After reading the interview with Patrick John Flueger about his character Adam Ruzek and the new addition to Chicago PD, Officer Kiana Cook, it’s clear that this show is not just another police drama. The camaraderie, humor, and grit on set make it feel like a family, which is crucial for surviving long hours and intense scenes.
[This story contains spoilers from the Oc. 2 episode of Chicago PD, “Blood Bleeds Blue.”]
On a sunny Chicago afternoon recently, instead of dealing with the usual challenges that come with playing Intelligence Unit Officer Adam Ruzek on NBC’s popular prime-time show Chicago PD, Patrick John Flueger found himself grappling with a unique predicament – all from the comfort of his own home in Chicago.
On the long-running cop show featuring a fictional detective, he’s no stranger to confrontations involving guns, life-threatening brawls, and even being point-blank shot by a youngster. However, today might have presented his most formidable challenge yet – unraveling the mystery behind his cats acting strangely on the porch. With keen detective skills, Flueger soon uncovers that pigeons are attempting to establish nests too close above, causing distress among the feline residents.
The cat-versus-pigeon skirmish served as a distraction, making it easier for Flueger’s character, Ruzek, to prepare himself before tackling what could have been one of the most emotionally intense and tense Chicago PD episodes.
The latest episode of season 12, titled “Blood Bleeds Blue,” started off where last week’s premiere left off. Ruzek was trapped behind a car, riddled with bullets, and confronting the grim reality of his partner, Officer Emily Martel (played by Victoria Cartagena), who had been fatally shot in the head. Moments ago, they were sharing jokes and discussing their work experiences inside their squad car. It’s evident that Ruzek realizes Martel is no longer there, but he hasn’t fully accepted it yet. Instead, he holds onto the hope that this tragic situation might not be genuine.
Afterwards, the plot thickened as they chased after Martel’s murderer in a heart-pounding chase. Ruzek and the Intelligence Unit were joined by newcomer Kiana Cook (portrayed by Tory Turner). Cook displayed her knack for quick thinking and resilience, managing to match the intensity of the emotionally charged Ruzek. The situation became even more urgent when it was disclosed that the man who killed Martel, Roy Darrow, had also shot his ex-wife, abducted his young son, and was now on the run, pursued by his older son, Nate.
I recently chatted with Flueger about my extensive journey on Chicago PD, the challenges we faced during the filming of this week’s episode, the arrival of a thrilling new cast member, the transformations undergone by my character (and maybe even myself) throughout these PD years.
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To say the least, Adam Ruzek has experienced a lot in 12 seasons on Chicago PD.
Wow, can you believe we’re on season 12 now? It seems like just yesterday that I started here. LaRoyce Hawkins (Det. Kevin Atwater) and I were discussing this the other day, remarking how it feels like kindergarten through high school. It’s hard to believe we’ve been part of this for over a decade. Looking at it as a timeline in my life, it seems to have flown by. However, when I reflect on particular moments, sharing stories and reminiscing about our shared experiences, it feels both fleeting and incredibly long-lasting all at once.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but wonder if, given all that Adam Ruzek has been through – surviving gunshots and brushing with death, and now witnessing his cherished partner being taken from him in such a tragic way – you might see him as something akin to a real-life superhero. After all, I remember hearing about your audition for Captain America in 2011, and it seems that both characters share a resilience and fortitude worthy of admiration.
(Laughs heartily) To set the record straight, Chris Evans was already Captain America in our minds before we even auditioned for the role. He simply excelled at it; I can’t help but wonder why I was considered for it. However, I must admit that Adam Ruzek is a more intriguing character to portray because he’s unpredictable – a bit of a wild card.
Given the relentless barrage of mental and physical blows Ruzek has endured in such a brief span, one might wonder what keeps him going on this job. Just last season, we witnessed his tenacious struggle to recover and return to active duty after being wounded by a child.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel that Detective Kim Burgess, portrayed by Marina Squerciati, is more than just a colleague for him. It seems like his connection to law enforcement runs deep, perhaps even familial, given his father was a cop and I imagine, in my head, his grandfather was too. Although it hasn’t been explicitly addressed in the series, the police force feels like an institution, a family tradition that spans across cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.
