Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 1 Ending Explained: Emily Martel’s Fate Revealed

The highly anticipated Chicago P.D. Season 12 premiere aired on NBC on September 25, 2024. The finale of Season 11 showcased Detective Hailey Upton’s departure from Intelligence, and Season 12’s premiere highlights the repercussions of her exit on Voight and the team.

Titled Ten Ninety-Nine, the synopsis of Episode 1 of Chicago P.D. Season 12 states:

“A month after Voight’s close brush with death, Intelligence is overwhelmed with cases as they handle a high-stakes drug bust.”

This latest installment introduces several new characters, including Emily Martel (Victoria Cartagena), who has just joined the Intelligence team. Martel is portrayed as disciplined and efficient, displaying the potential to excel in her role.

However, the conclusion of Episode 1 brings a shocking twist. During a shootout, both Martel and Officer Adam Ruzek find themselves compelled to respond. Tragically, Martel is killed in the line of duty as a bullet strikes her in the head.

Season 12: Full Cast List Explored

Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 1 Ending: Martel’s Promising Career Comes to a Tragic End

The episode begins with an implication that Martel has been part of Voight’s team for a month. As Voight continues to take on increasing responsibilities, Martel’s organizational skills become invaluable. She effortlessly juggles both paperwork and fieldwork.

Additionally, the Chicago P.D. Season 12 premiere delves into Martel’s backstory. Through her interactions with Ruzek, it becomes evident that she has endured a traumatic past, having witnessed her partner’s death while on duty. Following this tragedy, she questioned her ability to return to law enforcement.

Martel and Ruzek share a long-standing friendship that dates back to their academy days, leading to a quick bond when she joins Intelligence. Together, they work on a significant drug case, during which Martel heroically saves Ruzek’s life.

This character development endears Martel to viewers, making her unexpected death even more shocking. While enjoying a brief moment of respite in their vehicle, they are ambushed by gunmen. As they exit to fight back, a bullet fatally strikes Martel in the head.

Ruzek’s helplessness is palpable as he finds Martel lying lifeless on the ground.

What Happened to Voight?

The episode begins with Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) deeply engrossed in work. It’s quickly revealed that he has been obsessively taking on more cases since his close brush with death a month prior. Despite suggestions that some of the cases should be handled by other departments, Voight refuses to let any opportunities slip away.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Voight’s decision to bury himself in work is a coping mechanism following his near-death experience and Upton’s exit from the unit. The bond he shared with Upton resembled that of a father and daughter, intensifying the impact of her departure.

Assistant State’s Attorney Nina Chapman challenges Voight about his overwork, where he reveals to her that he now views his life as a gift meant solely for his work. Consequently, he burdens himself with tasks, forgoing breaks and even the chance to go home.

Why is Burgess Absent in the Premiere?

Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 1 notably does not feature Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati), but her absence is explained early in the episode. Ruzek receives a call from Burgess, who mentions she is attending a conference but is concerned about ongoing cases. Therefore, she is away and may not return to the Intelligence Unit immediately.

The next episode of Chicago P.D. Season 12 is set to premiere on October 2, 2024, on NBC.

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