago PD Universe
These two aren’t just side characters—they’re essential to the Chicago PD identity. Their journey resonates with fans because it’s authentic, relatable, and heartfelt. Losing that connection weakens the entire show.
What This Means for Future Seasons
Will NBC learn from this? The showrunners need to rethink how they handle core characters if they want to keep the fanbase strong. Ignoring viewer sentiment risks long-term damage to Chicago PD’s reputation.
The Power of Character-Driven Storytelling
This finale serves as a reminder: no matter how thrilling the plot, character-driven storytelling is what keeps viewers hooked. Neglecting Burgess and Ruzek was a storytelling misstep that undercut the season’s potential.
How Fans Can Voice Their Discontent Constructively
If you’re upset like me, there are ways to make your voice heard without hate or negativity:
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Writing thoughtful reviews
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Engaging in fan forums with respect
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Supporting petitions or campaigns that call for better writing
Hope for Redemption: What Fans Want Next
Despite the disappointment, many fans hold out hope. What would redemption look like? A strong focus on Burgess and Ruzek in Season 13, clear resolutions, and renewed character depth.
Conclusion: A Finale That Missed the Mark
In the end, Chicago PD Season 12 finale was a missed opportunity. NBC’s failure to do justice to Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek left fans frustrated and disillusioned. These characters deserve better—better writing, better arcs, and better respect. Here’s hoping the next season learns from these mistakes and gives us the emotional satisfaction we crave.
