Who died in Chicago PD Season 12 premiere? Explored

NBC's Chicago PD is back with its latest season 12, and fans wouldn't have expected that the first episode would open with a shocking death of a character. Since its first season, Chicago PD has featured several traumatic experiences of officers and this time it was Adam Ruzek, who lost a new team member in the latest season's premiere.

As seen in the season opener, Patrick John Flueger's Ruzek and Victoria Cartagena's Detective Martel finished a case and were driving back to the station. However, before they could reach, Det. Martel is shot in the head and ends up dying. Ruzek couldn't believe his team member and Academy friend died right in front of him, and he couldn't save her.

The two knew each other from the academy, and Martel's death led Ruzek to suffer a personal and traumatic experience. While talking about the show in an interview with Parade, Flueger said:

"We've never had that happen before on the show that I can remember. Ruzek’s lost people along the way, but not like this, not right in front of his face to this degree."

This incident will likely play a big role in Ruzek's character arc going forward as he lost a friend and a detective who has just joined the police force. The spin-off has picked up a month after Hank Voight almost died, and is even more vulnerable in the ongoing season.

Chicago PD star Patrick John Flueger talked about filming the death scene

Detective Emily Martel (Image Source: NBC)

The actor was asked about Ruzek's reaction when he noticed Martel's blood all over his hands, and how did he snap out of the shocking moment in the premiere. Flueger explained that everything stopped the moment Ruzek learned Martle wouldn't make it alive. He said:

"When we filmed that scene, he was like a little boy in that moment because they're all just kids running around with guns and doing their best to solve these crimes."

Ruzek felt like a little boy who was left feeling vulnerable and wished someone would help him in the situation. Seeing Ruzek devasted by Martel's death, Toya Turner's Kiana Cook reminds him of their duties and tells him to stay strong.

Flueger praised Turner for her strong performance and for making the scene even more impactful. Cook is one of the resilient and focused officers of the Chicago Police Department, and is now set to have a bigger role in Chicago PD season 12 accompanying Adam Ruzek in the mission.

Chicago PD showrunner explained Emily Martel's death at the beginning of the show

A still from the crime drama (Image Source: NBC)

Victoria Cartagena's character in Chicago PD season 12 wasn't written off only to highlight that even armed officers can end up being vulnerable, but to also shed light on the theme of mortality, especially considering Jason Beghe's Sergeant Hank Voight, who encountered a near-death experience in season 11.

While speaking to TV Insider, showrunner Gwen Segan mentioned that Martel's death leaves Voight to question life, and how much time is left for him. Segan also explained that characters can face death anytime, and this is what they're focusing on in Chicago PD season 12.

Like, Martel, there might occur incidents where the characters didn't even get to say goodbye to their unit and family members. The premiere reflected on the harsh reality faced by cops, and how their lives can change the next minute. Before her death, Martel was already suffering the loss of her husband, and now her unit has lost her.

Exploring other key developments in Chicago PD Season 12

Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek (Image Source: NBC)

While Martel's death was the center of the first two episodes, the show will also cover Adam Ruzek and Kim Burgess's (Marina Squerciati) relationship going forward. The two will soon tie the knot, but Ruzek has already accepted Kim as his wife and Makayla as their beloved daughter.

As seen in season 11, Ruzek confessed his feelings to Kim for the third time with a ring she called "perfect". The two have had a complicated relationship throughout the crime drama, and have finally decided to make things official.

Meanwhile, fans will also notice Voight's personal growth, as he becomes even more thoughtful. While he's struggling with his mortality, Voight has the chance to relive and make wise decisions.

The show has also welcomed Turner's Kiana Cook, and viewers will see her carrying out the mission with Adam Ruzek. Her presence in the team will help in shaping the show's dynamics as she helps Ruzek move on from his friend's shocking death.