As Season 13 of Chicago P.D. approaches, one significant question surrounds the Intelligence Unit. Chicago P.D. has depicted a family dynamic among the Intelligence members, with the crew sharing drinks after work, friendships evolving into romantic relationships on multiple occasions, and members covering for each other despite the consequences. After over a decade of various ups and downs, though, it’s uncertain whether the unit will remain the close-knit family we grew accustomed to in earlier years, or if things will continue to unravel moving forward.
The latest seasons haven’t shown the Intelligence Unit as cohesive, and following Reid’s (Shawn Hatosy) death in Season 12, the unit was disbanded, with some forced to surrender their badges and others reassigned to patrol. Chicago P.D. Season 13’s primary goal should be to reunite the Intelligence Unit.
‘Chicago P.D.’ Season 12 Teased Big Changes for the NBC Crime Procedural
When Season 12 of NBC’s Chicago P.D. concluded, we were left questioning what would happen with Intelligence. Burgess (Marina Squerciati) and Torres (Benjamin Levy) were stripped of their badges due to their cover-up regarding Dante’s relationship with Gloria (Yara Martinez), and Voight (Jason Beghe) was left with a disbanded unit. It was his decision to proceed with the takedown of Reid, and Burgess and Torres opted to keep their secret, but the fallout was unpredictable for any member of Intelligence. With the uncertainty surrounding what was next, Season 12 ended with an unprecedented sense of doubt.
‘Chicago P.D.’s Disbanded Intelligence Unit Has the Crime Series Feeling Aimless
Season 13 of Chicago P.D. has numerous issues to tackle. Things haven’t returned to normal since Reid’s death, and Voight feels adrift without his team intact. The aftermath of investigating Reid still impacts Burgess and Torres, who lost their badges. The remaining unit members were reassigned to patrol duty. Despite no longer working together, they have managed to support one another. Burgess and Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) were married at the end of Season 12, and the disbandment will likely influence their relationship.
Toward the end of Season 12, events appeared disjointed. The storylines slowed down, and the only direction for the series seemed downward. With Reid out of the picture for good, there is still another superior that Voight will need to confront. The only way for the show to continue is if the group is reunited, as using the NBC drama in a standalone one-case-per episode format won’t suffice. Some elements must be addressed, including deeper backstories highlighting the Intelligence members and their connections within Chicago.
Cracks have been forming in Intelligence since Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) departed, leading to gradual deterioration. Upton’s exit only reinforced trust issues within the unit. It is crucial for the remaining members of this once-feared unit to come together and figure out how to rebuild.
Moreover, without Intelligence collaborating effectively, Chicago becomes less secure. The unit has committed its efforts to combating crime in the city, dismantling drug dealers who exploit children and seeking justice for those most in need. Season 13 has an opportunity to amend these issues, but it may not happen immediately — if at all.
Eva Imani Needs To Bring the Intelligence Unit Back Together on ‘Chicago P.D.’
To say Intelligence is in disarray would be an understatement. Kiana Cook (Toya Turner) is gone, and Eva Imani (Adrienne Mandi) is introduced to Chicago P.D.. However, she doesn’t arrive looking to join Intelligence but rather works on a case alongside Voight. She is presented as a “partner” for Voight with a background in ATF operations. As she interacts with the disbanded unit, she tells Voight they work together effectively, giving off a “Brady Bunch” vibe, but will that continue moving forward? Chicago P.D. has an opportunity to clarify where Intelligence is headed.
Reuniting the team and revitalizing Intelligence is more crucial than ever. Imani’s arrival appears linked to a pivotal moment in this situation since she will serve more as a partner for Voight and someone who recognizes the value of the unit he built piece by piece. He may not appreciate having someone regularly by his side, especially someone who hasn’t been part of his team before. However, this could work in his favor as she observes how well the now-disbanded team collaborates even when they aren’t officially “together.”
‘Chicago P.D.’ Is at Its Best When the Intelligence Unit Works Together
The Intelligence Unit is the anchor that holds the entire show together. Each officer contributes uniquely to the unit as a whole, and storylines built around them have become some of the most memorable over time. The murder of Nadia (Stella Maeve) deeply affected Intelligence during its early days, which seemed to pull everyone even closer together. Losing one of their own served as a wake-up call, especially for Lindsay. Intelligence was at its strongest during earlier seasons of Chicago P.D., and Nadia’s death highlighted their bond.
During Season 3, the unit faced Halstead’s kidnapping and torture. They had to collaborate effectively to save one of their own while deciding whether or not to comply with what the hostage-taker demanded. Everyone was willing to sacrifice themselves to bring Halstead back home safely, proving their familial bond was intact.
If Chicago P.D. aims to continue for more seasons ahead, now is the time to establish what will happen with the Intelligence Unit. It has been confirmed that there will be more stories focusing on individual officers moving forward. The showrunner teased that “It’s been nice to do a psychological deep dive on everybody.” There are still many stories left to tell even after 13 years. Let’s hope these upcoming stories unite the Intelligence Unit rather than drive them apart.
