Chicago PD has never really tried to give Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) a romantic interest. The character is a workaholic who is still reeling from the death of his wife, Camille, and he has made it clear that he places importance upon his friendships and work relationships. This changed with the arrival of ADA Nina Chapman (Sara Bues) in season 12. At least, we thought it did.
Voight and Chapman had an immediate connection, and the latter admitted having feelings for Voight in the episode "The After." The pair have continued to work closely since, but there was no mention of the way they feel about each other until the season's penultimate episode, "Open Casket." Chapman broke the silence by asking Voight a simple question, and his answer was extremely telling.
Voight implied he didn't want a romance
Chapman asked why the IU leader hasn't "wanted it" since the death of his wife. Voight explained that he doesn't "notice it anymore." The meaning of "it" is up to interpretation, and could be a stand in for a sense of companionship or even love, but it's obvious that Voight has reached a point in his life where these more traditionally sought after bonds escape him.
It's sad when placed within the context of Voight's life, which has been riddled with loss, but it also clarifies something for Chapman and the audience. Chapman may have a special connection with the lieutenant, but it does not have to take on a romantic component it for it to remain special. They can simply be two people who have suffered loss, and who have grown close on the job.
This is something Jason Beghe alluded to during an interview with TV Insider. The actor was very cautious not to overstate the nature of the Voight and Chapman relationship, and assure fans that they are friends and colleagues before anything else.
Voight and Chapman will team up in PD finale
"There is a closeness and a respect and a word you could use that probably would be misinterpreted, so with a grain of salt, intimacy, which Voight certainly doesn’t share much with many others," Beghe stated. "The team members that he was able to do that with, that he had historically done it with, are all gone or dead."
It would have been nice to see Voight and Chapman's bond blossom into a romance, especially given how good the two of them are together, but we understand why Chicago PD is choosing to stay true to the Voight that we have gotten to know over the last dozen years. Besides, the character has a lot to accomplish in the season 12 finale.
Deputy Chief Reid (Shawn Hatosy) shut down the IU in "Open Casket," and fired two of Voight's officers. To make matters even worse, Reid will be the one reviewing the unit to determine if it will be reopened or shut down for good. Voight is going to have to work fast to save the IU, and we have no doubt that Chapman will play an important role in helping him.
Chicago PD season 12 finale airs May 21 on NBC.