Chicago PD season 13 episode 9, titled “Heroes,” aired on January 14, 2026, and delivered one of the most emotionally charged hours in the series’ long history. For fans tirelessly advocating for more screen time for Sergeant Trudy Platt (Amy Morton) and Detective Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati), this episode was a revelation. While Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) and the Intelligence Unit remain the heartbeat of Chicago PD, the spotlight on Platt and Burgess in “Heroes” highlighted their untapped potential. It proved, beyond doubt, that Chicago PD season 13—and future seasons—desperately need a bigger focus on these two powerhouse characters to elevate the show from great procedural drama to emotional powerhouse.
In a landscape dominated by high-stakes takedowns and moral gray areas, Platt and Burgess bring humanity, vulnerability, and depth that ground the series in real police work. Episode 9’s raw exploration of grief, denial, and mentorship didn’t just showcase their acting chops—it reminded viewers why Chicago PD endures after 13 seasons. Critics raved, with TV Fanatic awarding it 4.5/5 stars for its “powerful, bleak hour” that spotlights Platt’s long-overdue arc, while Tell-Tale TV called it a “5-star episode” thanks to the duo’s dynamic. Fan reactions on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit echoed this, with posts like “Trudy Platt doesn’t get enough time… this proved the series should focus on her way more often” going viral.
Episode 9 Recap: The Heartbreaking Plot of “Heroes”
To understand why Chicago PD season 13 episode 9 is a turning point, let’s break down the key events without major spoilers for latecomers (stream it on Peacock now for the full impact).
The episode opens with District 21 in chaos—Platt barking orders amid a flurry of complaints, embodying her role as the unflappable desk sergeant. Enter Officer Robbie McKay (Matthew Sean Blumm), one of Platt’s former recruits from Narcotics. He’s been grinding on a two-year case against Adrian Rodriguez (guest star), leader of the Los Gatos gang flooding Humboldt Park with heroin and linked to multiple homicides. McKay seeks Platt’s tactical advice for a raid on a stash house, and she jumps in, true to her mentor instincts.
But McKay ghosts the raid. Alarmed, Platt performs a welfare check at his home. What she finds—a gunshot wound to the head—shatters her. Homicide rules it suicide, citing signs like a moved body (initially suspicious) and McKay’s recent leave. Platt refuses to accept it, convinced Rodriguez silenced him. She drags Intelligence into the fray: Voight, Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins), Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar), and crucially, Burgess.
Burgess, Platt’s protégé, starts supportive but notices red flags: McKay’s informant Inez reveals he was “always buzzed,” GPS shows mundane trips like the laundromat, and no flight response. As the team raids stash houses and nabs suspects like Juan Molina, tension builds. Platt leads with grit—”I bark once, then I bite”—firing shots in a climactic takedown. But Burgess digs deeper, tracing GPS to a dumpster where she finds McKay’s phone. The video inside? A gut-wrenching farewell confirming suicide, amid an epidemic of officer mental health crises (inspired by real U.S. Justice Department stats on cop suicides).
Platt’s breakdown—raw, tearful denial turning to acceptance—is Amy Morton’s masterclass. Burgess delivers the truth with empathy, flipping their mentor-mentee roles. Platt visits McKay’s widow, ensuring dignity. It’s bleak, human, and perfect Chicago PD.
Why Trudy Platt Deserves Way More Screen Time in Chicago PD
Sergeant Trudy Platt has been Chicago PD‘s unsung hero since Season 2, joining as the no-nonsense desk sergeant who mothers the district. Amy Morton, a two-time Tony nominee, infuses Platt with steel and heart—think her brutal takedowns of complainers or quiet wisdom for rookies. Yet, in recent seasons, she’s relegated to one-scene cameos, especially post-patrol focus shift.
Chicago PD season 13 episode 9 changes that. Platt’s arc in “Heroes” is her first true showcase since early seasons, driving the plot from favor to field work. We see her pride in recruits (“heroes” like McKay), denial as self-blame (“I should’ve seen the signs”), and vulnerability. Collider called it “Chicago P.D.‘s most gut-wrenching episode in 13 seasons,” praising Morton’s range: compassion in aiding McKay, grit in raids, grief in breakdown.
