Quicker than we can catch our breaths after Chicago PD Season 12 Episode 9‘s Kiana-centric, we’re diving into the fray with an hour centered around Ruzek.
And we couldn’t be happier about that. However, to speak frankly, Chicago PD Season 12 has been on fire regarding exploring the characters while balancing screen time and compelling cases and stories.
Well, except Kevin Atwater could use a bigger boost. But we’re willing to wait (im)patiently on that front.
Ruzek’s Cases Involving Children Showcase His Evolution
We’ve discussed how much Ruzek has evolved as a character over the seasons.
And many factors contribute to that, but frankly, none more than becoming a father.
Ruzek became Makayla’s dad well before the series spoke it out loud, and like most individuals, fatherhood shaped him and influenced how he carried himself on and off the job.
It also affects how he tackles certain cases and his thought process when interacting with victims or suspects and expands how he views the world around him.
In short, he’s come a long way, and much of that is because he sees the world through the eyes of a parent and has a renewed sense of duty to protect and serve.
Some of the strongest and most compelling cases involve children. It’s also refreshing and progressive that the series often has Ruzek visibly affected when they go down this avenue with cases rather than reserving that exclusively to Burgess.
The series showing Burgess as more than just a working mother is invaluable. With Ruzek, it’s compelling to touch on how becoming a father has heavily influenced him and contributed to how mature and seasoned he’s become as a cop.
Ruzek Heads a Dark Case Involving a Mysterious Child
Under normal circumstances, Ruzek tackling another dark case that involves a child would be redundant.
We already know what his undercover assignment was like with the white supremacist case that resulted in him fighting for his life after a shooting during Chicago PD Season 10 Episode 22.
But Chicago PD Season 12 Episode 10 teases something different with “Zoe” after a mysterious young girl who is the key to a dark case.
This case will likely be an overarching type that may linger for the back half of the season rather than one that the unit will solve by the end of the episode credits. At the very least, it’ll last a couple of episodes.
The episode places Ruzek directly in contact with a young girl who holds the key to the possible murders of multiple women and perhaps children, too.
Is Zoe the only crown jewel her father has? Is that why this sadistic man spares her when creating new families all around her?
Yes, Zoe is an unidentified child that Ruzek and the others will find at the scene of a crime, leading to a deep investigation into the darkness that surrounds her.
From the promo alone, young Annabelle Toomy will be one to watch. She comes across as detached and creepy in the promo, sharing with Ruzek that she has had many “moms” and “siblings.”
Of course, this nonchalant admission and the images of the police digging up what may be her backyard and excavating many skeletons may support what she’s saying.
Is Zoe a Victim or a Killer?
Ruzek connects with this young girl and intends to resolve what’s happening.
It leaves us to ponder if she’s simply a child who has disassociated because of the misdeeds of her father or whomever else, or is she somehow just as or solely responsible for these deaths?
Do we have a child who is a victim or one who is a serial killer?
The creepy music does nothing to assist us with our assessments, but it piques our interest
nonetheless.
It appears to be a case that will haunt Ruzek.
Many spoiler stills feature him, often deep in thought or emotionally overwhelmed and disturbed by what’s at the scene.
A girl will never complain about too many stills of Paddy Flueger, though. He’s looking good!
Chicago PD Does Well Using Dark Cases as Character Studies
Chicago PD has been on a roll with providing deep, dark, twisted, and creepy cases. More recently, Chicago PD Season 12 Episode 5 could’ve given anyone nightmares.
And we cannot forget the multi-episode arc with Voight and the serial killer who glued his victims’ eyes open!
Something tells me that this will be another case that makes our skin crawl but in the best possible way.
Of course, the case isn’t the only noteworthy aspect of this hour. We’ll also have some interesting developments in Ruzek and Burgess’ home life.
The synopsis teases that an unexpected visitor will drop in and cause some disruption for Burzek, and we all know that person is Disco Bob.
A Visitor Shakes Up Burzek’s Personal Life
Ruzek’s father is notoriously a trouble magnet who causes chaos in Ruzek’s life whenever he’s around. He’s likely showing up to send Burzek’s life into disarray, but we have to wonder in what way.
We know Burgess and Ruzek will have some challenges, and she’ll be helping him through some things. But is it because of Bob and whatever is going on with him?
Whatever the case, Gwen Sigan teased some interesting tidbits about Burzek’s personal arc this season. Plus, the two are headed for the altar soon.
Family may come in abundance, and with it comes all the drama and complications. This hour may be the introduction to whatever kicks off with the Burzek extended family.
We’re excited about this all-new Ruzek-centric. How about you?
Let’s hear all of your theories and predictions below!
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