After Chicago P.D. Showrunner’s Comments About Burzek’s Future, I Had To Get Patrick John Flueger’s Take Ahead of His Big Ruzek Episode

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In the 2025 TV lineup, Chicago P.D. will make its comeback on NBC following a week’s hiatus, and beforehand, there remains a typical episode, but don’t be fooled as ‘typical’ doesn’t equate to simple in this case. Character Ruzek (portrayed by Patrick John Flueger) is gearing up for a tough time dealing with a case that revolves around an unidentified young girl who seems to be connected to multiple deaths. The upcoming storyline has been described as the “Chicago crossover equivalent of Avengers: Endgame“.

In the upcoming episode titled “Zoe” airing on January 22, he will likely find support in Marina Squerciati’s character, Burgess. Previously, I revisited the remarks made by showrunner Gwen Sigan regarding Burzek compared to those of Flueger, as we approach what may be a challenging evening for his established character on primetime television.

First things first!

What Gwen Sigan Said About Burzek

Prior to the winter return of “Chicago P.D.” (available for streaming with a Peacock subscription), I had a conversation with Gwen Sigan. Our discussion centered around the ongoing conflict between Voight and Reid, a topic that will be further explored in the upcoming episodes starting from early 2025, which will primarily focus on Adam Ruzek. Despite their rocky history spanning over ten years, the relationship between Burzek (Voight and Burgess) has surprisingly been quite peaceful since they got engaged during Season 11. The showrunner explained why “P.D.” decided to grant Burzek a respite at this point, stating:

Initially, they had been contemplating their relationship; with a history filled with uncertainties about whether or not to be together, it was a challenging decision for the pair. However, once they decided to commit – ‘We’re doing this, we’re in it together’ – the focus shifted towards the daily grind of being a couple and continuously choosing to face life together. This year, they chose to emphasize the drama and intrigue that comes with their journey.

They needed to establish a solid home life for Makayla, leading to a family structure as stable as could be expected with two parents in Voight’s Intelligence Unit. So far, so good since Ruzek proposed, and it seems this stability won’t waver regarding their relationship. However, what about their individual personas? Sigan continued:

To give Makayla a steady home life, they formed a family within the Voight’s Intelligence Unit. Things are going well since Ruzek proposed, and it appears this harmony won’t be disrupted in their relationship. But what about how they each act on their own? Sigan added:

Additionally, their personal lives outside of their relationship will also be explored, not just focusing on their romantic journey. The first half of the season was relatively easy, but they’re really managing and growing as a couple. In the second part of the season, you’ll notice that each character has their own storyline, which they navigate together. This allows us to witness their relationship evolve and face challenges that everyone encounters in life, such as family issues and everyday struggles. However, instead of dealing with these challenges individually, they now do it together.

Being a die-hard fan of “Chicago P.D.,” I often ponder about the lives of the characters outside their professional duties. With Burgess and Ruzek tying the knot soon, it’s hard not to wonder if they have any time left for wedding planning amidst their busy schedules. Curiosity got the best of me, so I posed this question to the showrunner herself, and here’s what she had to say:

“Even with the hustle and bustle of Chicago P.D., our beloved characters always seem to find a way to make time for what matters most. So, while it may be challenging, I assure you they’re doing their best to plan a beautiful wedding.

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you, the storyline we’ll be diving into this year is not just about a wedding; it’s about juggling a wedding amidst a whirlwind of other commitments. You see, our protagonist, Burgess, has Makayla and a handful of other stories coming her way this year. It’s quite the balancing act! [laughs] So, we’re going to explore that challenge this year. I reckon many women can relate – planning a wedding is tough enough, but add a career like Burgess’s into the mix, and it becomes downright perplexing! We’ll have some fun with that conundrum in the storyline this year.

According to the “Zoe” promo, it seems that Ruzek’s episode might not be as enjoyable initially, but things may pick up before the storyline becomes more complex for him. During my conversation with Patrick John Flueger, I was curious about his perspective on Burzek, so I could compare it to what Gwen Sigan previewed.

