Chicago PD Season 12 Upton's Replacement
Given Hailey Upton's close relationship with Hank Voight, her leaving Chicago PD leaves a notable void in the Intelligence department. A new character will be added to cover Voight's right-hand person, according to showrunner Gwen Sigan. Although a fresh face could bring fresh dynamics and stories to the show, replacing Upton's special contribution will not be easy.
Why Should Upton Be Replaced? It's Not Easy
Upton was not only a great investigator but also a moral compass for Voight, regularly questioning his approaches and pushing him toward a more moral direction. Given that the Intelligence division has already been running understaffed for several seasons, her leaving leaves a significant void in the team's dynamics. Replacing Upton calls for someone who can not only meet the rigors of the work but also keep a close relationship with Voight and challenge his inclination to cross boundaries.
Potential Employees for Upton's Position
Although adding a new character could give the show more vitality, some viewers think the current ensemble could cover Upton's responsibilities. Seasoned police with the knowledge and abilities required to meet the rigors of the post are Kim Burgess, Adam Ruzek, and Kevin Atwater. Encouragement of one of these well-known personalities would provide consistency and build on their current rapport with the rest of the team.
The Effects of Upton's Leaves-off
Upton's terrible split from her husband, Jay Halstead, drove her out. Along with other major cast changes in recent seasons, this departure leaves the Intelligence unit running with a depleted roster. Although the team has stayed effective, losing Upton complicates their operations even more. Her leaving emphasizes the continuous difficulties keeping a consistent team dynamic in the always changing environment of One Chicago.
The Chicago PD's Future
For Chicago PD, the addition of a fresh character to replace Upton marks a dramatic change. Finding someone who can fit the current dynamic and add to the continuing story of the show presents a difficulty for the showrunners. Whether a new character or a familiar face takes front stage, the hunt for Upton's replacement promises to be a turning point for the show, determining the course of the Intelligence unit and its interaction with Voight.
