Chicago P.D. Season 12, Episode 18, titled “Demons,” aired on April 16, 2025, delivering a pivotal moment for Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), the stoic leader of the Intelligence Unit. As reported by ScreenRant and Fangirlish, this episode finally forced Voight to confront a flaw he’s carried for 12 seasons: his tendency to shoulder burdens alone, refusing to lean on his team. The episode’s central conflict with Deputy Chief Charlie Reid (Shawn Hatosy), a corrupt superior manipulating the unit, pushed Voight to learn that trust is a two-way street, marking a significant evolution in his character. With Gordon Ramsay’s heartwarming family moments—such as his October 2024 Instagram post of sons Oscar and Jesse—captivating fans, this essay draws parallels between Ramsay’s authentic family bond and Voight’s newfound reliance on his team, exploring how “Demons” reshapes the Chicago P.D. narrative, its implications for the Intelligence Unit, and its resonance in a challenging television landscape.
Voight’s Lesson: Trusting the Team
For 12 seasons, Voight has been the enigmatic, morally gray leader of the Intelligence Unit, known for bending rules to protect Chicago and his team. ScreenRant notes that Voight’s mantra has been to demand transparency from his unit—insisting they share their struggles so he can cover for them—while keeping his own battles private. Episode 18, “Demons,” flips this dynamic. When Reid, a cunning antagonist introduced in season 12, assigns Intelligence to a carjacking case involving a vehicle loaded with $500,000 in drugs tied to drug dealer Jesus Otero, Voight initially handles the situation solo, wary of Reid’s ulterior motives. Reid’s manipulation, including blackmailing Voight over Dante Torres’ (Benjamin Levy Aguilar) past rule-breaking, escalates the stakes, putting Torres at risk.
Parallels with Gordon Ramsay’s Authenticity
The emotional authenticity of Voight’s growth in “Demons” mirrors the heartfelt family moments Gordon Ramsay shared in 2024, particularly his viral Instagram photo of sons Oscar and Jesse in matching pajamas. Just as Ramsay’s tender posts—captioned “New PJ’s” and praised by HELLO! for Jesse’s “mini me” resemblance—reveal a softer side beneath his Hell’s Kitchen intensity, Voight’s vulnerability in relying on his team humanizes his tough exterior. Ramsay’s seven Fox shows in 2025, from MasterChef to Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, thrive on his genuine passion, seen when he mentors young chefs or celebrates Jesse’s milestones. Similarly, Voight’s shift in “Demons” strengthens Chicago P.D.’s appeal, grounding its high-stakes drama in relatable team dynamics. Both figures balance public toughness with private warmth, resonating with audiences through authenticity.
Impact on the Intelligence Unit
“Demons” not only reshapes Voight’s character but also redefines the Intelligence Unit’s dynamic. The episode’s carjacking case, detailed by SoapCentral, unravels when the driver is found murdered, initially suspected to be Otero’s doing but revealed as the carjackers’ crime. Torres’ emotional unraveling—haunted by his past informant relationship and Reid’s manipulation—highlights the unit’s vulnerability. Voight’s decision to share his investigation into Reid’s ties to Otero, conducted off-the-books with Chapman, as per Celeb Dirty Laundry, marks a departure from his secretive past. This openness fosters a stronger unit, as seen when Torres confesses his struggles to Voight, who responds with support rather than judgment.
Burgess, newly promoted to detective, and Ruzek, her fiancé, play key roles in rallying the team, reflecting their growth since season 1. The episode’s focus on team unity, as Fangirlish notes, counters earlier season 12 critiques, like ScreenRant’s review of episode 7, which lamented the show’s tendency to sideline characters. By involving everyone in Voight’s fight, “Demons” delivers the ensemble storytelling fans crave, setting the stage for the season 12 finale, where Reid’s arc may conclude, as hinted by CBR.
Navigating a Competitive TV Landscape
Chicago P.D.’s success in delivering Voight’s lesson comes amid a challenging TV landscape, much like Gordon Ramsay’s navigation of broadcast and streaming platforms. Declining live viewership, as seen across One Chicago shows, pressures Chicago P.D., with season 12 ratings dipping, per ScreenRant. The 2023 Hollywood strikes raised production costs, but NBC’s strategy—streaming on Peacock the next day and airing weekly—keeps the show accessible, akin to Ramsay’s Hulu-streamed shows. Voight’s growth in “Demons” aligns with fan demand for character-driven stories, as X posts praise the episode’s “team vibes” and Voight’s arc, echoing sentiment for Ramsay’s family posts.
The episode also tackles broader themes, indirectly promoting resilience and trust, much like Ramsay’s shows champion meritocracy. Voight’s morally gray methods, contrasted with Reid’s outright corruption, spark debate about ethics in policing, resonating with viewers in a polarized climate. By humanizing Voight, Chicago P.D. maintains its edge over competitors like Law & Order: SVU, as noted by GameRant, ensuring its place in the police procedural genre.
