Chicago P.D., Sergeant Hank Voight has always walked a razor-thin line between justice and corruption. For over a decade, Voight’s methods have sparked both admiration and controversy — not just within the One Chicago universe, but among viewers as well. His refusal to play by the rules has defined the show’s gritty identity. But as the series heads into Season 13, many fans and critics believe that change is overdue.
One of the most compelling opportunities for change came and went in Season 12: the escalating conflict between Voight and Assistant State’s Attorney Nina Chapman (portrayed by Sara Bues). She pushed back on Voight’s questionable tactics, challenged his authority, and stood firm in a way few others have. It set up what could have been a pivotal shift — a power struggle where, for once, Voight would lose. And that loss might have been the bold narrative jolt Chicago P.D. needed heading into its next chapter.
Let’s face it — Hank Voight has been the immovable center of Chicago P.D. since day one. He’s the leader, the enforcer, and the emotional backbone of the Intelligence Unit. But he’s also a character who rarely, if ever, faces true consequences for his actions. From threatening suspects off the record to manipulating justice behind closed doors, Voight has made a career out of cutting corners. And while that antihero quality helped define the early tone of the series, twelve seasons in, it’s starting to feel stale. The biggest issue? We’ve seen Voight win time and time again. Enemies fall. Critics fold. And while his team sometimes pushes back, they almost always fall in line eventually.
Assistant State’s Attorney Nina Chapman came onto the scene with something we hadn’t seen in a long time: backbone. She didn’t just question Voight’s tactics — she stood up to him, and more importantly, she had the legal power to limit him. Her presence brought a tension that felt fresh. She wasn’t intimidated by Voight. She didn’t back down when he leaned in with his trademark growl and threats. She followed the law — and insisted he did the same.
In a show where the law is often bent in the name of justice, Chapman was a reminder that accountability still matters. And that gave her a unique narrative power. If the writers had leaned into that conflict and allowed Chapman to win — say, by publicly exposing Voight’s missteps, suspending his unit, or forcing him into legal jeopardy — it would’ve created a ripple effect with enormous storytelling potential. Instead, the plot fizzled, and Voight once again walked away with his authority intact.
Or better yet, imagine Voight being forced to retrain, work under a new supervisor, or even answer directly to Chapman for a season. That kind of power inversion could’ve produced deep internal conflict and rich, layered storytelling. Most importantly, it would’ve shown growth. After twelve seasons, Voight remains largely the same — a man with a painful past and a rigid moral code. But great characters evolve. Losing to Chapman wouldn’t have made Voight weak — it would’ve made him human. It would’ve reminded fans that even the toughest leaders can be wrong, can fall, and can rebuild.
As Season 13 approaches, the show finds itself at a crossroads. Tracy Spiridakos (Detective Hailey Upton) is exiting. Other cast members could follow. Fan engagement is still strong, but many are craving change — and not just in personnel. They want to see risks. Surprises. Real consequences. Letting Voight lose to Chapman could’ve provided that shake-up. It would’ve raised the stakes for Season 13, forcing every member of the Intelligence Unit to reckon with their complicity in his methods. And it would’ve opened the door for newer characters like Dante Torres to rise in a more ethical era of policing.
With ongoing discussions around law enforcement, accountability, and reform both on- and off-screen, Chicago P.D. has a rare opportunity to reflect the world it portrays. Letting Chapman win wouldn’t have been an attack on Voight — it would’ve been a necessary evolution for a show that can’t afford to keep telling the same story.
While Season 12 missed its chance to deliver that major turning point, it’s not too late. Season 13 could bring Chapman back — this time with more leverage. Or a new external force could be introduced to challenge Voight’s dominance. Whether it’s internal affairs, a federal investigation, or a new department head, the show still has room to explore what it looks like when Voight doesn’t always get the last word.
Alternatively, the writers could surprise viewers by having Voight himself take a step back, recognizing that his way is no longer sustainable — a form of internal loss that would be just as powerful. But to truly revitalize Chicago P.D., the show must let go of the idea that Voight is invincible. That doesn’t mean eliminating him or vilifying him. It means allowing him to grow, be humbled, and maybe, finally, lose a fight.
