Each 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 a few of the collection’ largest storylines and the method of writing her out needs to be powerful for all concerned.
She deserves an finish befitting of her contributions to the crew, which have been plentiful.
Sadly, the One Chicago universe does not have the perfect observe document in saying goodbye to our most beloved characters.
Many get questionable exits that lack the finality vital for his or her followers to maneuver on, and a few, properly, they get killed off in brutal style.
There isn’t a in-between so far as this universe is worried, however hopefully, we’ll all be glad 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.
Though 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 manner, however it could 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 have spent so lengthy along with her, and she or he’s grown into one of many division’s finest brokers. It is a character who deserves the perfect life after her sacrifice for the better good.
Now, now we have an concept of what is forward. TVLine lately shared details about the place Upton can be on Chicago P.D. Season 11 Episode 1.
The episode, titled “Unpacking,” finds Upton shadowing a disaster prevention crew.
Nonetheless, issues go awry she finds her “strategy to policing at odds with the crew’s psychological well being clinician.”
We’ll be diving into Upton’s “private struggles” all through what’s certain to be an emotional return after such a prolonged hiatus.
She’ll have Voight by her facet as she navigates this newest disaster, and he ought to have a relaxing impact on an in any other case risky scenario.
Whereas we nonetheless do not know what number of future episodes will function Upton, showrunner Gwen Sigan hints that it will not be only one, likening the arc to “a giant season of progress and alter 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 know the way to take action,” the showrunner guarantees.
In case you watch Chicago P.D. on-line, you realize there are a lot of instructions for Hailey’s arc to go, nevertheless it’s not arduous to think about that working with the crew can be a continuing 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.
However like all the pieces in life, you by no means know what’s across the nook, so perhaps Hailey will make the tough choice to start out afresh someplace new.
Her wrestle to maneuver on ought to rule out a return from Jesse Lee Soffer.
If these ultimate episodes for Upton are about her character’s progress, nothing will undo that greater than dealing with the person she misplaced. Leaving with him after his betrayal is untenable.
Chicago PD: How Hailey Upton’s Impending Exit Shifts the Panorama of the Sequence
There are such a lot of unanswered questions, but when there is a clear build-up to Upton’s departure, then perhaps this can 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 suppose 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 Affiliate Editor for TV Fanatic. Comply with him on X.