Fans agree. X posts demand “more Trudy!” with one viral thread: “Platt is the strongest character… underused for years.” Medium’s review: “A win because it’s a Trudy episode… utilizes Morton to the fullest.” Ratings spiked—episode 9 trended top in One Chicago Wednesdays, per NBC Insider.
Platt grounds Chicago PD in patrol reality. Her stories humanize badges: training officers, facing blue suicides (real issue; episode nods to stats). More Platt means arcs like her marriage to Mouch (Chicago Fire crossover potential), mentoring newbies, or district politics. Imagine Platt vs. brass on officer wellness—gold for Chicago PD season 14.
Kim Burgess: The Steady Force Ready for Deeper Chicago PD Storylines
Kim Burgess, played by Marina Squerciati, evolved from uniformed rookie to Intelligence detective, surviving shootings, losses (baby Gaffney), and Burzek drama. Chicago PD season 13 has her thriving post-Ruzek family focus, but episode 9 cements her as Platt’s equal.
Burgess shines as truth-seeker: interviewing Inez, spotting inconsistencies, solo dumpster dive. She balances loyalty (“having Trudy’s back”) with objectivity, using Platt-taught skills. Showrunner Gwen Sigan teased: “Burgess steps in… challenges her mentor.” TVLine recap: “Burgess develops her own theory… clearer head.”
This role reversal—protégé supporting mentor—is peak character growth. Tell-Tale TV: “Burgess isn’t afraid to stand up to Platt… makes her one of the best detectives.” Fans love “BurgPlatt” dynamic; X buzz: “Burgess looking out for everyone… send the text!” Her arc ties to cop mental health, echoing her traumas.
But Burgess needs more. Chicago PD season 13 episode 9 proves her investigative prowess beyond Burzek. Future: solo cases on at-risk officers, co-leading with Atwater (early Burgwater vibes), or mom-detective balance. Squerciati’s emotional depth (post-shooting recovery) deserves arcs exploring resilience.
The Electric Burgess-Platt Dynamic: Mentorship Meets Mutual Support
Episode 9’s magic? Burgess-Platt chemistry. Historically, Platt mentors Burgess (e.g., early patrols). Here, Burgess flips it: gentle confrontations, hugs amid tears. TV Fanatic: “Tension highlighted layers of their friendship… how far they’ve come.”
NBC Insider: Morton on Squerciati: “Great working… opposite relationship.” It’s sisterly—Platt’s bark softens, Burgess gains confidence. Fangirlish: “Beautiful moment between Trudy and Kim.” This duo contrasts Voight’s intensity: empathy in chaos.
SEO tip: Searching “Chicago PD Burgess Platt relationship season 13” spikes post-episode, per trends. More joint stories = viral gold.
Fan and Critic Reactions: Proof of the Thirst for More
Post-air, X exploded: “Chicago PD s13e9 finally remembers Trudy Platt” (likes: 500+). Reddit: “Heroes” threads praise “Platt-centric… emotional.” Collider: “Reveals side we never see.” Metacritic/Rotten Tomatoes aggregate 90%+ positive.
Viewership: Up 15% from season avg., per Nielsen proxies. One Chicago Center: “Fans finally getting Platt… very emotional.” X semantic hits: “Episode 9 focused on Burgess/Platt… need more.”
Why Chicago PD Must Prioritize Burgess and Platt Moving Forward
Chicago PD season 13 episode 9 isn’t a fluke—it’s a blueprint. Platt/Burgess arcs boost ratings (episode topped NBC night), deepen themes (mental health, mentorship), and showcase Morton’s/Squerciati’s Emmy-worthy talent. With One Chicago crossovers, imagine Platt-Brettsey team-ups or Burgess-Fire probes.
Season 13’s character focus (Torres’ faith, Atwater’s community) works; extend to them. Risks: Neglect leads to fan exodus (SVU lessons). Rewards: Renewal bait, awards buzz.
Stream Chicago PD season 13 episode 9 on Peacock. What’s next? Episode 10 “Faith” hints Intelligence backing Platt more. Writers: Listen—more Burgess, more Platt, more Chicago PD magic.
In conclusion, “Heroes” proved Chicago PD thrives on its women. Platt’s steel, Burgess’s heart—they’re the district’s true heroes. Bigger focus isn’t optional; it’s essential for Chicago PD season 14 to shine. Chi-hards, sound off: More Platt/Burgess? #ChicagoPD #OneChicago
