Chicago PD’s 3 best characters in season 6

2. Jay Halstead

Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) flew under the radar in Chicago PD season 6. He became more of a supporting character, as the focus shifted more to Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) and Ruzek’s relationship with Halstead’s partner Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos).

But when Halstead got the chance to be the focus, he truly shined. The episode “Trigger” in which he found himself confronting a former Army Ranger was one of the season’s better episode, as we saw again what Jay brings to the Intelligence Unit. Jesse Lee Soffer was excellent in that episode, too, showing how much he’s grown since the series started.

Halstead’s partnership with Upton continued to flourish, albeit not as much since more screen time went to her romantic relationship with Ruzek. But their interactions together have shown a bond that’s developed organically, and Halstead’s been able to support Upton and help her as she finds her place in the team. It’s also nice to see a friendship that doesn’t have to necessarily turn romantic (which is fairly rare on TV these days).

There was an interesting moment in the Chicago PD season finale where Voight told Halstead that he’d end up running Intelligence someday, and when he said that fans realized how much sense it makes. Jay has come a long way since audiences were first introduced to him, and he’s become a rock within the unit. He would be an excellent leader, and season 6 demonstrated why, as well as why so many One Chicago fans love him.