When fans talk about Chicago P.D. and who they’d love to see return in Season 13, one name inevitably dominates the conversation: Jay Halstead. His exit in Season 10 left a void, no doubt. But there’s another former character whose return could do even more for the show—narratively, emotionally, and thematically.
It’s time to talk about Alvin Olinsky. That’s right—Voight’s ride-or-die. The loyal, trench coat-wearing detective who stood in the shadows but carried more weight than almost anyone else in the Intelligence Unit. Olinsky’s death in Season 5 was heartbreaking and, many argue, unjust. Bringing him back, even in a non-traditional form, could reignite the emotional core of Chicago P.D. and take Season 13 to a whole new level.
Olinsky wasn’t just another detective. He was Voight’s conscience, his oldest friend, and the man who understood the dark corners of the job without losing his soul. His presence grounded Voight. While the rest of the team feared or respected Voight, Olinsky challenged him, stood by him, and—most importantly—kept him human.
His brutal death in jail, framed for a murder he didn’t commit, was one of the series’ most gut-wrenching moments. It didn’t just rob fans of a beloved character; it shattered Voight’s world and sparked a slow, spiraling emotional downfall that we’re still seeing ripple effects of today. In a show built on justice and loyalty, Olinsky’s fate has always felt like an unresolved wound. And that’s exactly why his return—whether literal or symbolic—could offer so much in Season 13.
Let’s be clear: Jay Halstead was a fantastic character. His moral compass and military background brought a necessary sense of honor to the team. His dynamic with Upton was one of the most compelling romantic arcs in the franchise. But Jay’s story felt more “paused” than tragic. He left to take on a military mission. The door was left open. Olinsky’s story? It ended in blood and injustice. He didn’t get a goodbye. He didn’t get justice. He died betrayed and alone, and Voight has never truly recovered.
This is why Olinsky’s absence feels heavier. It’s not just emotional—it’s unfinished. No, Olinsky doesn’t need to come back from the dead. Chicago P.D. isn’t The Walking Dead. But his presence can return in powerful, creative ways that respect the show’s grounded realism.
1. Flashbacks
We’ve seen the show use flashbacks effectively before. Recreating key moments between Voight and Olinsky could add depth to Voight’s current struggles, especially as he grapples with his role in the changing department. These scenes could also show fans a side of Olinsky we never saw—his doubts, his family life, his regrets.
2. Hallucinations or Visions
In a particularly stressful moment—say, after the loss of another team member or a major betrayal—Voight could “see” Olinsky, his conscience embodied. A single scene where Olinsky speaks the truth Voight doesn’t want to hear could be one of the most iconic moments in the series.
3. Uncovered Evidence
What if Voight stumbles upon something Olinsky left behind? A journal. A recording. A piece of evidence that exonerates him or reopens the case that got him killed. It could be the start of a mini-arc to clear his name once and for all—and give Voight the closure he never had.
Let’s face it—Chicago P.D. is at its best when it dives deep into the emotional trenches. We don’t just watch for action; we watch for the human cost of policing, for the emotional weight of every badge and bullet. Voight is a man haunted by loss. But so far, the show has only skimmed the surface of his grief for Olinsky. We saw the rage. We saw the vengeance. But we never saw the healing—or the guilt. Season 13 could finally give us that. Season 13 is shaping up to be a major turning point for Chicago P.D. With multiple cast members leaving, and Voight’s authority being challenged from all sides (including by ASA Chapman and her legal team), the show is at a narrative crossroads. This is the perfect time to look back—to reflect on how far the team has come, and what they’ve lost along the way. Bringing Olinsky back into the conversation doesn’t just serve nostalgia. It deepens the narrative. It reminds viewers—and Voight—what’s at stake when lines are crossed and justice is denied.
