Chicago P.D. Season 12 Finale: Unpacking Voight’s War, Burgess & Ruzek’s Vows, and the Path to Season 13

The highly anticipated Season 12 finale of ‘Chicago P.D.’ is rapidly approaching, promising an intense culmination of ongoing conflicts and a long-awaited celebration. With just two weeks left until the episode titled “Vows” airs, viewers are braced for an explosive conclusion to the season’s overarching narratives, particularly the escalating “war” between the formidable Hank Voight and an antagonist named Reid, alongside the Intelligence unit. Beyond the high-stakes police work, the finale will also mark a pivotal personal milestone for two fan-favorite characters, Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek, as they finally prepare to exchange vows after years of a tumultuous, yet endearing, relationship.

This central conflict between Voight and Reid has been a driving force throughout Season 12, pushing the boundaries of Voight’s already morally ambiguous methods and testing the loyalty of his team. Voight, portrayed masterfully by Jason Beghe, has always operated in the grey areas of the law, a characteristic that often puts him at odds with external forces and even his own superiors. The “war” with Reid likely represents a clash of ideologies or a direct confrontation over a high-profile case, forcing Voight to deploy all his tactical cunning and street smarts. This kind of showdown is quintessential ‘Chicago P.D.’, where the lines between justice and personal vengeance frequently blur. Fans will be eager to see if Voight emerges victorious, and more importantly, what the cost of that victory might be for him and his unit. The escalating tension promises a finale filled with hard-hitting action and profound ethical dilemmas, solidifying Voight’s reputation as a detective who stops at nothing to protect his city and his people, even if it means sacrificing a piece of himself. The culmination of this storyline is expected to be a defining moment for the entire Intelligence squad, potentially leaving lasting impacts on each member.

The emotional heart of the finale, “Vows,” revolves around the wedding of Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) and Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger). Their journey has been one of the most compelling and enduring storylines of the series, spanning twelve years of on-again, off-again romance, shared trauma, and unwavering support. From partners in the patrol car to members of the elite Intelligence unit, their relationship has navigated countless professional dangers and personal heartbreaks, including a previous engagement, a tragic miscarriage, and the adoption of their daughter, Makayla. This wedding is more than just a ceremony; it symbolizes their resilience, growth, and the deep, unbreakable bond they share. Production insights suggest the filming of this momentous occasion was a special event, marking not only a significant episode but also the last day of the shooting schedule for the season. This collaborative and celebratory atmosphere on set likely translates into a genuinely moving on-screen portrayal, a testament to the characters’ long-standing appeal and the actors’ palpable chemistry. For loyal viewers, the “Upstead” wedding represents a hard-earned happy ending, a beacon of hope amidst the often-grim realities of police work depicted in the show. It’s a moment that pays homage to their individual evolutions and their collective strength as a couple and a family, providing a much-needed emotional anchor in a season filled with darkness.


Beyond these two major narrative arcs, Season 12’s finale will also delve into other crucial personal developments for the Intelligence team. Officer Chapman (Sara Bues) is slated to grow “closer to Voight.” This relationship could be multifaceted. It might imply a professional mentorship, with Voight recognizing her potential, or a more personal connection that offers a rare glimpse into Voight’s guarded world. Given Voight’s history of taking troubled or promising officers under his wing, Chapman’s proximity to him could be a game-changer for her character, potentially shaping her future within the unit and influencing her approach to policing. Her story might parallel the trajectories of other Intelligence members who have been profoundly impacted by Voight’s unconventional guidance, suggesting a new, important player in the unit’s internal dynamics.

Simultaneously, Officer Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar) is set to face the “emotional fall-out of his actions.” Torres, a relatively newer addition to the unit, has often grappled with his past and the demands of his role. His actions throughout Season 12, which have likely been ethically complex or personally taxing, will now come to a head. This storyline could explore themes of accountability, guilt, and the psychological toll of police work, especially for someone still finding his footing in such a high-pressure environment. The emotional repercussions for Torres could lead to significant character development, forcing him to confront his choices and potentially altering his relationships with his fellow officers. These subplots ensure that the finale is not solely focused on the main events but also provides meaningful closure or new beginnings for other integral characters, enriching the overall tapestry of the Intelligence unit and setting up new arcs for the next season.

In exciting news for the dedicated fanbase, NBC has officially renewed ‘Chicago P.D.’ for Season 13, slated to premiere this fall. This renewal reaffirms the show’s enduring popularity and its crucial role within the successful “One Chicago” franchise. The longevity of ‘Chicago P.D.’ is a testament to its compelling storytelling, complex characters, and its ability to continually address relevant social issues through the lens of law enforcement in a major metropolitan city. A new season promises fresh challenges for Intelligence, further exploration of character arcs, and potentially new dynamics following the events of the Season 12 finale. The early renewal provides a sense of stability for the cast and crew, allowing them to craft an even more impactful Season 13, building directly on the dramatic foundations laid in the current season. Fans can look forward to seeing how the outcomes of the Voight-Reid war, the Burgess-Ruzek wedding, and the personal journeys of Chapman and Torres will shape the unit’s future and dictate the direction of stories to come. The promise of Season 13 ensures that the intricate web of personal and professional dramas that define ‘Chicago P.D.’ will continue to unfold, keeping viewers captivated for the foreseeable future.


The Season 12 finale, “Vows,” is poised to be a landmark episode for ‘Chicago P.D.’ It perfectly encapsulates the show’s blend of intense procedural drama and deep character exploration. From the high-stakes confrontation threatening Voight and his team to the deeply personal and long-awaited union of Burgess and Ruzek, the episode promises a full spectrum of emotions and narrative resolutions. The intertwining personal arcs of Chapman and Torres further underscore the show’s commitment to developing its ensemble cast. As the credits roll on Season 12, viewers will not only reflect on the climactic events of the finale but also eagerly anticipate the fallout and new beginnings that await in Season 13, ensuring that the Intelligence unit’s unwavering fight for justice in Chicago continues to enthrall audiences for years to come.