NBC’s Chicago PD has become a reliable purveyor of gritty crime procedurals, and “Zoe” looks set to continue that tradition. Next Wednesday’s episode centers on Ruzek, whose paternal instincts are pushed to their limits by a disturbing new case and the unwelcome arrival of his father.
The case kicks off with young Zoe (Annabelle Toomy) found at a crime scene, calmly revealing a string of “moms” and “siblings.” It’s the kind of offhand remark that sends chills down your spine, the kind that suggests something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface. And, wouldn’t you know it, when the cops start digging, they find multiple skeletons. Suddenly, the question isn’t just “who hurt Zoe?” but “is Zoe herself involved?”
For Ruzek, already a father to Makayla, this case hits close to home. The emotional toll is visible, reminding us (not that we really needed reminding) how having a child changes a cop’s perspective. It’s familiar territory for Chicago PD, and for Ruzek specifically, but the unsettling details of this case look to push him to the brink.
As if a potentially career-defining case wasn’t enough, Ruzek’s personal life gets a dose of chaos with the return of his father, “Disco Bob.” Bob, as long-time viewers will remember, isn’t exactly known for his stabilizing influence. The timing couldn’t be worse, and showrunner Gwen Sigan’s hints about a brewing Ruzek-Burgess arc suggest this visit could have lasting repercussions. After all, the pair are supposed to be getting hitched eventually.
Will “Zoe” be a one-off, or the start of a larger arc consuming the back half of the season? Time will tell (unlike this writer). But with Chicago PD’s penchant for twisting the knife, it’s safe to say this isn’t just another case-of-the-week.
Chicago PD airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC.
