In the adrenaline-fueled world of Chicago P.D., power struggles and moral dilemmas are nothing new. But one storyline that fans didn’t see coming — and one that could have had seismic consequences — is the idea of Hank Voight finally meeting his match in Assistant State’s Attorney Nina Chapman’s handpicked man, Reid. Though hypothetical, this showdown between Voight and Reid would have been more than just a clash of tactics; it could have signaled the beginning of a brave new era for the series.

The Legacy of Hank Voight

Since the show’s inception, Sergeant Hank Voight has been the defining face of Chicago P.D. — both its backbone and its moral lightning rod. Played with gritty nuance by Jason Beghe, Voight represents a bygone era of policing: street-smart, hard-edged, and often ready to bend the rules in the name of justice. His controversial methods have led to internal investigations, political conflict, and even deadly consequences, but he’s always managed to come out on top.

Still, as Chicago P.D. gears up for Season 13, fans and critics alike are asking: can Voight’s rule truly continue unchallenged? More importantly, should it?

Enter Reid: The Catalyst for Change

Reid, a former federal investigator with an unblemished record and an unshakable sense of justice, was introduced in Season 12 as an ambitious new player — one who came with Nina Chapman’s full backing. While his appearances were limited, the potential he carried was massive. Where Voight embodies experience and instinct, Reid represented structure, accountability, and the evolving ideals of law enforcement. A true foil.

Had Reid emerged victorious over Voight — politically or procedurally — it could have created one of the most powerful turning points in the series’ history. Not only would it challenge Voight’s leadership, but it would also force the rest of Intelligence to reevaluate their own loyalties and methods.

A Shift That Chicago P.D. Desperately Needs

Let’s face it — Chicago P.D. has been riding the Voight formula for over a decade. While it’s a tried-and-true foundation, even the most loyal fans are craving something fresh. Voight’s defeat by Reid could have triggered that reset, signaling a new era in which the rules are no longer made by one man.

This isn’t about getting rid of Voight — not at all. It’s about expanding the narrative terrain. Watching Voight navigate a system where his power is suddenly checked could produce some of the richest drama the show has ever seen. Can he adapt? Or will he rebel harder than ever before? That internal battle is far more compelling than the cat-and-mouse games he’s played for years.

What It Means for the Rest of Intelligence

Reid’s victory wouldn’t just affect Voight. It would have rippled across the entire team.

Jay Halstead’s absence still looms large, and with no moral center to balance Voight, characters like Upton and Ruzek have struggled to anchor themselves. Reid, with his ethical rigidity, might have become the new ideological compass — forcing each character to confront their own limits and convictions.

Would Atwater align with Reid’s vision of progressive policing? Would Ruzek, who’s been skirting the line for seasons, spiral into conflict? Would Burgess feel torn between her respect for Voight and her own trauma-informed evolution? These are storylines that practically write themselves.

Nina Chapman: The Mastermind We Deserve

Don’t underestimate the impact Nina Chapman could’ve had in all this. Her strategic thinking and political savvy made her one of the most intriguing recurring characters in Season 12. Elevating her role to a power player who takes Voight down a peg — even by proxy — would have been a bold, smart move.

Not only does this open the door for a woman of color to reshape the hierarchy of Chicago P.D., but it also brings the show more in line with the real-life conversations around reform and accountability in law enforcement. Chapman and Reid could have become the modern-day architects of Intelligence’s next chapter.

The Missed Opportunity

Unfortunately, as of now, the Reid storyline remains a glimmer of potential rather than a full-blown upheaval. Perhaps the writers weren’t ready to pull the trigger. Perhaps fan loyalty to Voight kept the status quo intact. But it’s worth asking: by preserving the old model, is Chicago P.D. holding itself back?

Great shows evolve — not just in characters but in philosophy. Letting Reid “win,” even temporarily, would’ve shown that Chicago P.D. is ready to engage in the messy, necessary process of change. And let’s be honest: watching Voight claw his way back from a rare defeat would have been must-see TV.

The Voight We’ve Never Seen

Imagine a Voight who’s no longer calling the shots. One who has to answer to someone younger, idealistic, and possibly naive. It would strip him of his usual armor and force him to rely on something he’s buried for seasons: humility. Watching Voight evolve — not in his tactics but in his sense of self — could be the dramatic reinvention fans didn’t know they needed.

And who knows? Maybe Reid wouldn’t stay on top for long. Maybe Voight would earn his position back, not through brute force, but through moral reckoning. That’s the kind of long-game storytelling that keeps a procedural fresh after 12 seasons. Season 13 of Chicago P.D. presents a unique opportunity. The series can either double down on what’s worked or risk shaking things up for the sake of legacy. If Reid returns — or if a character like him does — the show has a real shot at redefining its future.