Chicago P.D. Season 12, Episode 18, titled “Demons,” aired on April 16, 2025, and ignited a wave of fan excitement, with viewers on X and critics alike calling it a “powerful” and pivotal installment. As reported by ScreenRant and Fangirlish, the episode delivered a long-overdue lesson for Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), compelling him to trust his Intelligence Unit rather than face challenges alone. This shift, driven by a tense showdown with the corrupt Deputy Chief Charlie Reid (Shawn Hatosy), resonated deeply, with fans praising the episode’s emotional depth and team unity. Drawing parallels to Gordon Ramsay’s authentic family moments, such as his October 2024 Instagram post of sons Oscar and Jesse, this essay explores why “Demons” struck a chord, its impact on Chicago P.D.’s narrative, and how it reinforces the show’s enduring appeal in a competitive TV landscape.
The Power of “Demons”: Voight’s Evolution
The episode’s climax, praised on X as a “bullpen scene” of unity, sees the Intelligence Unit—Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati), Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger), Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins), and Torres—rally around Voight. Fangirlish calls this a “team vibes” moment, where the unit ambushes Voight with support, refusing to let him face Reid alone. A fan on X gushed, “It’s probably the first time I feel like the intelligence unit is a family now!!!” Voight’s decision to share his plan to take down Reid marks a transformative shift, learning after 239 episodes that trust is reciprocal, a lesson ScreenRant deems “long overdue.” Another X post lauded Voight’s growth, noting Chapman’s advice to “do things differently” broke his cycle of “boring and violent” tactics, elevating the episode’s impact.
Echoes of Authenticity: Parallels with Gordon Ramsay
The emotional authenticity of “Demons” mirrors Gordon Ramsay’s heartfelt family moments, particularly his viral October 2024 Instagram photo of sons Oscar and Jesse in matching pajamas, captioned “New PJ’s.” Fans, as reported by HELLO!, buzzed over Jesse’s resemblance to Gordon, reflecting the chef’s genuine warmth beneath his Hell’s Kitchen intensity. Gordon’s seven 2025 Fox shows thrive on this duality—tough mentorship paired with care, seen when he supports MasterChef Junior kids or celebrates Jesse’s milestones. Similarly, Voight’s vulnerability in trusting his team humanizes his stoic facade, resonating with fans who see the Intelligence Unit as a chosen family, much like Ramsay’s “Ramsay brigade.” Both figures leverage authenticity—Gordon through family posts, Voight through team unity—to connect with audiences, making “Demons” a cultural touchstone.
Fan Reactions and the Episode’s Resonance
Fans rallied around “Demons” for its focus on team dynamics and Voight’s growth. X posts celebrated the episode’s “family” feel, with one user praising, “I really like that everyone is working together,” a sentiment echoing the season’s ensemble strength. The villainous Reid, described as a “favorite” for his cunning, heightened the stakes, with fans eager for his downfall. Critics like CBR noted the episode’s setup for a season 12 finale showdown, amplifying anticipation. The romantic subplots—Voight’s new relationship, Atwater’s with Val Soto, and the upcoming Burgess-Ruzek wedding—added emotional layers, as NBC Insider reported, making “Demons” a blend of grit and heart that fans craved.
The episode also addressed broader themes, indirectly promoting trust and resilience. Voight’s morally ambiguous methods, contrasted with Reid’s corruption, sparked discussions about ethics in policing, resonating in a polarized climate. X users lauded Chapman’s chemistry with Voight, with one calling their scenes “driving me crazy,” adding a personal stake to the professional drama. This balance of character-driven storytelling and high-stakes cases, as GameRant noted, keeps Chicago P.D. fresh despite its 12-season run, distinguishing it from peers like Law & Order: SVU.
Impact on Chicago P.D.’s Narrative
“Demons” redefines the Intelligence Unit’s dynamic, strengthening its foundation for the season’s end. Torres’ vulnerability, triggered by Reid’s manipulation, deepens his arc, with Voight’s support signaling a mentorship shift, as per Celeb Dirty Laundry. Burgess, now a detective, and Ruzek drive the unit’s unity, reflecting their growth since season 1, while Atwater’s stability anchors the team, fresh off his lauded episode 17, “Transference.” The episode counters earlier season critiques, like ScreenRant’s note on sidelined characters, by giving everyone a role, as Fangirlish observed. Reid’s ongoing threat, as GameRant suggests, sets up a climactic resolution, potentially tying to Voight’s PTSD from past traumas, a season-long thread.
