As a New Yorker who found her way to the windy city via Northwestern University, I can confidently say that playing Kim Burgess on Chicago PD has been quite the ride! From being the only surviving original female cast member of the Intelligence Unit (apologies to Amy Morton, Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt) to navigating the complexities of police work and interpersonal relationships over the past 12 years, it’s safe to say that I wouldn’t be friends with these incredible folks if fate hadn’t stuck us together.
[This story contains spoilers from season 12, episode five of Chicago P.D., “Pawns.”]
When you know you know. And for Chicago P.D. Intelligence Unit Officer Kimberly Burgess, played by Marina Squerciati, it’s time to move to the next level.
In episode five, named “Pawns”, Burgess – who has served diligently in her profession for 12 seasons on the Dick Wold police procedural – decided to take the detective’s exam. This career move would come with a substantial pay increase and promotion, but it would also test her leadership abilities and require her to delve deeper into investigative work.
Though things might seem straightforward, they often prove otherwise. Burgess appears to excel at the exam, but after fielding some queries from Detective Suarez and her team, it seems there’s only one more step – joining a ride-along with an experienced detective. However, Burgess senses that Deputy Police Chief Reid is unusually invested in her progress.
The following day, it’s Suarez, not Burgess’s expected detective, who appears for shadowing. This assignment comes from Reid. As the investigation unfolds, both Suarez and Burgess become wary, especially as Reid insists on frequent updates regarding a case involving a man who was fatally shot in his driveway, an incident occurring during a thwarted catalytic converter theft. Suarez delegates the crime scene management to Burgess, allowing her to gather evidence and interview witnesses. However, nerves get the better of Burgess, causing some errors, ultimately leading to evidence being inadvertently removed from the crime scene.
The victim, despite being fatally wounded, was able to fire a shot and injure one of the three robbers. This bleeding suspect then fled into a nearby house. Officer Burgess and another patrol officer pursued him, but tragically, the suspected robber was hit by a truck and died at the scene. The rest of the narrative revolves around Burgess and Suarez as they tirelessly hunt down Octavio, a ruthless Mexican gang member known for his violent crimes and money-making schemes, before he can escape the country.
In the detective examination, one crucial lesson that Burgess picked up was always to stick together with your partner. However, during a high-speed pursuit of a getaway car with Octavio, they both unintentionally lost track of the suspect while chasing him down an alley. Against standard procedure, Suarez orders Burgess to separate from her partner. Burgess manages to locate Octavio before anyone else, leading to a desperate fight for control over his gun. Ultimately, she ends up shooting him in the upper body, and he passes away at the scene.
Recently, The Hollywood Reporter had an opportunity to chat with Squerciati about Burgess’ journey towards becoming a detective, the dynamics between Burgess and Suarez, future plans for her character and Ruzek (played by Patrick John Flueger), and why the rank of deputy police chief is so invested in her either succeeding or failing.
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Initially, I’d like to understand if there are any updates about your experiences from the initial two episodes of the latest season. Could you share some details or thoughts regarding this?
To clarify, we both missed the first two episodes. By sheer coincidence, that was my missing one as well. There was no significant event during those episodes. Many people came up with various theories about what might have happened, but all is well with me now.
It seemed like everyone from the Intelligence Unit had been made a detective, but that’s not correct, isn’t it?
None of us are detectives.
Did your character always want to be a detective?
Absolutely! I believe she’s a highly driven individual, balancing her life between family, including her future husband Adam Ruzek (played by Patrick Flueger), and it seems the moment was right. She’s not one to back down; rather, she thrives in adversity. Her child has experienced a traumatic event, and now that things appear stable, she’s decided to take this step. It feels like the perfect time for her.
She is not feeling like she has to prove herself in any way.
She doesn’t have to prove it; she knows she’s a badass!
Could it be that Detective Suarez harbored some jealousy towards Burgess, perhaps due to the belief that you’re shielded from the dirtier aspects and politics within the police department?
In my view, she seemed to be attempting to guide her towards the next stage. It’s plausible that she felt resentment because Jason Beghe (Vought) had shielded me from the filth and the dregs that essentially molded Suarez, but I believe she was also issuing a cautionary note about such elements. After all, they do eventually catch up with you. Thus, it appears that Suarez was correct in her assessment.
“What’s happening with Deputy Chief Reid? Is it true that Detective Burgess thinks his focus on her, as well as the robbery case, is primarily about Suarez?
As a fan, I couldn’t help but notice that something seemed off whenever Deputy Chief Reid was around. It’s like an instinctive Spidey sense kicking in. However, I don’t think she was fully aware of it. She’s sharp and intuitive, so she must have sensed something unusual. But as for what exactly it is, I can’t say from my perspective as a fan. I mean, I wonder about the larger picture here, but unfortunately, I haven’t been privy to those details yet. If only I knew more!
Why do you suppose Burgess chose to follow the instruction from Suarez, dividing them instead of staying together as per the usual rule, which requires partners to remain together at all times?
In my opinion, it’s simpler to portray a tough character on screen, but in reality, you have superiors and people who might retaliate if you defy them. I appreciate that on Chicago PD, I could say “I won’t do this” and then be let go. It mirrors a genuine scenario: Your superior is forcing you into a difficult position, and you’re trying to navigate how to survive it without losing your ethical compass.
Towards the close of the episode, it’s clear that Burgess will be suggested for the detective role. However, Suarez advises her that she’s overly dependent on Voight’s team and should consider a change. Burgess agrees to this transfer, which she seems to favor. The question arises: Why does Kim want to depart?
It seems that Burgess didn’t want to depart, yet she wasn’t keen on participating in the game. This character trait of hers – she won’t engage in anything that might jeopardize her – was evident here. She felt that remaining would put her in a compromising position, and so she decided to leave with dignity. It was a powerful moment because as viewers, we thought it could be her final appearance on the show.
Born in New York, yet educated at Northwestern University, it means you were acquainted with the city of Chicago prior to securing your role on Chicago P.D.
People often comment that, during my college days, I was quite financially strapped, much like how I was back then. Sometimes, I had just enough money to make it to Chicago, roughly the equivalent of two cents, but mainly, I was trying to access frat houses and enjoy free drinks. As a result, I didn’t frequently visit fancy restaurants, but there were occasions in Evanston where I did.
What is it like being the only surviving original female cast member of Chicago P.D.?
No, Amy! Amy Morton [who plays Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt]!
Okay, I’m talking about within the Intelligence Unit.
I don’t agree with your perspective. Instead, I consider myself, LaRoyce Hawkins, and Patty [Flueger] to be the original or founding members. We’ve been around for quite some time. We’ve proven ourselves, so I see us more as a trio rather than individuals in this context.
Essentially, you’re working with three individuals who, given different circumstances, I might not have become friends with. However, after spending 12 years together, we’ve grown incredibly close, almost like family, to the point that I’d do anything for them. In fact, I adore them immensely!
What does the future hold for Burgess and Marina as both continue on this Chicago P.D. journey?
Currently, we’re working on a significant two-part episode featuring “Disco Bob”, played by Jack Coleman. His father seems to be creating tension between us, mirroring the challenges many couples face with in-laws. It’s an intriguing plotline and, while I can’t reveal all the details, it promises to put our relationship to the test. I find it compelling because it’s a situation that most people will encounter at some point.
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Chicago P.D. airs new episodes Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on NBC, streaming on Peacock.
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2024-11-11 18:25