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Chicago PD - Shouldn't Have Been Alone - Review

10 Jan 2015

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Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. But who better to wish you Happy Holidays than these two?


We pick up exactly where we left off. Burgess has just been shot and while Roman’s ex-partner Jen tends to Burgess, Roman searches the house for the shooter. The house is empty, but rigged for intruders – the cops. This killer is smart and very meticulous. The entire episode is like a dark and twisted version of Mouse Trap.

The Intelligence Unit is on the case (obviously) with the assistance of Roman. Sean had the chance to shine in this episode, and he succeeded. He’s a great addition to the cast and I hope his successful time in the spotlight earns him more. I can definitely see him clashing with Voight down the line – for all the similarities the two share (and think about it, they really do), the one major difference is the willingness to cross the line.


Naturally, Ruzek was also in the spotlight this episode. I was impressed with his ability to keep focus on the job, instead of becoming irrational and hell-bent on revenge. Well, almost. While investigating a house, Halstead, Lindsay, Roman, and Ruzek come upon another trap. That must have been the straw that broke the camel’s back, as Ruzek nearly comes to blows with Roman.

Is it just me, or I am the only one who doesn’t blame Roman? Burgess went through the Academy, she knew full-well she shouldn’t have gone up to the door alone. Her own frustration got in the way. Should Roman and Jen have been arguing on the job like that? No.

But Burgess is just as much, if not more, at fault.

Platt was the big surprise of the episode. She’s had her differences with Burgess, to say the least. I know that Burgess has been growing on her, but I was still surprised to see Platt come to Burgess’ side at the hospital. Guys, Platt was shot in the tush! That shouldn’t be funny, but it is. Much like Olinsky and Voight, I want to know more about Platt’s past.

Lindsay pushes her start date with the task force a day, so enjoy her “last” case with the team. Also enjoy these Lindsay/Halstead partner moments, friends. It’s the last of them we’ll get! (And if you believe that, give yourself a nice slap across the face.) In all seriousness, it may be the last time we see these two as partners for quite a while. But hopefully, this means we can see them as…partners.

Boy, do I love seeing Halstead at work. I’ve been impressed with his character growth as well. After re-watching most of the series over the break (with a friend who has now seen the wonder that is Chicago PD), I realized that Halstead has grown from a secondary character into a leading position – maybe even more now than Antonio.

Halstead and Lindsay catch the guy responsible, and the wife (Susanna) of the creep’s pseudo-father is missing. When Halstead demands to know where she is, Spencer (aka the creep) just says, “You can’t put the house back together.” Well, that’s ominous – and oddly reflective of the Intelligence Unit, as they prepare to undergo a change. While I don’t think Lindsay will be gone for long, I don’t think everything will ever go back to normal, either.

While Halstead and Lindsay vest up before going to get Susanna, they talk about her moving to the task force.

“It’s not like it’s the last time I’m going to put on a vest.”
“No, it’s just the last time I’m going to help you get it on right.”

Jay, that look! Halstead is really going to miss Erin, and by her reaction to his line above, I don’t think she realized how much. And of course, Heroic Halstead disarms the bomb strapped to Susanna just in time. And that goodbye hug! Where do I get in line? These two may happen sooner than we thought…

But, that scene did get me thinking. It probably won’t be too long before we do lose a team member – just look at Chicago Fire. These writers aren’t afraid to make bold moves to further the story, and as this is a cop show, I’m thinking it’s coming. Maybe not this season, but it will happen.

For the most part, I enjoyed the episode. But, there was one scene that left me furious. I’m fairly certain steam was coming out of my ears! Voight visits Burgess in the hospital and tells her that Erin’s spot in investigation is hers if she wants it, he’s willing to look past her relationship with Ruzek.

HOLD. THE. PHONE.

So, let me make sure I have this straight (and yes, I know I do). Voight told DETECTIVE Erin Lindsay, his pseudo-daughter and arguably most-trusted ally (with the exception of maybe Olinsky) that she was not allowed to date DETECTIVE Jay Halstead, the moral center and arguably most promising up-and-coming detective while both are in Intelligence.

