Review: “Unpacking” Chicago PD’s Season 11 Premiere on NBC

In the season 11 premiere of NBC’s long-running drama Chicago PD, titled “Unpacking,” we were  treated to an intense and thought-provoking episode. As part of the “New Possibilities in Policing” program, Voight and his team embarked on shadowing various initiatives to combat crime, all while grappling with personal struggles and the aftermath of a tragic event.

The episode kicked off with Ruzek’s return to the team after surviving a shooting. However, he faced challenges in requalifying, which led to Sergeant Platt urging Voight to fill his spot. Voight grudgingly loaned Detective Upton to the Crime Prevention Pilot, despite his initial resistance to the program.

During the pilot project, Upton and the team encountered a man with evident mental health issues, attempting to enter an apartment building. The pilot doctors adopted an optimistic approach, attempting to deescalate the situation. Upton, however, had a different perspective and took a more assertive stance. This led to a scuffle with the man, resulting in shattered glass doors, but also uncovering a blood trail and a grim discovery.

As Upton followed the blood, she stumbled upon a deceased man and an injured woman covered in blood. The apartment was booby-trapped to conceal the crime. Taking charge, Upton arrested Cam, the prime suspect, and began interrogating him. However, things took an unexpected turn when a doctor from the pilot program intervened, calling a lawyer for Cam and urging for psychiatric evaluation.

Upton, convinced of Cam’s guilt, struggled to accept the doctor’s perspective that mentally ill individuals often suffer in police custody. Still determined to find evidence against Cam, the team discovered that the blood on him was his own. They also uncovered a video of Aaron, the man who beat Cam, attacking the suspect. These revelations challenged Upton’s assumptions and led them to Cam’s brother Derrick, who ultimately revealed himself as the true perpetrator.

Derrick’s protective nature towards his brother and uncontrollable anger drove him to beat Aaron to death and attempt to kill Jess as a witness. Cam, filled with guilt for his brother’s actions, experienced a psychotic break. Eventually, Cam checked himself out of psychiatric care and refused to cooperate with the police.

The team closely monitored Cam, hoping he would lead them to Derrick. Their plan succeeded, and Cam’s brother was confronted in a park. Tragically, Derrick took his own life, leaving Cam devastated and alone.

Amidst the chaos of the case, Upton’s personal life also took a toll. Going through a divorce and living in a new apartment, she questioned whether her emotions interfered with her ability to be an effective cop. Voight, who had noticed her struggles, checked in on her after the events of the day. Upton’s anger, a stark contrast to her usually calm demeanor, caused her to question her career choice.

The season 11 premiere of Chicago PD presented us with a complex and emotionally charged story. It skillfully delved into themes of mental health, the high stakes of policing, and the impact of personal struggles on the job. The performances were exceptional, particularly Tracy Spiridakos (who is leaving the show at the end of this season) as Upton, who portrayed the character’s internal conflicts with raw emotion.

As the season unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how Upton navigates her anger and whether she can find a renewed sense of purpose in her career. Chicago PD continues to deliver gripping storylines and compelling characters, making it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.