One Chicago: Three non-cliffhanger things to watch this season

Chicago PD: Will Voight’s change of heart last more than one season?

Much was made on Chicago PD about Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) having to adjust with the times given all of the recent controversy and criticism surrounding the police. Last season did indeed see a less violent Voight as he worked with new Deputy Superintendent Samantha Miller (recurring guest star Nicole Ari Parker), but was that a permanent change or will Voight go back to his old ways in Chicago PD season 9?

Many TV shows have a tendency to only stick with a character’s development as long as it serves the story arc of a particular season. The One Chicago franchise is no exception. Fans have seen characters and storylines be the focus of one season only to quickly disappear in the next. Chicago PD is in an interesting position because Hank Voight is the centerpiece of the show, and the “no holds barred, whatever it takes” approach that many fans have criticized is the same reason that many other fans love him. Because of that, whatever the writers do, they won’t make everyone happy.

It would be more interesting creatively, however, if Voight stayed the course. The issues that prompted him to change his policing are still as relevant today as they were last season. Jason Beghe also put in some great work in season 8, reminding viewers that he can do a lot more than just yell at and beat up suspects. He showed that Voight is intimidating for more reasons than his use of force, and watching Voight struggle with change and also find a new sounding board in Miller added new layers to the character, too. (Hopefully Parker will return for more than the Chicago PD season 9 premiere even though she has other projects—and maybe we’ll find out where the Superintendent has been while Miller seems to be running the show.)

As Hank Voight goes so does Chicago PD, and there’s a lot more to explore if the character stays out of his comfort zone.

Chicago Med, Chicago Fire and Chicago PD all return Wednesday, September 22 starting at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

Article content is (c)2020-2023 Brittany Frederick and may not be excerpted or reproduced without express written permission by the author. Follow me on Twitter at @BFTVTwtr and on Instagram at @BFTVGram.