Warning! Spoilers ahead for the Chicago PD season 11 finale.
Summary
TheChicago PDseason 11 finale brought back a major character from the past and showrunner Gwen Sigan explains how the surprise happened. Intelligence has been running a tight operation sinceJay Halstead left One Chicagoin season 10. But just because Hank Voight’s team is undermanned, it doesn’t mean that work has been light. Things came to a head when a major multi-episode case putVoight’s life in danger after a meticulous serial killer abducted him. The seasoned cop was able to escape, but he did get some help from an old friend.
In an interview withTV Line, Sigan explains how bringing backElias Koteas as Alvin Olinsky for theChicago PDseason 11 finalecame out to be. As it turns out, it was Jason Beghe’s idea to get Voight’s best friend back to the show. Read her full quote below:
I think for where [Voight] was and what he was thinking about, the perfect person was his old partner. He needed someone to basically tell him, ‘You’re not done. Wake the f—k up,’ and they had to be Olinsky. In my mind, there’s so much there between the two of them — so much that never got closure, never got resolved. But I think Voight carries it around every day, that this person he loved, and that he was responsible for in some element, ended up dying. He feels guilt and he feels shame and he feels responsible for that.
Why Olinsky Was The Perfect Chicago Fire Season 11 Finale Cameo
Olinsky Was The Only Character To Hype Up Voight
Considering Olinsky’s fate,Chicago PD is limited by their options in terms of bringing Koteas.
Chicago PDandOne Chicago have had many cast departures, but Olinsky’s exit remains one of the most heartbreaking. As Voight’s best friend, he took the fall for murdering Justin’s killer. Unfortunately, before Intelligence could come up with a way to get Olisnky out of prison, he was fatally stabbed, resulting in his death. Voight has already exacted his revenge against the people who ordered the hit on his long-time partner, buthe has never gotten over that Olinsky died because of him. Seeing his late pal come to his rescue is such a powerful moment.
Considering Olinsky’s fate,Chicago PDis limited by their options in terms of bringing Koteas. He could return in a flashback, but that means that a case must be tied to his past for it to be justified, and so his potential appearance would have been spoiled long before it happened. Voight’s hallucination is the easiest way to stage Olinsky’s comeback without having to set it up ahead of time. This also allows for it to be an effective surprise, especially for viewers of Intelligence andChicago PDfrom the beginning of its run.
Voight’s Chicago PD Season 11 Finale Fate Sets Up Antonio Dawson’s Return
Hank Voight is in serious danger in the Chicago PD season 11 finale and it paves the way for Jon Seda to finally return as Antonio Dawson.
Seeing Olinsky again is a great treat for everyone who enjoysChicago PD. Beyond this hallucination, the chances of seeing Koteas again are slim to none. One Chicago can’t simply repeat this storytelling trick without it feeling repetitive. The good thing is,Chicago PDis already confirmed for season 12, which gives Sigan and her team more opportunity to find ways to bring Olinsky and other former cast members back.
Source:TV Line
Chicago P.D.
Chicago P.D.: This police drama, set in Chicago’s District 21, follows the distinct units within the Chicago Police Department—uniformed officers addressing street crimes and an Intelligence Unit tackling major offenses such as organized crime and drug trafficking, capturing the dedication of those who serve and protect their community.
