Kim Burgess carries the weight of Chicago P.D. alone, while Trudy Platt’s absence leaves a void. “Why should Burgess be the only woman in a male-dominated squad?”
For over a decade, Chicago P.D. has delivered gripping cases, high-stakes drama, and a rotating cast of detectives who’ve come and gone. Through it all, one character has remained a cornerstone: Officer Kim Burgess, played by Marina Squerciati. As the longest-standing female star on the show, Burgess has carried some of the most emotional and harrowing storylines in recent seasons. But her continued dominance as the sole woman in Intelligence raises a pressing question — is one female perspective enough in a squad dominated by men?
When Burgess first joined Intelligence in Season 1, she brought an energy and optimism that balanced out the hardened grit of characters like Voight and Ruzek. Over the years, she’s transformed into one of the unit’s most resilient officers, surviving shootings, kidnappings, and personal heartbreak. Season after season, fans have watched Burgess endure trauma while still stepping up as a fiercely protective mother and determined cop.
Yet as Chicago P.D. evolves, her position as the only female in the unit has become increasingly glaring. Sergeant Trudy Platt (Amy Morton), once a scene-stealing presence offering wit, wisdom, and mentorship, has seen her role reduced in recent seasons. With Platt largely absent, Burgess is left to shoulder the responsibility of representing female voices within the show — both in the squad room and in the larger narrative.
The issue isn’t Burgess’ strength; it’s the lack of balance. Burgess has proven she can hold her own against any of her male counterparts, often outshining them in episodes that focus on her resilience and moral compass. But with so many women exiting the One Chicago universe — from Sophia Bush’s Erin Lindsay to Tracy Spiridakos’ upcoming departure as Hailey Upton — Chicago P.D. risks sidelining female perspectives at a time when audiences are demanding greater representation. Fans on social media have echoed the sentiment, asking why Burgess is left as the lone woman in a squad meant to reflect the diverse reality of policing in Chicago. The series has shown it can write strong, layered women; now, many believe it’s time to bring more of them back into the fold.
Introducing new female officers or detectives wouldn’t diminish Burgess’ importance — it would enhance it. By giving her colleagues who can share in the emotional, physical, and ethical challenges of the job, the show could create richer storytelling opportunities while avoiding the pitfall of placing the burden of representation on a single character’s shoulders. As Season 12 unfolds, Marina Squerciati continues to deliver powerhouse performances, proving why Kim Burgess has become the heart of the show. But for Chicago P.D. to stay relevant and resonant, it may need to address the imbalance at its core. After all, why should Burgess be the only woman holding the line in Intelligence?