But…

OFFICER Kim Burgess, whose frustration and poor judgment to break protocol got herself shot, is free to be in Intelligence while also dating ROOKIE OFFICER Adam Ruzek. Let’s not forget that just a few months ago, Burgess completely overreacted and told Ruzek they should break up because some girl asked him to go get corndogs. So sure. Of course. This makes complete sense. WHAT?!?!

My dislike for Burgess has never been a secret, so that’s possibly skewing my view a bit. Even so, this is ridiculous. Bad move on the writer’s part.

That being said, I don’t think Burgess is going to take the job. One, because of her reaction (and weird final scene) and two,
because Roman has become an integral part of the show, I don’t think the writers are done exploring their partnership.

What did you think of the episode? How long will Lindsay stay away from Intelligence? Should Voight have offered Burgess the position? And of course, will we finally see the beginning of Linstead?

About the Author - Meghan Reynolds
A Colorado native, Meghan was born a raised a Denver Broncos fan. Aside from football, she loves storytelling, whether it be movies, television, books, or music. Some of her favorite shows of the past and present include LOST, Friends, The Office, Scandal, Chicago PD, and Chicago Fire. She is excited to be reviewing two of those shows for SpoilerTV, Chicago PD and Chicago Fire.

31 comments:

  1. After reading this, I realize that you and I have completely different opinions about this show. Pretty much the only thing we have in common is that we both like Halstead.

    I love Burgess. I think Roman was to blame for the shooting. He was so irresponsible that whole day, and he couldn't focus at all because he was fighting with his ex. Of course, I don't really like Roman so this could just be my opinion. I was happy when Voight asked Burgess to be in Intelligence. I think she deserves it. I do have my doubts whether she'll accept.

    About Linstead. I think if they really wanted to be together last season then Voight would have made an exception. Or maybe he just decided he was wrong about in-house relationships. I don't know. I do like Linstead, but not as much as a lot of viewers. I really don't want the show to become the Linstead show. There are so many other great characters, and I just hope the writers remember that.

    See? Completely different opinions. But that's what makes this show so great. I love discussing it with others.

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  2. If you're going to blame Roman, you also have to blame Platt. She put Roman with his ex knowing it was going to cause problems because she thought they should talk it out- ON DUTY. She also thought it was going to be funny, no doubt. I hope she swallowed a huge gulp of guilt. ( And I love her character.) I think this is why she went to the hospital. She knew she may have had a hand in it.


    I like Roman. I think he adds another dimension to the show. And I'm tired of all the action shows turning into shipping contests. This guy is a serious cop and I think his input is valuable.


    I think Burgess should stay where she is. She hasn't been a cop long enough to move up and has a lot more to learn.


    As for her getting shot, that would have happened regardless of who was with her. The gun was set to go off when someone knocked. Had all 3 been there, more people would probably have been shot.

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  3. I definitely agree that Platt had blame in the shooting. She should have never brought in Roman's ex. I was glad that she was at the hospital.

    I don't want this show turning into shipping contests. I love Burgess/Ruzek, but I definitely don't want to show to be all about them just like I don't want the show to be all about Linstead. Chicago Fire is turning into a soap opera with Dawsey, and I definitely don't want that to happen with PD!

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  4. I'm one of the few that actually like roman and I don't blame him. Yes he shouldn't have been fighting with his ex but if all three went to the door they all could have got shot. And well platt needs blaming too, she knew it was his ex and that is the whole reason he changed districts. I'm glad that Burgess got an offer for intelligence but Voight pretty much pissed me off. Allowing Buzerk to date and be in the same unit while no to Linstead. Just saying Erin and Jay seem more like they can handle working together and being in a relationship more than burgess and Ruzek. I like Buzerk. Though I do not think Burgess will accept the position I love Linstead a lot but I want it balanced out, lots of action with some romance but not overtak the show.

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  5. Last nights episode was great, for me one of the best of season 2 because it had the old vibe between Lindsay and Halstead and the story and action were great. And Voight supporting Roman, showing his more softer side, was great,too. Vought even joked, when they entered the building he said to Lindsay ''send the bomb squad in, if we all are still there by then''. Platt is a great character, I like her, Ruzek seemed to have slept through the action but I respect his choice to stay with Burgess.


