Aired in February 2023, Chicago P.D. Season 10’s standout episode “The Ghost in You” marked a pivotal moment not just for the show’s crime procedural arc but for the enduring, often heart-wrenching relationship between Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek—collectively known by fans as Burzek. This emotionally charged episode, currently available for streaming on Peacock, is widely celebrated for its nuanced storytelling, thrilling action sequences, and, most importantly, its portrayal of emotional resilience in the face of trauma and uncertainty. It serves as a milestone in the evolution of two of the show’s most complex and beloved characters.
One of the episode’s most powerful scenes takes place in an interrogation room, where Burgess finds herself alone with a suspect. The tight camera angles and suffocating silence mimic her spiraling anxiety, culminating in a full-blown panic attack. It’s a raw moment, unflinching in its honesty. Enter Adam Ruzek, portrayed with quiet strength by Patrick John Flueger. Sensing Kim’s distress, he gently intervenes, pulling her aside with the soft-spoken but emotionally loaded assurance, “You’re not alone, Kim.” It’s in that moment that the chemistry between the two characters reignites—not as a romantic trope, but as a genuine emotional reconnection rooted in trust, understanding, and years of shared history. A 2023 Vulture review hailed the scene for its subtlety and impact, and fans on X (formerly Twitter) flooded timelines with the hashtag #BurzekForever, reaffirming the couple’s place as one of the show’s emotional anchors.
But this is Chicago P.D., and the emotional narrative doesn’t eclipse the action. The episode ramps up when Intelligence locates a suspect’s hideout, setting the stage for a tense, high-stakes raid. During the operation, Ruzek puts himself directly in harm’s way to save a civilian hostage, taking a bullet in the process. Burgess’s anguished voice over the radio—“Officer down!”—became one of the episode’s defining soundbites, immediately trending on X. One fan account, @ChiPD_Obsessed, declared it “peak Burzek loyalty,” underscoring the lengths to which these two will go for one another. The adrenaline-fueled action, complete with SWAT team breaches and back-alley chases, is balanced by the emotional weight of the scene, reinforcing the episode’s power as both a thrilling crime drama and a heartfelt character study.
From their on-again-off-again romance in Season 1 to their mature and emotionally evolved dynamic in Season 10, Burzek’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. What makes their story resonate so universally is its grounding in real-world challenges: career pressures, trauma recovery, co-parenting, and the struggle to love someone deeply despite life’s unpredictability. Off-screen, Marina Squerciati and Patrick John Flueger’s close friendship—highlighted in a 2025 cast interview—translates into a natural, lived-in chemistry that adds authenticity to every shared glance and emotional beat.
“The Ghost in You” stands tall not just as a chapter in Burzek’s love story, but as a shining example of what Chicago P.D. does best: blending action with heart, grit with grace, and giving its characters space to grow, falter, and reconnect. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer exploring the series for the first time on Peacock, this episode serves as a perfect entry point—offering a satisfying case resolution while leaving you emotionally invested in the characters long after the credits roll.
