Chicago PD spoilers: What happened in season 9 episode 10?

Chicago PD doled out plenty of dramatic flourishes for Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) and Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) in the last handful of episodes, so it only makes sense that the focus of the new episode shift to the rest of the IU.

Enter the winter premiere, “Home Safe”. The episode narrows the focus to Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati), Ruzek (Patrick Flueger) and the lack of clarity surrounding their relationship. The exes have had plenty of ups and downs over the years, so it only make sense that things get even more intense when a child (Burgess’ adopted daughter, Makayla) is involved.

Be warned that the rest of the post contains detailed spoilers for the latest episode of Chicago PD!

What happened on Chicago PD last night? (January 5th)

“Home Safe” begins with a telling scene. Ruzek goes to pick up Makayla from school but the staff stop him on the grounds that he’s not authorized. Burgess has to come and authorize the pick up herself, claiming that she forgot to add him to the list.

In an eerie coincidence, Ruzek is phoned about a missing child case. He and Voight (Jason Beghe) spring into action, and the clues come so fast that the team barely have time to acknowledge the new marriage between Halstead and Upton. They briefly congratulate them on their union before hitting the road in search of a missing kid named Brianna.

While the investigation serves as the impetus for most of the foreground action, the real story comes into focus when Ruzek asks Burgess about the school list. The latter admits that she wants more boundaries in their lives, and that she wants more of a male figure in her and Makayla’s life than someone who’s just “sleeping on the couch.”

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As the case unravels, Burgess and Ruzek manage to come to an agreement regarding their lives. Burgess agrees to allow Ruzek stay in Makayla’s life, and Ruzek promises to be a more constant force. Just when things seemed to have wrapped up nicely, however, a stranger enters the picture.

It’s discovered that a stranger approached Makayla at school, and when Ruzek goes to look at the security camera footage, he finds that the person is related to Makayla and is filing a petition to legally adopt Makayla. The episode ends on an ominous note, especially when one considers the emotional connection that’s formed between Makayla and her two guardians.

We previously saw Ruzek rise to the role of caregiver when Burgess was fighting for her life in the season 9 premiere, so it’s highly likely that the jeopardy regarding Makayla’s parents will bring out the best in both of them. It may even bring them closer together.

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.