Chicago PD season 8 character preview: Adam Ruzek

What will happen

There should still be something going on with Burzek when Chicago PD returns. The show appears to have fully committed to that relationship again—although that weird “Ruzek was kind of hitting on a bartender but not really” thing does not inspire total confidence. Hopefully, that’s just a blip and the show won’t feel the need to interject someone or something else between Adam and Kim again (like Jay Halstead’s randomly appearing ex-wife).

Past that, though, since Ruzek didn’t really accomplish anything huge professionally it’s hard to say where he might go. We know that he’s burned a lot of bridges with patrol cops over the years, most recently in the episode “Brother’s Keeper,” so he could also be on the hot seat when the patrol officers take aim at Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins). Atwater might be their primary target but they might enjoy messing with Ruzek, too.

There was some suggestion of Ruzek taking the detective’s exam in a deleted scene in season 7 but let’s face it: he’s the least likely to get promoted. Not only is he mixing things up with his fellow cops, but he’s just not mature enough. He’s got a short fuse and he makes rash decisions. It’s hard to see why anyone higher-up in the department would feel he’s ready to take on a higher rank.

If Kim gets promoted, though (somebody should), will that freak him out the same way that he ran away when she was bumped up to Intelligence? Or will he handle it better now that his feelings for her have been clarified? Food for thought.

For the latest Chicago PD season 8 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.