    I agree, that the rule that if an officer gets shot can choose his next free position is kind of weird, but in all fairness that rule got Halstead into the Intelligence unit, too (if I recall the event in Chicago Fire correctly, I don't know which episode, but it was with Dawson when Halstead was undercover and took a bullet. Antonio then said to him, he will get him into the Intelligence unit). Atwater has no real purpose and I don't know how I am going to feel about Burgess upstairs, I cannot explain it but she is one of my least favorite characters and her dying wouldn't have made such a big impact on me. I love this show, so I am open minded to everything. I am also curious if new characters from Lindsays unit will be introduced.


    I have been missing a real Lindstaed moment for a really long time, and finally they are back, awesome. Next week cannot come soon enough. Oh, and Nadia is back, too, next week, double yeah!!

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  6. Chicago Fire has been getting ridiculous. I've actually started FFing through the pouty faces and bickering.

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  7. First... I want to say I held Chicago PD marathons the entire break daily. I could not wait for the show to return. I even watched with the children, {teenagers} who love the show. They're Halstead fans by the way.

    Second. ... I screamed WTF???? when Voight told Burgess he'll make an exception for her and Ruzek to work in intelligence. Where was that exception for Linstead? They could handle it if he'd given them the chance.

    I'm not blaming Roman for Burgess being shot. I never considered him at fault nor her breaking protocol, but I didn't look at it as his fault. I did want to see him and Ruzek go at it though. This episode showed more of how Ruzek has matured from his rookie days. I enjoyed his character this episode.

    I've always thought Halstead was more of the leading man in the show. He's differently grown into a leading male role. Sort of like Casey and Severide on Chicago Fire, it's Antonio & Halstead. I love seeing him work and his love and concern for Linstead. Antonio seem to be of a junior Hank to me. Idky....

    I'm hoping that Lindsey returns sooner rather than later. I love the partner dynamic between her and Halstead. I can't understand why the writers would break up such a chemistry. I would be happy with them secretly dating and being partners. I hope it's not to long before we see them partnering up in more than one way. I sure hope the writers are not toying with us about Linstead in next episode. My Chicago PD heart can't take it. If one of them pull back from a kiss or say something about friends, I'm going to be so heated. I do not want to see Lindsay end up with the Marlboro man or Severide. I notice in the background when Antonio, Hank, & AL was talking, Lindsay was helping Halstead with his vest.

    Is it me or did Cot (sp) originally offer Lindsay the offer to run her own task force. Now she's working under the Marlboro man. Am I the only one that notice that or am I missing something.?

    Oh goodness, this cast chemistry is so dynamic and good that I can't say I want to see any of them leave. Not even Roman. His character is more interesting here than on Ray Donovan. I love. Platt... she needs to remain. Maybe Atwater... but I can't see him leaving either.

    Overall I love the episode, I hope Linstead don't stay away to long. I pray pray pray we see the beginning of a long lasting relationship

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  8. I'm so glad we have different opinions on the show! That's what makes these discussions so fun.


    It's not that I don't think Burgess doesn't deserve to be in Intelligence. She's a great cop, I'll give her that. It's the fact that Voight is willing to break his no fraternization rule for her, and not Erin, who is by far the better cop.


    Voight flat out told Erin that if she wanted to be with Jay, she had to leave the unit. He basically told Jay the same thing.


    I don't think it will become the Linstead show. One thing every procedural needs is story line to tie the episodes together. A relationship does that.

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  9. I love Roman! He really does add another dimension. He's a cop through and through, and I really love his partnership with Burgess (in a non romantic way), so I hope she declines the Intelligence offer.

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  10. Totally not just you. I don't see the chemistry either! And while I'm not crazy about Burgess, I think she could be great, but I don't think she could handle an inter-office romance.

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  11. It was one of the best for me too, because it was more character driven.


    LOVED Voight's scenes with Roman. I think Voight has really taken a liking to him, and I can't wait to see that move forward.


    I'm glad you brought up how Halstead got into intelligence. It's a little hazy for me, but the BIG difference is that at that time, Halstead was a detective. Burgess is not.


