Chicago PD season 11: Will Lisseth Chavez return as Vanessa Rojas?

Vanessa Rojas (Lisseth Chavez) was introduced and written out in the blink of an eye. Chicago PD has had lots of characters show up for a few episodes and then leave, but what was strange about Rojas is that the show seemed determined to make her a part of the core lineup.

Everything from her screen time and her interaction with the rest of the IU team suggested she would become a permanent fixture. She was all over season 7, but then the character was written off without an explanation. Does this mean that Rojas is one of the rare PD characters poised for a comeback?

Is Rojas coming back to Chicago PD?

It’s certainly possible. The character could be working at a nearby precinct, or even a different team, and could brought back into the mix to handle a case that expands beyond the jurisdiction of the IU. It would be fun to see Rojas give an explanation as to what happened, and provide a clear backstory, given that PD is generally better about giving fans a sense of closure.

Rick Eid, the showrunner for Chicago PD at the time, told TV Line that they tried to address Rojas’ exit in the season 8 premiere, but that it ultimately felt forced. “It’s always hard to say goodbye to a character,” he admitted. “We tried to address it in the premiere, but it felt forced. In other words, we’re still working on it.” Sadly, nothing came of it.

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While it would be cool to bring Rojas back, the fact that she’s been gone for so long suggests that writers have already moved on. There have been so many changes to the team since then that harkening back to a character who was around for a single season may seem less crucial to the overall show.

Besides, Lisseth Chavez has already found herself a new gig in fictional law enforcement. The actress currently stars on The Rookie opposite Nathan Fillion, where she plays a newly minted LAPD officer.

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