The thing that we all know about Chicago P.D. is that just we think we know what’s happening the script is turned on us. We start to see the pieces fall into place as a web of lies is unveiled to reveal a wave of truth that ultimately leads to our Intelligence Unit to finding some clarity.
Or also in this case, clarity about a new Intelligence member’s allegiance.
In “Seven Indictments,” suspicion falls on Rixton when Lindsay and Halstead are warned about Rixton’s prior actions. There’s an immediate sense of distrust as the rumor simmers and the Intelligence Unit begins to question if Rixton can be trusted.
Also, Platt takes an interest in a homeless man who has wandered upon District 21 as she seeks to reunite him with his dog. All of this after she was pricked with a needle and faced the potential of acquiring Hepatitis C or HIV. But she soon discovers that there might be another reason that this man has happened upon them. And it might help Intelligence solve their whirlwind case.
Let’s break this down:
The Rixton Rumor
When it comes to newbies, I’m naturally weary. I’m naturally untrusting. I’m naturally overprotective of my preexisting babies and how the potential for betrayal can ultimately affect them. So Rixton’s introduction and stay on Chicago P.D. has been one filled with animosity and caution as he (temporarily?) filled Ruzek’s shoes as he ran from Intelligence (and Burgess) choosing to go deep undercover as a distraction.
Given Rixton’s connection and relationship with Voight – and I’m referring to a relationship that existed before Voight turned his life around with Intelligence – I was naturally weary about Rixton’s past. Why was he brought to Intelligence? Did something happen in the Gang Unit? Why did I have a sinking feeling of suspicion deep in my gut?
So when Lindsay and Halstead were warned to be cautious when it comes to trusting Rixton, it was like a red light going off. There it was. Confirmation of the suspicion that I had been feeling from the start.
As Intelligence (minus Voight) looked into Rixton’s past, we learned that his gang unit was facing several indictments. More than that, there were seven indictments handed out although there were eight members in that unit. So guess who didn’t receive an indictment? Good ol’ Rixton.
It’s fascinating how easily it is to jump to our individual conclusions when it comes to judging people and their character. We’re guided by our thoughts, beliefs, and suspicions and we let that guide our way of thinking. It’s exactly what we saw play out with Intelligence and Rixton, as Halstead, Lindsay, Atwater, and Olinski were convinced that something was off with Rixton.
Surely Rixton sneaking conversations with Voight didn’t help matters. We already knew that Voight was doing Rixton a solid letting him into his unit. But was there something larger at play? Here’s the thing, it’s natural for our winds to wander. It’s not only expected it’s implored when it comes to procedurals. You’re basically playing the role of detective and, like the characters, trying to figure out what the hell is going on. So while I ended up being wrong with my Rixton suspicion, I don’t regret it. That’s our jobs as viewers. To take the evidence they give us and formulate a hypothesis that will be confirmed or denied eventually.
As far as Rixton’s backstory goes, the night seven of his unit’s members were indicted, Rixton wasn’t with them. They got caught for doing something wrong. Rixton wasn’t with him, which explains why there was one indictment not handed out. He made a deal to not discuss it, and that’s what led him to Intelligence. Basically, I was wrong as hell.
The lesson we can all learn here is to not get caught up in rumors and give people a chance to win over your trust. It was a lesson that our Intelligence Unit learned by episode’s end – capped off by a genuine apology from Halstead and co. – that really resonates in this environment. You have to trust your teammates in this environment. That trust was threatened. But ultimately it was restored.
Ruzek Returns and Ignites a Spark
Ruzek’s absence has felt like an eternity. It even got to the point where I was wondering if he’d even be coming back at all. His temporary disappearance was unexpected, lacking specific details, and felt suspicious. Luckily Ruzek’s return at the tail end of this episode squashed those concerns and left me feeling more hopeful than ever for a certain relationship.
While I’m beyond thrilled to have Ruzek back with his Intelligence family (well, next episode since he never made it upstairs), it was a moment between Ruzek and Burgess that ignited a fire within my fangirl heart.
Not only did Ruzek own up to the fact that he basically ran away from Intelligence because he couldn’t handle working with Burgess. Not only did he apologize for it. Not only were they both beyond happy to see each other. But the two, who have been broken up for far too long, shared a passionate lip lock that might’ve reignited their relationship.
Now, as far as we know it’s just a kiss. We don’t know what happens next. For all we know they’ll regret it. For all we know they’ll ignore it. For all we know we’ll learn it was a dream and therefore a sick and twisted joke by the writers.
But then again perhaps this is the path to reuniting that we’ve been waiting for. When the two broke up – after Burgess doubted Ruzek’s commitment to their relationship – there was never any resolution. It was basically them avoiding each other at all costs. Leaving anything unresolved isn’t healthy, which is what prompted Ruzek’s overreaction to flee Intelligence when he learned he’d soon be working closer to Burgess. He couldn’t handle it.
And while the brief conversation – and that kiss – they shared doesn’t resolve the conflict between them, it’s a start. And when it comes to reuniting, you have to start somewhere.
Five Things…
- Burzek lives! It was satisfying enough to have Ruzek return to P.D., but then you cap that off with a Burzek reunion that ignites with a kiss and our hearts are racing and voices screaming!
- That was one hell of a con case. To be honest I still can’t wrap my head around it entirely. They weren’t kidding about a web of lies, twists, and turns. But watching Lindsay get in that bitch’s face was everything.
- Platt’s interactions with that dog is my aesthetic. Platt’s entire storyline from her relationship with the homeless man to finding his dog and reuniting them warmed my heart.
- Linstead at the shooting range slays me. I love these two more than words. While I’d like to see more of their relationship, I’ll take moments like this that remind me why their relationship thrives and why it’s got me hook, line, and sinker.
- Antonio’s cameo makes me both happy and sad. God, I miss Antonio so, so much. It’s sucked not seeing him but sparingly on Chicago Fire. But with Chicago Justice on the horizon at least we’ll get to see him again. Even though he’s family to Chicago P.D.
Chicago P.D. airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC.