Major changes await fans when “Chicago P.D.” returns on air. Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush) would have left for her new job at the FBI in New York. She will be replaced in the Intelligence Unit by Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos). Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda) will be coming back to the unit after a brief stint at the State Attorney’s office.
The biggest change of all, however, seemed to have happened behind the scenes. New showrunner Rick Eid replaced series co-creator Matt Olmstead for the position. He has previously served as showrunner in the three Dick Wolf “Law &Order” series according to Deadline.
His first order of business is to make “Chicago P.D.” more accurately reflect the real-life situations that the real Chicago Police is facing. That is, in 2016, it had 4,338 reported shootings and 754 reported homicides. The statistics are the highest in 20 years reports The Hollywood Reporter. Eid wants to place the show in the complicated, racially, socially and politically charged environment.
The idea of reform will be introduced as early as the “Chicago P.D.” Season 5 premiere according to Eid. An independent auditor will be charged to oversee the whole department to make sure it conforms with guidelines and regulations.
Eid also addressed the new dynamics that will come into play within the Intelligence Unit especially for Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) after Lindsay’s exit. She has been Halstead’s longtime partner and girlfriend. Eid assures fans that viewers will know Lindsay’s future upon the “Chicago P.D.” season premiere.
The way that Voight (Jason Beghe) and Halstead will deal with Lindsay’s departure differently says, Eid. The two characters’ different approach will be explored right off the first episode but will be felt from time to time by the viewers. This will happen whenever it feels right for the characters.
“Sometimes you might not even be talking about it but you might think that’s what’s going on, for example with Halstead. Her loss will impact him in a meaningful way,” Eid further explained.
What happens to Erin Lindsay and what her role at the FBI will be are surely making fans both curious and excited for the new season. “Chicago P.D.” is expected to return on September 27 on NBC.