As the highly anticipated return of the One Chicago franchise, encompassing Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and most notably Chicago PD, looms in the Fall of 2025, fans are buzzing with excitement and trepidation. Network television continues its fierce battle for viewer engagement, pushing the narrative stakes ever higher. This often translates into heart-wrenching character departures, ensuring that a palpable tension constantly hangs over every scene. The One Chicago universe has consistently captivated audiences with its dramatic storytelling and compelling ensemble casts, and few character arcs have left as deep an imprint as the tragic fate of Alvin Olinsky, a figure whose absence from Chicago PD continues to resonate years after his on-screen demise.

Many long-time viewers still keenly feel the void left by Al Olinsky, a character who became synonymous with the gritty realism and moral complexities that define Chicago PD. His journey within the One Chicago universe began not on the police procedural, but in the sister series, Chicago Fire. Al was first introduced to the firefighting team in Season 2, Episode 9, titled ‘You Will Hurt Him,’ which aired in 2013. This initial appearance served as a powerful introduction to a character who would soon become an indispensable part of Hank Voight’s Intelligence Unit on Chicago PD. Over the years, Olinsky’s reach extended across the franchise, with appearances in Chicago Justice in 2017, three episodes of Chicago Med between 2016 and 2018, and a staggering 107 episodes of Chicago PD from 2014 until his final, albeit spectral, appearance in 2024. This extensive tenure on Chicago PD far surpassed his initial four appearances on Chicago Fire, showcasing how integral he became to the police drama’s fabric.

Alvin Olinsky was more than just another detective; he was Voight’s confidante, his moral counterweight, and at times, his most steadfast accomplice. Their bond, forged through years of shared experience and a deep, unspoken understanding, was one of the central pillars of Chicago PD. Olinsky often navigated the morally ambiguous landscape of the Intelligence Unit with a quiet resolve, his weathered expression belying a fierce loyalty and a profound commitment to justice, even if it meant blurring lines. He was a family man, deeply devoted to his wife and daughter, which added layers of vulnerability and relatability to his tough exterior. Fans connected with his grounded nature, his no-nonsense approach, and his ability to see through the posturing to the truth, making his eventual loss all the more impactful.

All good things, however, must come to an end, and for Al Olinsky, that end came in Season 5, Episode 22, titled “Homecoming.” This 2018 episode marked his final physical appearance as a recurring character in the One Chicago universe. The circumstances of his death were brutal and unsparing: having been framed for the murder of Bingham, a crime he did not commit but took the fall for to protect Voight, Al was brutally stabbed in prison. Despite undergoing emergency surgery in a desperate bid to save him, Al tragically passed away on the operating table. It was a shocking and devastating moment that sent immediate ripples through the Intelligence Unit.

Al’s death ignited a dark and vengeful arc for Hank Voight, who was consumed by guilt and rage over the fate of his closest friend. Voight’s subsequent quest for revenge saw him track down and ultimately murder Olinsky’s killer, a profound act that pushed Voight further into the moral grey areas that define his character. This period represented a particularly dark chapter for Chicago PD, pivoting entirely around the profound loss of Alvin. The death generated more conflict and emotional fallout than usual, as the team wrestled with their guilt and the inherent injustices of a system that Al had fought so long and hard to protect. It was not the heroic or dignified end many felt a character of Al’s stature deserved, especially given his long-standing presence in the earlier seasons. This sudden, violent exit resonated deeply with fans, many of whom voiced their dissatisfaction with the character’s brutal and unjust demise.

The decision for Al Olinsky to leave Chicago PD was not, in fact, that of actor Elias Koteas. While it is common for performers in critical, ongoing roles on serialized network television to seek new opportunities after years on a demanding production schedule, or to avoid being typecast, Koteas was written off the show as a narrative choice. He, however, embodied the true professional, delivering powerful and unforgettable performances in his final scenes, ensuring Al’s exit carried maximum emotional weight. Since his departure from Chicago PD, Koteas has continued to pursue diverse roles, including playing Theodore in The Silent Planet and returning to his voice acting role in American Dad. He is also slated to appear in the new thriller The Block, indicating a renewed momentum in his career. His filmography since 2014 also includes Janet Planet, The Baker, and Guilty Party, showcasing his versatility and ongoing commitment to his craft beyond the One Chicago universe.

Al’s departure, while devastating, is part of a continuing trend within the One Chicago universe. Major character exits, from Scott Eastwood’s Jim Barnes in the early days to beloved figures across Chicago Fire and Chicago Med, serve a crucial narrative purpose. These shows thrive on high stakes and emotional intensity, and the loss of a key character is often utilized to shake up existing dynamics, introduce new conflicts, and prevent the storytelling from becoming stagnant. While these departures undeniably create tension and keep viewers on the edge of their seats, they also often spark widespread fan speculation and emotional reactions, a testament to the strong bonds audiences form with these characters.

Despite the raw emotions tied to his exit, the possibility of Al Olinsky making a genuine comeback remains highly unlikely. While Chicago PD has, on occasion, employed narrative techniques such as visions, flashbacks, or even apparitions (as seen with Al’s 2024 appearance in another character’s mind) to bring back older cast members in unexpected ways, a full-fledged resurrection for Al would fundamentally undermine the profound impact of his death. The brutal nature of his passing, and the subsequent arc of Voight’s grief and revenge, were pivotal moments that reshaped the show’s landscape. To undo such a powerful and defining event, even with the “magic” of procedural television that sometimes sees characters return from the dead through twins, clones, or elaborate fakeouts, would diminish the integrity of the storytelling and lessen the weight of the sacrifices made.

As the One Chicago franchise prepares for its return in Fall 2025, it will undoubtedly continue to navigate the intricate balance of introducing new characters and storylines while honoring the legacies of those who have departed. The tensions of the past will inevitably make way for new conflicts and challenges. Alvin Olinsky’s indelible mark on Chicago PD serves as a powerful reminder of the series’ willingness to embrace dark, challenging narratives, and the profound impact a well-crafted character can have. His story continues to be a touchstone for the show, a testament to the enduring appeal of the One Chicago universe, and a poignant example of the high emotional cost of life and death in the pursuit of justice.