    Completely agree with you on Atwater. So useless. And I didn't think Burgess would die because as morbid as it sounds, it wouldn't have mattered. It would not have had the effect that Shay dying on Fire did.


    LOVE Nadia!!

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  12. I love your comments!!


    I'm glad I'm not the only one who screamed when Voight made that offer. They could absolutely handle it better than Ruzek and Burgess, which is why I brought up the corndog fiasco.


    I love their chemistry too, but I wouldn't worry about their screen time together. If anything, it will give us a chance to see them out of the office much more.


    Halstead really has grown into a leading role. I love what the writers have done (with the exception of "the offer") - mainly because they go with the chemistry, which has given us this amazing cast of characters. I could lose Atwater for sure. Even though I don't like Burgess, she brings a great dynamic to the show as well.


    If that scene was just a tease I will throw something at the TV! How unfair would that be!!

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  13. Oh I didn't remember that Voight flat out told Erin shouldn't date Halstead. I thought Voight just said he was worried about Halstead being able to focus, and then Lindsay and Halstead decided not to date. That is bad writing to just change the rules.

    I need to go back and watch the first season again. I love this show. And maybe watching again will make me like Linstead more. I remember I liked them in the first season, and I hated Lindsay with Severide.

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  14. Now I agree with Dawsey. It's a bit ridiculous at this point. I think this break up between them is unnecessary and bad writing. Just leave them together and move forward. I do like the ships in shows because it makes the shows more real. That's in my opinion. In real life, cops and firemen have personal lives and to show how they balance work and personal is a good show to me. A good percentage of relationships and affairs are formed at work the workplace. With Linstead, they are both single, young, attractive partners that work together all day or days at a time. They are bound to have developed feelings for one another or a brother/sister type relationship. If those two single people just work together constantly without feeling, this show will not have that real feeling and it would be just like any other crime solving show. Chicago PD balance both their work lives and a touch of some personal life. Even Olinsky/Hank, Antonio//Hank has a bromance that's awesome and well written. Especially Hank & Alvin... I love them two bond.

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  15. I have that feeling of the writers tricking us to believe that we're going to get more of Linstead in the next episode. I'm looking at the promo and one clip looks like they are actually at CPD and then another clip looks like they are at Halstead's place. But it looks like one of them will start to talk or pull away and that's really going to piss me off!!! But I'm so hoping they don't do that. Linstead is a huge promotion for the show and so was Dawsey. We got Dawsey so lets look forward to Linstead...

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  16. I like them together. And I'm thinking she'll take the job. I do think she has doubts though. We do know Hank is going to find a female to take Lindsay position because he likes female/male partners better...

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  17. Oh I forgot to add that I missed your review while on hiatus.... welcome back!!

    Voight was a bit different this entire episode. The offer is the biggest... then there is the jokes he made. But I'm with Hank... as clever as the guy was setting all those bombs and traps, it was a chance they wouldn't make it until the bomb squad arrived. I still want to know how he rigged the upstairs to blow up by opening a trunk!! Everything else was on timers or trick wire and motion sensors. But to open a trunk of a car and the upstairs of a house blow, that's still questionable....

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  18. I think PD has done a good job so far of balancing personal lives and professional lives. Chicago Fire did until this season. I agree about Olinksy/Hank and Antonio/Hank. I like that they've developed Antonio's relationship with Voight this season. I also wish they would feature Antonio and Halstead's relationship more. Antonio was the one that brought him in and at first it seemed like Halstead was like a younger brother to him. Maybe they'll get back to that.

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  19. I agree with more of Antonio/Halstead relationship. It was explored more so in S1 with those two bond. They fought, they talked and Antonio sort of helped Halstead after he nearly beat the crap out of him with the file to clear his name.

    I hoping they'll give us a little more background on Halstead family life too. He says he has no family and Ali's family is like his owns. They attended his graduation. I want more detail.

