Chicago PD season 7 character review: Jay Halstead

Our prognosis

Based on their interactions during Chicago PD season 7, it’s clear that Halstead and Upton are on the path to some sort of non-platonic involvement. From Upton almost saying something to Jay as he’s being discharged from the hospital, to him admitting that he misses her while she’s in New York with the FBI, the show is dropping all these hints but not actually committing to anything. It’s the same thng that Chicago Fire has done with Brett and Casey.

And as on that series, it’s important that the writers make a decision and stand by it. It doesn’t matter if they date or not; it matters that they don’t continue to pull fans (and the characters) on a never-ending journey. Particularly if they do get involved, the show had better factor in Halstead’s previous relationship with his ex-partner Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush) and have that be a part of the dynamic.

Jay got his heart broken when Erin left after the season 4 finale, and even though Chicago PD season 8 will mean that we’re coming up on four seasons later, it’d be ridiculous and also kind of insulting to Linstead fans not to acknowledge that Halstead has put himself in the exact same situation all over again. What’s going to make it different this time, not only for him but for the viewers who don’t want to see the same story repeated?

Plus, another thing to consider is that every character has to be more than who they date. Even if he hooks up with Upton, the series still has to give him an identity and a direction that don’t have anything to do with her. Will he find a stronger voice within the unit? Will he maybe get a few more chances to run the place for some reason? Jesse Lee Soffer is in his mid-30’s now, and Halstead’s been a part of the team long enough; both actor and character are veterans and it’s time to start writing them as such.

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