Kim Burgess has always been a cornerstone of Chicago P.D., evolving from a bright-eyed patrol officer into a seasoned detective who has repeatedly proven her grit, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to justice. Now, as she takes on a significant leadership role within Intelligence, the dynamics within the unit are bound to shift—for better or worse.
While this change marks a long-overdue recognition of Burgess’ skills, it also raises a critical question: How will her promotion impact her relationships with her team, especially with Adam Ruzek?
A Leadership Role That’s Been a Long Time Coming
For years, Burgess has been a fan-favorite due to her resilience and ability to balance compassion with toughness. She has faced countless near-death experiences, personal heartbreaks, and professional setbacks, yet she remains one of the most dedicated members of Intelligence.
Showrunner Gwen Sigan recently addressed Burgess’ evolving role, stating:
“Burgess has earned this. She’s been through hell, she’s fought her way back, and now she’s stepping into a leadership position that she’s more than ready for.”
This transition isn’t just about a title change—it’s about Burgess finally being recognized as a leader in a unit that has often been dominated by Voight’s intense presence. And while she may not lead in the same aggressive way that Voight does, her leadership will bring a fresh perspective to Intelligence.
Burgess & Ruzek: A New Challenge for “Burzek”
Burgess’ leadership promotion will inevitably put her relationship with Adam Ruzek under a microscope. Their history is complicated—they’ve been through breakups, reconciliations, co-parenting struggles, and life-threatening situations together. Now, with Burgess holding a position of authority, the power dynamics between them are shifting.
- Will Ruzek struggle with Burgess having more control in professional situations?
- Will Burgess feel pressured to keep her personal feelings separate from work?
- Can their romantic relationship survive this transition?
While Ruzek has always been supportive of Burgess’ success, the added pressure of workplace hierarchy could create tension in ways they haven’t experienced before.
How Burgess’ Leadership Impacts the Rest of Intelligence
Beyond Ruzek, Burgess’ leadership will also reshape her relationships with the rest of Intelligence.
- Voight: He has long been a mentor to Burgess, but will he struggle with relinquishing some control?
- Atwater: The two have always shared a deep trust—will this new dynamic bring them closer or create friction?
- Halstead’s Absence: With Halstead gone, Burgess stepping up fills a critical leadership void, but does it put more pressure on her?
One of the biggest tests Burgess will face in this role is proving that she can command the same respect as Voight without sacrificing her moral compass. While Voight has built his reputation on fear and intimidation, Burgess has always leaned on her empathy and emotional intelligence.
Will Intelligence embrace her leadership style, or will she have to prove herself in ways she never anticipated?
Why This Change Is Exactly What Chicago P.D. Needs
At its core, Chicago P.D. has always been about evolution and growth. Characters have come and gone, roles have shifted, and the Intelligence Unit has adapted with every new challenge. Burgess taking on a leadership position isn’t just about her—it’s about pushing the show forward.
Her promotion opens the door for new storytelling possibilities, forcing the team to adapt to a fresh leadership approach while keeping fans invested in the relationships they’ve grown to love.