I’ve often viewed him as a thrill-seeker. During such incidents as shootings, when his reaction is intense, it seems almost as if he finds the situation exhilarating.
After learning that Martel has passed away, how is Adam dealing with this loss? Earlier, they had been discussing their work experiences and sharing a laugh together.
For the past twelve years, we’ve been in the habit of checking in with Atwater and Kim, asking “Atwater, you okay?” and “Kim, you okay?”. Today marks the first time I asked Martel, “Martel, you good?”, but there was no reply. You’re correct in assuming that we see Martel as a superhero. He seems to believe that no matter how chaotic things become, we’ll always manage to pull through again. So, when things don’t go according to plan, it comes as quite a surprise to him.
During the filming of that particular episode, I acted as if I couldn’t understand it, wondering how things didn’t go as planned this time around. It was a struggle for me to accept the premise that bullets fly and characters die within the context of a network TV show. In fact, it was the first time in 12 years that I shouted for help without anyone responding. And for me, the entire episode revolved around her not replying at all.
In our conversation, you mentioned Brian Luce serving as your guide in developing the Ruzek character. Were there any other law enforcement professionals you consulted with in preparation for this particular episode?
Wow, each one of them has a tale to tell… It’s fascinating just listening to these felines, and contemplating their daily routines leaves me in awe. (Pauses) I find it utterly captivating.
Could you discuss the connection between the Intelligence Unit and the recently debuted character, Officer Kiana Cook, portrayed by Toya Turner, who appeared on screen Wednesday evening?
Kiana Cook is an exceptional actress we’ve had on our show lately. It seems like we gave her quite a rough welcome, as during her first two appearances, she was subjected to some intense physical challenges. The first episode she starred in was swelteringly hot, around 90 degrees, and there was a lot of action happening simultaneously. In the next episode where she returned, it was written that it was raining continuously; thus, they made it pour down on her relentlessly throughout the shoot. Despite this grueling treatment, Kiana is thriving! I’m genuinely thrilled about her performance and believe audiences will adore her too. She possesses a remarkable toughness, given her background – her father being a police officer, and growing up with five brothers. This resilience and determination she brings to the set has me truly excited for what’s yet to come!
What are some of your thoughts about the trajectory of Adam Ruzek over all these years?
Without boasting, I believe my character has evolved significantly more than any other. Originally, he was a rather excitable young man with a cop father, exuding enthusiasm. Over time, he’s faced numerous challenges such as getting shot and beaten up a few times, making the role quite engaging. Patrick Flueger has certainly matured since we began this series; I hope he has too. Adam Ruzek has grown alongside me in a way that mirrors my personal growth. It’s been an enriching experience to embody this character at times, as it seems to have contributed to my own development.
You guys get into some heavy …
Let me help you out, some heavy shit (laughs).
Yes, thank you. On set, who helps the most in lightening things up a bit?
What’s striking is that despite the heavy atmosphere, we manage to find humor in every moment. We’re surrounded by seriousness, but somehow, we can’t help but laugh. Each group proclaims, “we’re a family, we’re a family.” Let me tell you, they truly are! Our team puts in so much effort and works such long hours that without our shared humor, I’m not sure how we’d make it through.
It’s unclear if it’s just one individual. LaRoyce Hawkins has a great sense of humor. Even though Jason [Beghe] may seem quite serious, he’s actually quite comical. Our set maintains an light-hearted atmosphere after 12 years without anyone taking things too seriously.
So, do you see yourself staying with the show until it runs its course?
(Laughs) Alright, how should I respond to that? I suppose I’ll carry on as long as they need me. It’s hard to believe I’d ever say something like “I’m leaving!” if given the choice.
As an actor on our show, it’s always refreshing to experience changes every few years that rekindle my interest. For instance, introducing characters like Toya or Ben Aguilar (Officer Dante Torres) brings a sense of excitement. The writers, directors, and producers keep things fresh in ways that make me feel like I’m starting anew. I don’t believe this happens often, but it certainly does with our show, and I am genuinely grateful and content to be part of this journey.
Chicago PD airs new episodes Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on NBC, streaming on Peacock.
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2024-10-03 15:55