Warning! Spoilers ahead of Chicago PD season 11, episode 7.

Summary

• Classic Voight is back in Chicago PD season 11, signaling a potential improvement in the show's storytelling.
• Voight's focus on a compelling case involving a traumatized victim brings out his ferocious determination.
• The departure of Upton could leave Voight unchecked, potentially making him more dangerous than ever.

Classic Hank Voight is back, hinting that NBC is finally fixing Chicago PD. Like the majority of scripted series, One Chicago's police procedural returned late due to the historic dual Hollywood strikes of 2023. Despite Chicago PD season 11 only having 13 episodes, it appears as if Wolf Entertainment is committed to making sure that the show gets back on top of its game. It's still way too early to be sure if it will be able to return to its glory days, but its latest case suggests that it's on the right track.

Similar to its fellow shows under the same franchise, Chicago PD is technically an ensemble, but there's no denying that Jason Beghe's Voight is its true leader. Throughout many casting changes, including Jay Halstead's utterly disappointing Chicago PD exit, the Intelligence leader remains steadfast in his commitment to his job. Unfortunately, it's no secret that the last few years have been difficult for the series as it struggles with its identity. Surprisingly, however, things are starting to look up for them amid a big tragedy in Chicago PD season 11, episode 7, "The Living and The Dead."

Chicago PD Season 11, Episode 7 Ending Brings Back Classic Voight

Classic Voight may have been revived in Chicago PD season 11.

As part of a two-episode Chicago PD season 11 special case, the mystery surrounding the abductor of Chicago-newcomer, Noah gets Voight fixated. Realizing that the teenager has been kicked out by his family for being gay, he becomes hell-bent on helping him catch the suspect behind the horrendous crime. Having been in the force for so long, the Intelligence leader knows full well not to get personally invested in a case, but the memory of Voight's murdered son, Justin, motivates him to make sure that justice is served.

Unfortunately, Noah is way too traumatized to be helpful in the investigation, and the perpetrator is far more careful not to leave any trace of his crime. In the end, Voight and Intelligence can only do so much, with the kid ending up dead just days after he escaped the harrowing torture. Upon seeing Noah's body dumped inside a barrel, it's evident in Voight's face that he is anguished and tormented about failing to protect him. His eyes, however, are ferocious and determined, reminiscent of Classic Voight — something that Chicago PD hasn't seen in a long while.

How Classic Voight Will Fix Chicago PD’s Storytelling Problems

Chicago PD needs to bring back more complicated cases.

Instead of being a milestone year, Chicago PD season 10 was an ultimate letdown. Kicked off by a rushed and uncharacteristic exit from Halstead, the rest of the year struggled to move on from the loss and get back to its old rhythm. The character/episode format also made it feel disted overall. Voight's Chicago PD season 11 storyline is the best one in quite a while. The case is unique, gripping, and emotional; it also harkens to a well-established point in Voight's history without being on the nose about it.

Chicago PD's best narratives involve testing Intelligence morally.

That said, the case's potential doesn't end there. Depending on how the writers are going to move the plot forward, it can effectively solve the show's storytelling problems, primarily that it's no longer compelling. Chicago PD's best narratives involve testing Intelligence morally. The show has shied away from doing this as a way to be sensitive to the widespread issues of police brutality in the country. In its earlier seasons, Voight has an "all means necessary" protocol when solving his cases. Chicago PD doesn't need to return to that period, but it must bring back its more nuanced storytelling.

One way to do that is to continue challenging Voight's (and Intelligence) principles in the face of tragedy. Chicago PD season 11 can do that once it picks up the unresolved case of Noah. Beghe teased that Classic Voight might return, as the character reverts to his old ways when seeking justice for the boy. The police procedural can do this, but be more wary of the real-world implications of its messaging instead of simply focusing on the storytelling.

Chicago PD Season 11 Can Potentially Make Voight More Dangerous

Hailey Upton's exit can leave Voight unchecked.

The future of Chicago PD could make Voight more dangerous than ever. While he is the leader of Intelligence, it doesn't mean that he can't be kept in line by his subordinates. Originally, Antonio Dawson made this his responsibility. When he left, Halstead stepped up and called out Voight whenever he got way too intense while working on a case. Now, this is primarily Hailey Upton's job, especially as they bonded through one of the most traumatic arcs in the show.

This isn't going to last any longer, however, since Upton is on her way out of Intelligence, leaving the spot open. Looking at who's remaining in Voight's team, it doesn't seem like anyone is willing to fill the void. Without anyone keeping the Intelligence leader in check, he could easily slip back into his old patterns, although Chicago PD should know better than to let him undo all his years of personal growth.

Chicago PD season 11 airs every Wednesday, 10pm ET on NBC.