Okay, let's dive into the surprisingly dramatic world of Chicago PD, Season 9! We're talking about who took a permanent vacation from the Intelligence Unit, so grab your popcorn and let’s get started.
Saying Goodbye (or Maybe Just "See Ya Later?")
Unlike some seasons, Season 9 wasn't exactly a bloodbath. In fact, we only bid farewell to one recurring character, and it's a doozy because it involves Hailey Upton.
The Heartbreak of Anna Avalos
Remember Anna Avalos, the informant who got tangled up with Voight in a seriously messy undercover op? Yeah, that one. Her story is tragic, filled with tough choices and even tougher consequences.
Anna was working with Voight to take down Javier Escano, a drug kingpin. But things went south, as they always do when you're dealing with dangerous criminals and murky moral lines. It's the Chicago PD way!
Things got increasingly heated in the finale with Escano trying to flee after the murder of his own son and Anna being forced to kill him to stop him from getting away. Hailey arrived at the scene only to find Anna shot by Escano and in a panic.
A Choice with Consequences
Anna was taken to the hospital but with all the damage that had been caused, the doctors couldn't save her. But before she died, Anna tells Voight to let her die, not wanting to go to prison for her actions.
Voight is left absolutely devastated by her passing, with his last memory being her begging him to let her go. He's had a terrible record with his CI's over the years and has been unable to protect most of them.
This tragic loss had a ripple effect, shaking Voight to his core and reminding everyone just how high the stakes are in their line of work. It’s a stark reminder that not all heroes get a happy ending – and sometimes, the lines between good and bad get seriously blurred.
More Than Just Goodbyes: The Emotional Fallout
While Anna’s death was the biggest loss in Season 9, it's important to note the emotional toll it took on our favorite characters. Think of the guilt and grief Voight carried after her death.
He had become close to her and truly wanted to help her start over. This left a big impact on him in season 10, with him going to her grave and thinking about her often.
And don’t forget how this impacted Hailey Upton, who had grown close to Anna. Her grief was palpable, and it undoubtedly affected her relationship with Halstead, who was always there to support her.
It’s a credit to the writers and actors that they manage to make these losses feel so real. Chicago PD isn't just about catching criminals; it's about the human cost of fighting crime.
So, What Did We Learn?
Season 9 of Chicago PD might not have been a revolving door of character departures, but it delivered a powerful punch with Anna's tragic fate. It reminded us that even in a world of high-speed chases and intense interrogations, it’s the human connections that truly matter.
Ultimately, Season 9 was a masterclass in showing the complexities of law enforcement, the gray areas where right and wrong aren't always clear, and the heavy burden carried by those who protect and serve. It's the kind of storytelling that keeps us hooked, season after season.
