‘It’s Just Been So Long’: Marina Squerciati Talks Burgess Wanting To Move Up On Chicago P.D. And What Still Needs To Change

'It's Just Been So Long': Marina Squerciati Talks Burgess Wanting To Move Up On Chicago P.D. And What Still Needs To Change

As a long-time fan of One Chicago’s cop drama, I am thrilled to see Burgess finally taking that big step towards becoming a detective in the upcoming episode of Chicago P.D.. After more than a decade as a dedicated CPD officer, it’s high time one of us made it – and from the looks of it, Burgess is the lucky one!


In the autumn 2024 TV lineup, Chicago P.D. is set to resume its broadcast following a week’s hiatus, with an important episode airing on November 6th that promises significant developments for character Burgess. With over a decade under her belt as a CPD officer in the One Chicago cop drama, Burgess is now stepping closer to a detective role, but the politics involved and their unpredictable nature could potentially derail this progress. Marina Squerciati, who plays Burgess, shares insights with TopMob on what fans can anticipate in terms of her character’s journey, including the reasons behind this storyline and the remaining obstacles Burgess must overcome.

In the upcoming episode of “Chicago P.D.”, titled “Pawns”, it’s hinted that Detective Burgess is nearly ready to take her final step towards becoming a detective. Since the Intelligence Unit has seen two of its main detectives, Halstead and Upton, depart, with Burgess, Ruzek, and Atwater having been officers since day one, I wondered if Marina Squerciati had any inkling before Season 12 that her character might be in line for the promotion. The actress shared that she did not have prior knowledge of this possible advancement for Burgess.

In other words, it seemed inevitable that one of us had to take advantage of the opportunity that presented itself, considering how long we’ve been waiting. I suspected all along that it would be one of us. I didn’t have a preference about who it was. [laughs] I just wanted someone to seize the chance… There were several chances available, so now seems like the right time.

Despite the initial impression that Season 12 of Chicago P.D. introduced a new detective instead of promoting an existing one, it turned out that Martel was killed off early, and Kiana Cook (played by Toya Turner) is another officer on the team. Previously, Atwater seemed like a potential candidate for the next detective role, but the position was up for grabs. Whether Burgess will achieve her aspirations in “Pawns” remains to be seen, but Squerciati revealed that there were factors preventing her from pursuing a promotion for so long.

As a gamer, I can relate. Balancing ambition with family responsibilities is like leveling up while managing a guild. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely possible. I’m proof of that, juggling my career goals with my role as a mom. Finding time to study and carve out personal space can feel like navigating through a maze, but patience and determination pay off. She was managing a family, a husband or fiancé, and it took some time, but now she’s ready to take on the next challenge.

On the gritty streets of Chicago P.D., tranquility can be elusive, even in favorable conditions. In such circumstances, Burgess invested a great deal of affection, time, and dedication to create a home for Makayla. Thankfully, after rekindling their relationship and repeatedly pledging their allegiance to one another, they appear to have established a steady family with their daughter. Squerciati hinted at Ruzek’s response when Burgess embarks on this significant professional venture to become a detective:

It seems unjustified to anticipate anything less from him than being supportive, given his nature. He’s not the typical insensitive brute who can’t support a more powerful partner. Rather, he’s an exceptional companion. In fact, he’s more like a confidant, a friend I hold dear, and his support for me is not just expected, but appreciated, because I value it for myself. So, I believe that’s commendable.

Fortunately, fans of the Burzek series will find smooth sailing in Season 12 as promised by showrunner Gwen Sigan. Before its fall premiere (available with a Peacock subscription), she confirmed that there indeed is an upcoming promotion, something they’ve been trying to achieve for quite some time!

The fact that the title of the November 6 episode is “Pawns” doesn’t imply an easy journey for Burgess and the case. When I inquired from Marina Squerciati about how this title pertains to Burgess and the case, she hinted at the transformation her character undergoes:

She tries to sidestep politics, but it’s impossible. You can try and rise above in any job, but politics are part of it. God, what a day to talk about that, right? It just infuses everything and she tried to sidestep it, and it still found her. I think that’s really interesting, and I think that she has to be smarter about it going forward. She doesn’t have to totally play the game at every moment, but she has to recognize that it’s there and understand it a little better.

Time will reveal the pace at which Burgess grasps the political aspect of the game more fully, and it promises to be quite intriguing as we watch along. Additionally, the upcoming episode’s preview hints at the political challenges that Burgess encounters during her pursuit of a promotion to detective.

Be sure to tune in to NBC on Wednesday, November 6 at 10 p.m. ET for the “Pawns” episode of Chicago P.D. As always, the Intelligence Unit’s exploits follow Chicago Fire at 9 p.m. ET and Chicago Med at 8 p.m. ET, all on NBC. You can also revisit earlier episodes of all three shows streaming on Peacock now, and don’t forget to check back with TopMob for more from Marina Squerciati.

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2024-11-06 09:37