Chicago P.D. Season 13 delivered what the show has always done best: high-intensity, character-driven drama that pushes its characters into new territory.
Season 13 brought plenty of changes to Intelligence, beginning with Voight dealing with the fallout from the death of corrupt CPD Chief Reid and fighting to keep his unit together. His battle with Internal Affairs Commander Devlin gave the first half of the season an interesting edge, but its emotional heart was the investigation into Gary Bell and his abusive father, Raymond. Watching Voight become increasingly determined to protect Gary’s young daughter, Julie, added another layer to a case that became about much more than solving a series of crimes.
The introduction of Officer Eva Imani was another major highlight. Her 20-year search for her kidnapped and trafficked sister, Shari, eventually brought her face-to-face with the painful truth about what had happened to her family. Imani’s story gave the season some of its darkest moments, but it also created one of my favorite new dynamics: Voight and Imani. Their relationship feels like the beginning of a genuine mentor-mentee partnership, with Voight recognizing something in Imani that makes him want to guide her. I really hope Season 14 gives us much more of these two working together.
The Gary Bell case also gave Voight another opportunity to show just how far he’s willing to go for a victim. The investigation ultimately led to a devastating discovery involving Gary’s father, while the finale, “Born or Made,” took Imani’s story to an even darker place. After Shari’s tragic reunion with her sister, DNA evidence revealed that Shari—not her trafficker—was responsible for the murder of sex worker Laura Kerr. Now Voight and Imani face an impossible decision: protect Shari by burying the evidence or allow her to face the consequences. That’s one heck of a cliffhanger to carry into Season 14.
Aside from the bigger cases, Season 13 gave the rest of the Intelligence team plenty to deal with. Ruzek’s absence was noticeable, but his storyline, involving the loss of his father and the discovery of an old VHS tape, led to a fascinating family cold case that gave his character meaningful material. Burgess and Ruzek also found themselves investigating a homicide in their own neighborhood, reminding us that even when they’re off the clock, the job can still hit close to home.
Torres had his own share of trouble when what should have been a routine errand pulled him into a dangerous conspiracy, while Atwater faced one of the biggest personal decisions of his life. After finally confronting Tasha about her pregnancy and learning that she had planned to raise their child alone in Miami, Atwater had to decide what kind of future he wanted. Their eventual decision to stay in Chicago together gives his upcoming departure a surprisingly fitting sense of closure.
My Season 14 Wishlist
I’ll admit it: It’s going to be sad to see Atwater leave. He’s been part of Chicago P.D. since Day 1, and watching his character grow has been one of the show’s great long-running stories. His partnership with Kim and the evolution of his personal life have helped shape who he is today. But considering where his story ended in Season 13, I also think leaving Chicago could make sense for Atwater. Sometimes a character’s departure feels right because they’ve simply reached the next chapter of their life, and that’s where Atwater seems to be.
My biggest hope for Season 14 is more of Voight and Imani. Their dynamic was one of the best additions to the show this season, and I’d love to see that relationship develop naturally. I also want to see Dante find some peace after everything he’s been through. Torres has been put through the emotional wringer, and I’d like to see who he is when he’s finally given a chance to breathe, rather than constantly being pulled into another crisis.
And, of course, give me what Chicago P.D. does best: high-stakes cases, intense investigations, plenty of action, crossovers, and top-notch car chases. The show has never been afraid to put Intelligence in dangerous situations, and Season 14 has plenty of opportunities to raise the stakes even further.
Season 13 proved that Chicago P.D. still has plenty of stories left to tell. With Atwater’s future changing, Imani becoming an increasingly important part of Intelligence, and Voight facing another impossible moral choice, Season 14 has a lot to build on.
What do you want to see in Season 14? Are you going to miss Atwater? What do you think Voight and Imani should do about Shari? Let me know in the comments!
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