Chicago P.D. Review: House of Cards (Season 9 Episode 21)

Chicago P.D. Season 9 Episode 21, “House of Cards,” prepares fans for the season finale. It brings continuation to a season-long case that puts Hank Voight and his CI, Anna Avalos, under the spotlight.

Although Voight has remained in the shadows for the majority of the season, this episode puts him center stage.

From the moment Avalos became a CI, Voight has done everything in his power to protect her. He has stayed behind the scenes to guarantee she is not made by Escano (leader of Los Temidos), but has he gotten too deep into the case?

During “House of Cards,” Voight promises Avalos it is “you and me” until they are able to catch her boss. However, he lies to protect her which ends up breaking the CI’s trust and putting her in harm’s way. Viewers begin to wonder why the Sergeant has gotten so attached to this woman.

Could it be possible that Anna Avalos reminds Hank Voight of Erin Lindsay? It is a trait in Voight to always try to rescue women in danger. Maybe this time that is what puts the person he is trying to protect at risk.

Throughout the seasons, we have seen a Hank Voight who is not afraid to use violence to get the answers they need. Everyone remembers his cage. However, in Season 9 Episode 21 it looks like he is taming his violence to keep everything by the book.

It’s possible this could be a change in his behavior after the work done with Deputy Miller during Season 8. But there is a big chance it is solely related to Avalos’s involvement.

That same history of violence and corruption keeps bringing perps’ attention back to him. That’s why Escano chooses to meet one-on-one, trying to bribe the Sergeant. Voight pretends to take the money, but viewers know it is simply to keep Avalos safe.

The private conversation with the main suspect seems to work perfectly for the development of Voight’s character. He is known for his shady meetings while investigations are open. However, it does not work for the development of the story.

Every time Avalos has shown up and viewers have seen her at the bakery, the team is careful not to be seen. Voight himself reminds everyone to stay in the shadows and only go in if the CI says the safe word. So, why the sudden change in behavior?

Escano clearly remembers him from the shooting outside his shop, but the meeting suggests Voight’s involvement in an on-going investigation. It is this encounter that may have given Anna’s cover away. Maybe Voight’s desire to keep her unaware of the risks has done more harm than good.

From the beginning of Los Temidos’ case and Avalos’s appearance, several detectives from the Intelligence Unit have warned Voight about the dangers of the case and the CI’s part in it. These same voices are raised during the episode as things get heated.

While the show tries to give an insight into the team’s personal lives, Voight’s life is the one the audience knows about the least. His son, grandson, dead wife, and Erin were the only signs of humanity he showed.

But this newfound bond with Anna Avalos allows viewers to dig a little deeper into his emotions.

However, there are still layers of this Sergeant that remain invisible. His past time served in prison keeps coming back to bite him. In this episode, it puts his CI and his investigation in danger as the main suspect catches on to his previous actions.

When it comes to relationships on Chicago P.D. Upton and Halstead seem to have the lead. Throughout Season 9, their relationship was explored in multiple episodes, allowing us to see more into what hides behind the job. “House of Cards” is no different.

Upton and Halstead make a great team, always having each other’s back. Does their love and personal relationship help their professional bond? It seems to be the case as they are hyper-vigilant of what happens to one another.

Nevertheless, they cannot always predict what will happen. During a stakeout, Halstead warns Upton, “don’t get burned.” Is this a premonition or the writers’ leaving clues for the fans?

Upton has had a rocky path, toying with the line between what is right and what is wrong. In this case, she seems to be the voice of reason that tries to bring Voight back to the reality of the case. There lies the significance of her being the one injured.

Could this incident affect Voight and Halstead’s relationship? The two of them have not always seen eye to eye; particularly when it comes to Hailey.

Jay wants to stop Anna’s undercover operation from the get-go and sides with Hailey when she demands Voight tells the truth to the CI. With his romantic and professional partner being hurt, there is room for the tension between Detective and Sergeant to spike.

Can this be a set up for Jay Halstead to possibly take over the Intelligence Unit in the future?

With all these characters and relationships developing on screen, it can be hard to know who will show up next. Trudy Platt, however, is always there when the team needs her. Voight seems to rely on her the most when things are going south and he needs backup.

She is there when Avalos goes haywire. Will she be there for the final stretch of Los Temidos’ case?

“To be continued” appears on the screen after an explosion that leaves Halstead on the floor and Upton unconscious. This is the set up for the Chicago P.D. season finale (May 25) and the closure of a long-running case.

Will Upton survive the explosion?

What did you think of this episode of Chicago P.D.? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Chicago P.D airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

 

Vote for Your Favorites: The 2022 Tell-Tale TV Awards (Round 2)