What Patrick John Flueger Shared

It appears that Detective Ruzek is set for some turbulence in the upcoming episode on January 22. The synopsis from NBC hints that his personal life, shared with Burgess, will be disrupted by an unforeseen guest, and the case of the week carries a heavier emotional burden than typical, as it involves a young girl. Audience members will have to watch closely for all the particulars, but I was curious: what has it been like for Patrick John Flueger to portray Ruzek with a peaceful domestic situation and a steady relationship in Season 12 so far? Flueger shared his insights on the matter.

It’s captivating to observe the evolution of Burgess and Ruzek’s relationship over a decade. Despite their turbulent past filled with personal struggles and conflicts, it’s refreshing to see them find stability and support in each other. I believe the audience appreciates this change, as it presents a unique perspective for our storyline. Now that they are more in sync, we don’t focus as much on their disagreements or individual reactions to situations. Instead, we can explore their partnership in a new light. I find it quite enjoyable.

It seems reasonable to conclude that the actor is right in believing fans appreciate how Burgess and Ruzek have overcome their past relationship difficulties, which many find more appealing than the tragic tale of Upstead following Jesse Lee Sofler’s exit from his role as Jay Halstead. Flueger further commented:

They’ve always shared mutual understanding, yet there’s been less conflict between them in the past. Now, they find themselves with more time to unite and engage in battles, whether it be standing up for or against things they passionately believe in, either together or separately. I find that genuinely fascinating. It can be simple to fabricate turbulence in relationships on screen. However, crafting a narrative where two individuals not only understand each other but also manage to create intrigue between them is arguably more challenging from both a writing and storytelling perspective.

The influence of parenthood on the characters has led them to establish a sense of stability for Makayla. Scenes showing Burzek at home offer insights into the daily routines they’ve developed together with their daughter. I commented to Flueger that it seems difficult to envision Ruzek being so domestic ten years back, and he agreed, expressing similar thoughts.

I concur with your sentiment. I believe he has found a unique comfort within it, which was unexpected. In fact, I’d say he’s pleasantly surprised by how deeply he embraced it. To put it more precisely, I think he’s content with its familiarity. Furthermore, I see them as two determined individuals. Instead of clashing, they channel their energy towards fighting for and against the things they strongly believe in or wish to change.

Absolutely, we’re dealing with Chicago P.D., so it’s only natural that the characters encounter difficulties, even if they’re not among themselves. The identity of the visitor stirring up trouble for Burgess and Ruzek is yet to be revealed, but a case involving a vulnerable young girl is likely to resonate deeply with Intelligence officer Ruzek. When I inquired about the intensity of the “Zoe” case from Patrick John Flueger, he hinted:

This question is quite intriguing. I’m not sure if I could rate it on a scale of one to ten. However, given Ruzek’s role as the initial contact with this child and their meeting under such unfortunate and startling circumstances, I believe he handles it exceptionally well, more so than some others might. He may not be the most level-headed among the team, but considering the baby and the other deceased children and family members, everyone is highly motivated. Yet, the way Ruzek encounters this child is so shocking that I suspect it will linger in his thoughts before he falls asleep for many nights, regardless of whether or not the case is resolved.

From the start, Ruzek will find a strong bond with the child at the heart of this challenging case, making it a compelling episode for the actor. Yet, as the season unfolds, it’s uncertain if his character will maintain tranquility amidst such sensitive proceedings. Here’s a sneak peek of what lies ahead: [promo video]

Don’t forget to catch NBC on Wednesday, January 22 at 10:00 PM Eastern Time for the “Zoe” episode of Chicago P.D.. Patrick John Flueger has nothing but good words for the actress portraying the main character, so you won’t want to miss why! As usual, P.D. follows Chicago Fire at 9:00 PM ET and Chicago Med at 8:00 PM ET. And if you can’t wait for the crossover event on January 29, you can stream all previous episodes of One Chicago on Peacock!

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2025-01-22 06:07