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  20. Maybe Voight re-thought his whole no dating rule? Erin is leaving, and there was no need to tell her that she can date whoever she wants? My biggest complaint about this season 2 is, that for the most part they wrote Lindsay and Halstead as nothing more than co-workers without any flirting at all. Voight must have the impression that there really is nothing between them, so why tell them it is ok to date? That is just my explanation in favor for Voight. One good thing, now that he had made an exception ... if Erin comes back and she is with Halstead, they don't have to break up...


    Ruzek came straight from the Academy, shouldn't he be the lowest in rank? Even Burgess should outrank him, right? I don't understand the hierarchy anyway, Platt and Voight are Sergeants, Antonio, Erin and Halstead detectives and the rest are...? And what is Olinsky?


    I was sure Brugess takes the intelligence job, but in one of the future promotion pictures she is still in uniform....

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  21. While it's been torture, I almost like that there hasn't been as much flirting this season, it feels more natural, the ebb and flow and of it all. Hoping that this is actually something!!


    Ruzek did come right out of the Academy, but I believe he is the same rank as Burgess, Roman, and Atwater. Antonio, Lindsay, Halstead, and Olinsky are detectives, and Voight and Platt are Sergeants.


    Yeah I saw that she's still in her officer uniform. Based on her reaction (not the initial reaction), I really don't think she will take the job because, we all know Erin won't be away for long. I don't think we can have that many characters in Intelligence.

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  22. Oh thank you!! I'm glad we are back!


    We did get to see a different side of Voight, and I loved it. It was a very interesting case, I'm hoping for more like it. I'd like to see a case that spans a few episodes, and/or a case that doesn't get solved.

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  23. I think Burgess should take the offer, she has wanted it since season 1 and she wants to advance her career being in intelligence is a way to do it.

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  24. If you are using the logic that Halstead is detective, then Ruzek shouldn't be in intelligence he got taken straight out of the academy,

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  25. I think Voight did not make an exception for Lindsay and Halstead at that time because he didn't believe it was real what they had, he saw it just as flirtation. And he was most likely right at that time. Remember, he was afraid Erin would just break Jay's heart, thus making him useless for the unit. But he sees that Ruzek and Burgess are already in love so that's different. I'm absolutely cheering for Lindsay and Halstead, they are my favourite TV couple but that's how I see it.

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  26. That makes sense. I never thought of Voight looking at Linstead as just a flirtatious thing. Great point!

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  27. It wasn't the intention to keep Ruzek in intelligence originally in the first episode. Didn't Hank tell Alvin he just needed a fresh face for that case which lasted over 2 episodes? In another episode Alvin was going to send him back to the academy but then Ruzek asked for a second chance or promised to focus. He made that to Alvin. He's had to prove himself worthy to be in intelligence in order to stay. I think with Antonio's partner dying, the needing him for a day turned into long time. Originally intelligence was down one person. By the end of episode S01, they would be down 2 people if Ruzek went back to the academy.

    Even Halstead had to prove he could be in intelligence. I reacted the episode where Halstead was thought to have killed Lonnie. Voight decision not to help was so Halstead could figure a way out of a tough situation. Voight way of doing things are questionable but at the end they are justifiable.

    They're all detectives with Atwater being the rookie.

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  28. Not that it really matters to me, but Ruzek is not a detective, he is the same rank as Roman, Burgess and Atwater. As far as I know the detective rank in most parts of the US requires even an technical exam same as the sergeant rank. He is never introduced as ''Detective Ruzek'' in the show, if that is any indication to prove my point. The show explicitly names Olinsky, Antonio, Jay and Erin as detectives.


    Halstead had to prove himself to Voight to rightfully be in his unit in season 1, his detective rank was never in question, which get got because of his years in the military. And Ruzek asked O for a second chance to be trained by him, that is different, that doesn't promote him out of a sudden to be a detective.

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  29. You don't have to be a detective to be in Intelligence. But, Olinsky, Antonio, Halstead, and Lindsay all have that rank.


    Ruzek and Atwater are in Intelligence, but their rank is Officer, Voight is obviously a Sergeant.

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  30. It is an interesting point! And while I do agree that Voight might have seen it that way, I also think that he has a zero tolerance policy for inter-office romances.

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  31. Thanks for clarifying... I'm so ready for tonight episode and the review!! :)

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