Season 12 of Chicago P.D. is delivering its most intense storylines yet, and at the center of it all is Adam Ruzek, portrayed by Patrick John Flueger. Between grappling with a strained relationship with his father and navigating the pressures of a chilling serial killer case, Ruzek is facing what Flueger calls his “most soul-crushing” journey to date. In a recent interview, Flueger opened up about the emotional depth of his character’s arc this season, which dives into both his professional and personal life in ways fans haven’t seen before. The combination of a high-stakes investigation and heartbreaking family revelations has left Ruzek battling on multiple fronts.
“This season is definitely a heavy one for Ruzek,” Flueger said. “He’s always been a guy who can handle a lot, whether it’s the dangers of the job or the ups and downs of his personal life. But this time, it feels like everything is hitting him at once. His dad’s situation cuts deeper than anything he’s dealt with before, and then you add in this serial killer case—it’s overwhelming, even for someone as strong as Ruzek.”
A Father-Son Relationship Pushed to the Brink
One of the most talked-about storylines in the current season revolves around Ruzek discovering a dark secret about his father, Bob Ruzek (Jack Coleman). The once-strong but complicated bond between them is pushed to its breaking point as Adam learns that Bob may have been involved in shady dealings that could tarnish the Ruzek family name.
Flueger revealed that the father-son dynamic is one of the most challenging aspects of the storyline. “Ruzek has always looked up to his dad in some way, even when they didn’t see eye to eye. But now, he’s questioning everything he thought he knew about him,” he explained. “It’s a tough realization for anyone to come to terms with, and for Ruzek, it’s shaking him to his core.” Jack Coleman’s performance as Bob Ruzek has drawn widespread praise, and Flueger echoed those sentiments. “Jack brings so much nuance to Bob. He’s not just this ‘bad dad’ figure—he’s complicated, and you can see the layers of regret, pride, and pain in his performance. Acting alongside him in these emotional scenes has been a privilege,” Flueger shared.
The Pressure of the Serial Killer Case
As if the personal turmoil weren’t enough, Ruzek is also deeply involved in one of the Intelligence Unit’s most disturbing cases yet: tracking down a dangerous serial killer who has been terrorizing Chicago. The case is not only physically demanding but also emotionally taxing, as the team races against time to prevent more innocent lives from being lost. “This case is brutal,” Flueger admitted. “It’s one of those situations where you can’t help but take it home with you. Ruzek’s always been someone who puts his whole heart into the job, but this one feels personal in a way that’s hard to explain. It’s like every victim represents someone he feels he’s failed to protect.”
The overlap between Ruzek’s personal and professional struggles adds another layer of complexity to the character. “He’s trying to focus on the case, but in the back of his mind, there’s all this stuff with his dad. It’s exhausting for him emotionally, and you see that wear and tear as the episodes progress,” Flueger said.
Burgess as Ruzek’s Anchor
Amid all the chaos, Ruzek has found support in Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati), his long-time partner and on-again, off-again love interest. The two share a bond that has weathered countless challenges, and this season, Burgess proves to be an anchor for Ruzek as he navigates his darkest moments.
“Kim and Ruzek’s relationship is one of the most meaningful parts of the show for me,” Flueger said. “They’ve been through so much together, and no matter what happens, they always have each other’s backs. This season, you see Burgess really step up for Ruzek in a way that’s so powerful and touching.” Fans have already praised the emotional depth of their interactions this season, with many hoping this could be a turning point for the pair’s relationship. “Burgess is the one person who truly understands Ruzek,” Flueger added. “She knows what he’s going through, and she’s there for him in a way that no one else can be.”
What Lies Ahead
Looking ahead, Flueger teased that Ruzek’s journey this season is far from over. “The thing about Ruzek is that he’s resilient. He’s going to fight through this, but it’s not going to be easy. There are more twists coming that will test him in ways he’s never been tested before,” he said. Executive producer Gwen Sigan also hinted at the lasting impact of this season’s storylines on Ruzek. “We wanted to take Ruzek to a place he’s never been emotionally. These struggles will redefine who he is, both as a cop and as a person,” Sigan shared. As fans eagerly await the next episodes, one thing is clear: Adam Ruzek’s journey in Season 12 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling and emotional arcs in Chicago P.D.’s history. With stellar performances from Patrick John Flueger and Jack Coleman, the show continues to raise the bar for storytelling and character development.
