While the gritty, high-stakes world of Chicago PD often prioritizes intense police procedural drama and the intricate dance of justice and morality, some of its most enduring and emotionally resonant storylines have stemmed from the complex romantic entanglements of its central characters. Audiences have invested deeply in relationships like the on-again, off-again saga of Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek, whose journey from fleeting encounters to a foundational partnership has captivated fans for years, setting a high bar for romantic arcs within the One Chicago universe. Now, however, the show appears to be closing the chapter on another promising connection, leaving many viewers frustrated and questioning the narrative choices ahead for Season 13.

The relationship between Sergeant Hank Voight and Assistant State Attorney Nina Chapman has been a slow-burn development, subtly weaving its way into the fabric of the series since Chapman’s introduction in Season 9. Initially, their interactions were characterized by professional friction, typical of a seasoned, often morally ambiguous police sergeant and a by-the-book legal professional. Yet, as the seasons progressed, this opposition gradually softened, evolving into a complex and intriguing dynamic. They moved from sparring adversaries to reliable allies, their respect for each other growing as they navigated the murky waters of Chicago’s justice system. Through shared experiences and a burgeoning understanding of each other’s challenging roles, a deeper connection began to form. Somewhere amidst the legal battles and the pursuit of justice, Chapman developed genuine feelings for Voight, a sentiment that resonated with a segment of the fanbase eager to see Voight, a character so often defined by his losses and his singular focus on duty, find a measure of personal happiness.

Chapman’s feelings were not merely implied; she openly confessed them to Voight earlier in Chicago PD Season 12. However, in typical Voight fashion, the confession went unaddressed. He never explicitly acknowledged her words, and soon after, Chapman left town for work, leaving an emotional chasm between them. Upon her return, the unspoken truth hung heavy in the air, creating a palpable tension, but the moment for a candid discussion about their potential future seemed to pass. The door to a romantic future, however tentative, might still have been open, but the explosive events of the Season 12 finale slammed it shut with unforeseen finality.

Showrunner Gwen Sigan, in a revealing interview, offered a glimpse into the repercussions of the finale and the state of Voight and Chapman’s relationship heading into Season 13. As many viewers might have feared, Chapman is now actively avoiding Voight. She is not returning his calls and has ceased “showing up within our unit like she used to,” indicating a deliberate emotional and professional distancing. Sigan’s comments confirm that Chapman has concluded “all hope is lost” for a romantic future between them. This decisive stance by Chapman is rooted in Voight’s actions during the finale: his orchestration of the death of the Deputy Chief of the Chicago Police Department. For an Assistant State Attorney whose career is built on upholding the law, such a blatant disregard for legal process, even if perceived as necessary by Voight, represents an insurmountable ethical breach. It would be impossible for Chapman to reconcile her professional integrity, let alone her personal feelings, with such a dark and consequential act.

Despite this seemingly insurmountable barrier, Sigan assures fans that Voight and Chapman will remain in each other’s lives. Their professional paths are inherently intertwined, and they will, by necessity, attempt to maintain a working relationship, even with the weight of their unresolved emotional history and Voight’s severe transgression hanging between them. This promises a new layer of tension and complexity, forcing them to navigate a delicate balance between their past connection and their present professional obligations.

Many viewers and critics alike feel that Chicago PD is squandering significant romantic potential with the abrupt end of the Voight-Chapman arc. Chapman had consistently been the driving force behind the effort to advance their relationship, taking the emotional risks and expressing her desires. With her now believing that a union is impossible, and Voight historically hesitant to initiate or openly pursue romantic connections, the promising future they once shared seems irrevocably lost. This potential romance was not just about two characters getting together; it offered a unique opportunity to explore new facets of Voight’s character, humanizing him in ways that few storylines have managed. A successful relationship could have challenged his jaded worldview, provided him with a source of comfort and vulnerability, and perhaps even offered a path to healing from the profound losses he has endured throughout his life.

However, the perceived death of their romance doesn’t mean the writers should abandon the well-developed tension and intricate history between Voight and Chapman entirely. The dramatic events of the Season 12 finale, rather than signaling an absolute end, could instead serve as a colossal obstacle, a profound test of their connection and the very nature of forgiveness within the show’s morally gray universe. For most real-world couples, a partner orchestrating a murder would indeed be an insurmountable barrier. But Chicago PD operates within the realm of fictional television, a space where redemption and the possibility of overcoming extraordinary challenges are always on the table. The show thrives on exploring the complex journey of its characters, often pushing them to their limits and then allowing them to grapple with the consequences, offering pathways for growth and, sometimes, forgiveness.

To repair what Voight broke would require a monumental effort from the series’ writers. It would necessitate Voight acknowledging his actions, perhaps expressing remorse or a deeper understanding of the pain he caused Chapman, both personally and professionally. Such an arc would not be a quick fix but a slow, arduous journey, reflecting the gravity of his deeds. This commitment to redemption, even in the face of such a severe breach, could elevate their storyline beyond a simple romance to a profound exploration of grace, consequence, and the enduring power of connection amidst darkness.

Even if the door to Voight and Chapman’s romance is definitively closed, the show must consider Voight’s broader romantic future. Jason Beghe’s character, Hank Voight, despite his intense screen presence and deeply layered personality, has largely lacked a steady, significant love interest for much of the series’ run. His personal life has primarily been defined by past tragedies and his unwavering devotion to his unit. While this has certainly contributed to his stoic, almost mythical persona, there’s only so much the “One Chicago” franchise can do with Voight before his storylines risk becoming repetitive or stagnant.

Introducing a new romantic partner, or even rekindling the flame with Chapman through an extended arc of atonement, would inject fresh energy into his character. A romance would force Voight to confront different emotional landscapes, revealing vulnerabilities and strengths that are rarely seen in his professional life. It would provide new stakes, intertwining his personal happiness with his dangerous work, and open up avenues for character development that have remained largely unexplored. Whether it’s with a new character who can complement his complicated nature, perhaps someone who understands his world without condoning his methods, or a painstakingly rebuilt connection with Chapman, Voight’s romantic future is critical for the show’s continued evolution. It’s an opportunity to explore the depths of a character who, despite his hardened exterior, still holds the capacity for connection, love, and perhaps, a measure of peace.