Chicago PD season 7 midseason report: Jay Halstead

What’s next

What’s next for Jay all depends on how they play the outcome of “Absolution.” As we said earlier, even if the physical wound doesn’t kill him, the emotional process to healing will be difficult.

What’s on the horizon for Jay Halstead post-Chicago PD fall finale is the opportunity to take the lead more often. We saw this happen in the premiere, so why can’t this be a continuing theme? It would propel his character forward, not to mention give Jesse more material to act with.

One thing that hasn’t been a topic of discussion is Jay’s romantic life. His last fling with bartender Camila Vega (Anabelle Acosta) in season 5 didn’t end well, and since then, he hasn’t met anyone new. There’s been a super slow-burn with his partner Hailey, but neither of them have made the move to start something more.

While there are a few reasons why the duo could be a good match, we wouldn’t want another romance to shortchange the rest of Jay’s attributes. It has been refreshing to see a balance of help being doled out between the two partners.

Hailey’s not the only person Jay’s grown with though. The relationship between Jay and Hank has been one with a huge transformation, especially within the last year. Remember when Voight told Jay in the season 6 finale that he would someday run the unit? He wasn’t going around saying that to everybody – so you know he meant it when he said it to Jay.

Those two have come a long way from their Chicago PD season 1 days of questioning each other’s motives. If Chicago PD does decide to mention their argument from “Doubt” again, let it be in a manner where they can resolve it. They were doing so well; something like this shouldn’t derail the progress they have made.

While it’s been great to watch Jesse Lee Soffer deliver some stellar performances over the first nine episodes of Chicago PD season 7, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t anxious to know the fate of his character Jay Halstead. Hopefully this isn’t the end for the fan-favorite detective, but a new beginning.

For the latest Chicago PD season 7 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.