How will Voight's near-death experience change him in Chicago PD season 12?

Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) is as tough as they come. He doesn't let bad deeds go unpunished, and he will bear the brunt of a situation if it means doing what is right. The problem with being steadfast in one's convictions, of course, is that it will impact those around you.

Voight has seen this happen firsthand. The cop's best friend, Alvin Olinsky (Elias Koteas), was killed behind bars for helping him. The cop's season 10 informant, Anna Avalos (Carmela Zumbado), was killed after he led her astray. And the cop's work daughter (if that's a phrase), Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos), was compelled to quit the force after one stressful encounter too many.

Hank Voight will reflect more on past traumas

Did we mention Voight almost died in the season 11 finale? That he was visited by the ghost of Alvin Olinsky while he was kidnapped by a serial killer, and bleeding out in a basement? The character is a tough guy, there's no doubt about it, but he took some major bumps and bruises.

Season 12 is poised to explore the consequences of these experiences. Jason Beghe repeatedly hit on the vulnerability of his character during his interviews, and the ways in which Voight will be forced to come to grips with them if he wants to find peace.

"There’s something about this character that is changing, and it is kind of what is creating the vulnerability," Beghe told The Hollywood Reporter. "It’s triggering a lot of emotions that he’s not used to experiencing, and it makes him feel weak and vulnerable."

Jason Beghe says Voight will evolve in season 12

These are not things that Hank Voight is accustomed to, but the actor identifies this change as the reason why they are so important:

"He’s starting to think about things for the first time. My personal opinion is it’s actually what’s making him stronger and more complete."

Hank Voight is always going to be the hard-boiled center of Chicago PD, but the character has to come to grips with his past, and the regrets that he has, if he's ever going to find peace. It's what's going to make the show, and season 12, in particular, so interesting moving forward.