NBC’s enduring police drama, Chicago P.D., is gearing up for an exciting return of Assistant State Attorney Nina Chapman, portrayed by Sara Bues. As part of Dick Wolf’s acclaimed One Chicago franchise, the series delves into the operations of the Intelligence Unit within the 21st District, tackling some of Chicago’s most dangerous criminals. Under the leadership of Jason Beghe’s formidable Sergeant Hank Voight, Chicago P.D. has captivated viewers for over a decade, thanks to its engaging narratives and multilayered characters.
In a recent exclusive chat with ScreenRant, showrunner Gwen Sigan disclosed that Chapman’s comeback is scheduled for episode 15 of the current season. She teased a compelling exploration of the shifting relationship between Chapman and the often inscrutable Sergeant Voight. Here’s a glimpse of what Sigan shared:
Yes, she’s coming back in Episode 15, and then she’ll be with us for a lot of the back half of the season, and we sort of pick right back up where we left off with her and Voight and see how that time apart has kind of morphed them now they’ve had some time to think about things and just where that relationship will grow and how it keeps changing for the two of them.
They both have a lot of stories together, sort of taking down Reid, and so she’s a big part of that. And logistically, how can we take down this person who has all of this dirt and also pretty much runs the CPD? So she becomes a big factor in that, and we get to see a lot of her in the backend.
When questioned about the possibility of Voight and Chapman finally confronting their feelings, Sigan responded with an intriguing hint:
I don’t know if a discussion is probably right because he’s such an oddball, but we will definitely see them dealing with that, yes.
Significance of Chapman’s Return to Chicago P.D.
A Critical Juncture for Voight’s Narrative
Sergeant Voight has consistently maintained emotional barriers, often prioritizing the welfare of his unit over his own feelings. However, Chapman’s unique position allows her to challenge these defenses. Her emotional confession to Voight in season 12, episode 4 left him visibly taken aback. With her absence due to a case in Denver, this hiatus might have granted Voight the needed space to grapple with both her admission and his own emotions. Her return provides an avenue to delve into Voight’s hidden yearning for understanding—longing for someone who can relate to his past traumas.
As the looming threat from Reid endangers the integrity of the CPD, the professional alliance between Chapman and Voight could transform into one built on necessity, trust, and potential romance. This evolution could signify a groundbreaking shift within the series, as Voight has notably not engaged in a love interest throughout its twelve-season history. The emotional toll from his captivity by a serial killer in the season 11 finale has intensified Voight’s workaholic tendencies, and Chapman’s renewed concern for his well-being could serve as a significant anchor for him, facilitating a balance between personal and professional challenges in the upcoming episodes.
Our Insights on Chapman’s Return to Chicago P.D.
A Much-Needed Transformation for Voight’s Character
Chapman’s return injects a refreshing dynamic into Chicago P.D., providing an opportunity to reveal facets of Voight that viewers have seldom encountered. The prospect of a romantic subplot not only deepens his character’s emotional landscape but also revitalizes the show’s narrative energy. This relationship has the potential to humanize a figure often seen as a stoic, tough leader, encouraging his growth in unprecedented ways. With over a decade of storytelling behind it, Chicago P.D. has a remarkable opportunity to surprise its audience by taking bold risks with its characters and evolving their arcs.
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