What’s next for Adam Ruzek in Chicago PD season 9?

Our prognosis

Assuming that Burgess pulls through and there isn’t some shocking surprise in the season 9 premiere, there should be some big Burzek moments in that episode. It would be weird if Chicago PD didn’t have those scenes given the subject matter. But the writers have to commit to Burzek completely or not relatively early on this season; it’s not fair to the characters or fans to keep that vague (and we’re going to guess the show wants them as a couple again, or there wouldn’t be this video on the official YouTube channel).

If they do get back together formally, the writers need to find a new story to tell. They’ve been on and off a few times over the series, so people have seen this before. Having Burgess now being a mom is one change, but the relationship between Kim and Adam has to grow, too. It can’t just be about that.

The other thing to watch for is how Atwater and Ruzek get written. Much like Atwater deserves to be more than just the show’s go-to for issues that involve race or other Black characters, these two can’t only be used to talk about those subjects. They’re certainly good at it, but it would be a one-dimensional partnership if they kept getting the same kinds of stories.

Here’s food for thought: fans have clamored for years for more scenes between Atwater and his former partner Burgess, and so why not scenes with Ruzek, Atwater and Burgess together, either on or off the job? Ruzek was clearly not certain about Kim’s idea to adopt Makayla, so Kevin (being a surrogate parent himself) could give Adam advice about stepping into that space. Or they could all have dinner together. Even a little scene like that to kick off an episode would be fun for fans and add dimension to both those relationships.

Or how about something good for Ruzek like finally taking the detective’s exam and getting good news rather than bad news? But Adam needs and deserves to go forward in Chicago PD season 9, showing how he’s matured from the hot-headed recruit we met years ago into a different kind of individual.

For the latest Chicago PD season 9 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.