Every Dick Wolf present is experiencing casting shake-ups as we head into 2024, however none of them come fairly as near the stratospheric impression Chicago P.D. will really feel with the lack of Tracy Spiridakos as Hailey Upton.
Love or hate Upton, she’s been part of among the sequence’ largest storylines and the method of writing her out needs to be robust for all concerned.
She deserves an finish befitting of her contributions to the crew, which have been plentiful.
Sadly, the One Chicago universe would not have one of the best observe file in saying goodbye to our most beloved characters.
Many get questionable exits that lack the finality needed for his or her followers to maneuver on, and a few, nicely, they get killed off in brutal vogue.
There is not any in-between so far as this universe is worried, however hopefully, we’ll all be happy with how this shakes out.
My knee jerk response to information of Spiradikos’ departure was that she’d be unexpectedly written out within the first episode of Chicago P.D. Season 11.
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Although she reached a breaking level on the finish of Chicago P.D. Season 10 when she accepted that her marriage was over, there’s nonetheless a lot to do with Upton.
The present likes to put her in hurt’s method, however it might be good if she may get a few episodes of peace earlier than strolling away from the crew.
Killing her off would not fly. We’ve spent so lengthy together with her, and he or she’s grown into one of many division’s greatest brokers. This is a personality who deserves one of the best life after her sacrifice for the better good.
Now, we have now an thought of what is forward. TVLine not too long ago shared details about the place Upton might be on Chicago P.D. Season 11 Episode 1.
The episode, titled “Unpacking,” finds Upton shadowing a disaster prevention crew.
However, issues go awry she finds her “method to policing at odds with the crew’s psychological well being clinician.”
We’ll be diving into Upton’s “personal struggles” all through what’s certain to be an emotional return after such a prolonged hiatus.
She’ll have Voight by her aspect as she navigates this newest disaster, and he ought to have a relaxing impact on an in any other case risky scenario.
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While we nonetheless do not know what number of future episodes will characteristic Upton, showrunner Gwen Sigan hints that it will not be only one, likening the arc to “a big season of growth and change for Hailey Upton.”
Sigan says she’ll be in a “precarious place” and in a transitional interval as she goals to maneuver on after taking off her ring.
She is aware of her relationship with Jay is over, however “There’s loads she nonetheless has to confront in herself and doesn’t essentially understand how to take action,” the showrunner guarantees.
If you watch Chicago P.D. on-line, you understand there are numerous instructions for Hailey’s arc to go, however it’s not exhausting to think about that working with the crew might be a relentless reminder of her relationship with Halstead and the way her marriage failed.
They have been such a cute couple, so it is a disgrace how issues panned out for them.
But like every little thing in life, you by no means know what’s across the nook, so perhaps Hailey will make the troublesome resolution to start out afresh someplace new.
Her wrestle to maneuver on ought to rule out a return from Jesse Lee Soffer.
If these remaining episodes for Upton are about her character’s development, nothing will undo that greater than going through the person she misplaced. Leaving with him after his betrayal is untenable.
Chicago PD: How Hailey Upton’s Impending Exit Shifts the Landscape of the Series
There are so many unanswered questions, but when there is a clear build-up to Upton’s departure, then perhaps this might be one of many few One Chicago exits that does not really feel unexpectedly thrown collectively on the final minute.
What are your ideas on the primary particulars about Hailey’s departure?
Do you assume it is going to be worthwhile?
Are you wanting ahead to her therapeutic earlier than saying goodbye?
Share your ideas within the feedback.
Chicago P.D. Returns Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 10/9c.
Paul Dailly is the Associate Editor for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.
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