What happened on Chicago PD season 9 episode 2?

Trauma is the overriding theme of the latest Chicago PD episode. The episode doesn’t shy away from the traumatic feelings that Burgess (Marina Squerciati) is dealing with after getting shot in the season 8 finale. In fact, it cleverly incorporates them into the story, further muddling Burgess’ confusion as to whether she should get a desk job or get back in the field.

There are other character arcs and subplots that get hinted at throughout the episode, but the primary focus is on Burgess, and the psychological crossroads she finds herself at. Given the amount of press that Squerciati has been doing, it’s a safe to assume fans are getting a Burgess-centric season of Chicago PD.

Be warned that the rest of the post contains detailed spoilers!

What happened on Chicago PD last night? (September 29th)

The episode, titled, “Rage”, opens with a sweet breakfast scene between Ruzek (Patrick Flueger), Burgess, and her daughter Makayla (Ramona Edith Williams). The mood is light until Burgess tries to reach for syrup in the kitchen and grimaces as a result of her wounds. Ruzek tries to encourage Burgess to resume work, but her hesitancy leads him to consider other options, and he inquires about a federal job on her behalf.

The core of the episode involves Ruzek’s informant Eva, who gets killed in a sting operation gone wrong. Ruzek and the rest of the team look into the mysterious killing, ultimately stumbling upon another victim named Sara. She’s not so forthcoming with information, though, so Voight (Jason Beghe) decides to enlist Burgess to see if she can try a different approach.

Chicago PD season 9 episode 2 recap

Voight’s decision makes sense tactically, but it’s clear that his underlying motive is to keep Burgess in the field. He previously caught wind of Ruzek’s inquiry for a desk job, and he fears that Burgess making a knee jerk decision could result in long term hang-ups. Burgess is frustrated with Voight’s demands, but she agrees, and shares a heart-to-heart conversation with Sara that taps into her newfound insecurities.

Fortunately, Burgess remains as sharp a detective as ever, and she’s able to determine that the culprit between Eva’s death and Sara’s attack is their shared parole officer. The team are able to apprehend the P.O. and Burgess is able to regain some of her confidence as an investigator. The episode doesn’t try to make any declarative statements regarding the character’s future, as there’s still plenty that she’s going to have to figure out.

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In a recent interview with TV Guide, Squarciati revealed her character’s plans to go undercover in season 9, all but guaranteeing a return to the field. “She’s going undercover, and it’s pretty great, both for me as an actor and Burgess” she added. “She sort of taps into an undercover role that she’s never been given on the team.”

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.