Chicago PD season 10: Will Tracy Spiridakos return as Hailey Upton?

Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) has undergone a major transformation over the course of Chicago PD. The character started out as a naive rookie, and has grown into her role as a realistic and often no-nonsense officer.

While the transformation has been fascinating to watch, it’s come at the cost of the hopefulness that once made her stand out from the rest of the IU. She’s a wearier presence now, and it’s safe to assume that her weariness will continue in Chicago PD season 10.

Here’s what you need to know about Upton ahead of the upcoming season.

Is Tracy Spiridakos leaving Chicago PD?

For starters, Upton will be back. The character played a crucial part in the season 9 finale, not only as the victim of an explosion, but as the officer who shot down informant Anna Avalos (Carmela Zumbado) on the streets.

The Avalos shooting circles back to the season 8 finale, which also saw Upton take someone’s life in an effort to protect her boss, Voight (Jason Beghe). She killed Roy Walton (Michael Maize) when the criminal tried to shoot Voight, and then agreed to cover things up.

It probably isn’t a coincidence that the two sketchiest incidents Upton has been involved in have been due to her proximity to Voight. The latter’s tendency towards corrupt behavior puts all of his peers at risk, and Upton’s penchant for seeing the good in people makes her particularly vulnerable.

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The Walton shooting took a psychological toll on Upton throughout season 9. She lost sleep, and her relationship with her husband, Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer), suffered under the weight of her secret. It’s no stretch to imagine that the Avalos shooting will impart a similar regret.

Avalos’ connection to the IU only complicates matters. Not only was she someone Upton worked with, but she was someone who was incredibly close with Voight and who earned his trust in a way we rarely have seen with anyone else.

It’s possible that Upton’s decision to shoot and kill Avalos will lead to some tension between her and Voight. The bond between them has already been compromised thanks to Voight’s blackmail tactics (the only way they could feasibly get out of the Walton situation), and season 10 looks as though it will pick at the scab even more. We can’t wait to find out what happens.

For the latest Chicago PD season 10 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.