The intensity of Chicago’s 21st District often feels relentless, but the latest episodes of Chicago P.D. turned the heat up in ways no one could have predicted.
As the dust settles, it’s not just the physical losses that weigh heavy on Ruzek’s shoulders. Flueger hints that this deadly twist marks a pivotal moment for his character, not only as an officer but as a man caught between duty and personal redemption. Fans have been captivated by Ruzek’s on-again, off-again romance with Kim Burgess, played by Marina Squerciati. But Flueger is quick to clarify that Ruzek’s story is about much more than rekindling old flames or finding love. In a candid interview, he shared, “People love the idea of Burgess and Ruzek being together, but there’s nothing romantic about what’s happening this season. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s messy.”
The emotional complexity of Ruzek’s character is central to what makes him so compelling. His internal battle—fighting to protect those he loves while struggling to keep his own demons at bay—creates a character arc that transcends the typical cop drama. “Ruzek’s not chasing a fairytale ending,” Flueger says. “He’s chasing peace—within himself and in a world that feels increasingly chaotic.”
The actor also revealed his vision for how he’d like Ruzek’s story to conclude, and it’s not what you might expect. While fans may be holding out for a Burgess-Ruzek wedding or a heroic send-off, Flueger has a different idea: “I don’t want Ruzek’s story to end with a bow on it. There’s nothing romantic about it. I want him to find closure, but in a way that’s bittersweet, because that’s what life is like. He’s been through too much to walk away unscathed.”
Flueger envisions Ruzek finding peace in his own way, but he’s adamant that this peace doesn’t come from a traditional happy ending. “Maybe he’s not meant to be with Burgess. Maybe he’s not meant to stay in the unit forever. But I think what matters is that Ruzek comes to terms with who he is and what he’s done. That’s the ending I want for him—one that feels honest, even if it’s painful.”
As Chicago P.D. continues to charge through its 12th season, it’s clear that this is the show’s most ambitious and emotionally gripping yet. The characters we’ve come to love—and sometimes hate—are being pushed to their limits, and Flueger’s Ruzek is no exception. With the stakes higher than ever and the deadly twist already sending shockwaves through the unit, it’s anyone’s guess how the rest of the season will unfold. But one thing is certain: Patrick John Flueger’s portrayal of Adam Ruzek is far from over, and fans can expect even more jaw-dropping moments as his story moves toward an unforgettable conclusion.
