Chicago PD Season 9-11 Season Recap

The countdown is on! Just a few hours until the exciting season premiere of Chicago PD, we’ve got a recap and review of seasons 9-11 for you.

I know it’s been a little while since I last shared a recap and review of the One Chicago franchise, and I genuinely appreciate your patience during my busy work schedule. But the exciting news is, the new season is just hours away! I’m thrilled to dive back in and prepare a recap and review, much like the fun “article summary day” we had in high school. Let’s jump right in!

Season 9

After that intense cliffhanger, Burgess fights for her life at Chicago Med. Ruzek feels the weight of responsibility as he strives to protect Makayla from what's unfolding with Burgess. Once she recovers, Burgess faces the emotional aftermath and even has to deal with the heart-wrenching issue of Makayla being kidnapped.  

Voight and Upton find themselves at odds over what happened to Walton, and it’s Upton feels the brunt of it while Halstead understands her struggles. Eventually, Upton and Halstead tie the knot, which surely thrilled all of us, right?  

Atwater starts a relationship, but it turns out that his partner is involved in his undercover investigation. Will this guy ever find a non-work-related romance?  

Meanwhile, Voight collaborates with an informant aiming to gather intel on a drug kingpin, but it tragically leads to a death that leaves him in mourning. 

Season Nine truly shines as the show's best season yet! Marina Squerciati has brought her A-game, taking Burgess to exciting new heights. And let's not forget Tracy Spiridakos, who delivers an outstanding performance as Upton, navigating the challenging aftermath of her and Voight's actions regarding Walton. Are we feeling excited about Upton and Halstead's marriage? I know I am, even if it surprised us all, especially given her desire for companionship. Carmela Zumbado and Anna have been great additions, helping Voight and the team gather crucial intel to take down the top drug kingpin. That season finale still gives me chills; it's unforgettable! 

Overall, I give Season 9 a 9/10.

Season 10

Jay Halstead's heartbreaking departure occurs in the tenth season of Chicago PD. He leaves the Intelligence to join the Army in Bolivia, jeopardizing his relationship with Upton. Meanwhile, Upton is involved in some interesting stories, including being kidnapped while trying to save an informant and investigating human trafficking. 

Before Halstead left, he brought in a new recruit, Torres. This season, he gets caught in a murder case that threatens to expose his past and his connection with a local gang leader who happens to be the victim in the case.

The team takes on cases like Chief O'Neil's son, Sean O'Neil, who's a sex slave operator under his safe house. Also, the team takes on a white supremacist, Richard Beck, who plans to take down Chicago elementary schools. Ruzek works undercover, but when things get heated, Ruzek gets shot by Beck's grandson, leaving Ruzek to die until Burgess and Voight get there and are sent to Med. 

Season Ten was yet another fantastic season! While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to Halstead, his departure has brought some refreshing changes to the show. I enjoy Torres's character; it gives me nostalgia for when Ruzek joined us back in season one. One storyline that stood out was Upton tackling cases against Sean O'Neil, which reminded me of the gripping Silence of the Lamb vibes. 

Overall, I give season 10 a 9/10.

Season 11

In Season 11, the narrative intensifies as the storyline unfolds, emphasizing dramatic elements. Torres finds himself in a scenario reminiscent of Halstead's experience in Season Five, as he goes undercover and forms a connection with an informant. Concurrently, Atwater grapples with lingering guilt stemming from a previous case, which complicates his ability to manage his responsibilities effectively.

The team embarks on pursuing a serial killer, which places both Voight and Upton under considerable strain. Voight is ultimately kidnapped and severely injured as Upton and the team diligently search for his whereabouts. While striving for survival, Voight encounters a familiar companion who endeavors to ensure his safety.

Following Voight's rescue, Upton resolves to depart from the Intelligence Unit and embark on a new chapter in her life. 

Season 11 truly shined as the best, thanks to the incredible character development and writing that elevated the show! I can't help but feel a bit sad about Spiridako's departure; her character is so wonderful! However, it’s understandable that sometimes her actions in cases seem a bit repetitive, which can be a little frustrating. As for Halstead not being part of the final goodbye, I’m not too upset about it. Spiridako deserves a special sendoff on her own, especially since she and Halstead have moved on from each other. Looking ahead, Season 12 seems like it’s gearing up for a mini reboot, much like what we’ve seen with Fire and Med recently. 

Overall, I give Season 11 a 9/10.

What did you think of the past few seasons of Chicago PD? What are you looking forward to at the end of the season? Leave a comment.

You can catch the season premiere of One Chicago on Wednesday, September 25th, at 8/7c on NBC.