Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 4 Review: The After

If you are an audience member who doesn’t like Hank Voight, then Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 4, “The After,” is probably not the episode for you.

The episode starts with signs of what’s to come when Voight’s basement floods and he discovers all of Camille’s stuff has gotten wet. His mood immediately changes, which Champan notices the moment she sees him.

Truthfully, the last 12 seasons have taught us that Voight’s past can be a touchy subject. Whether his personal or professional past is mentioned, it must be treated carefully because one never knows how he will react. Nevertheless, it is the present that leaves Voight speechless for the first time.

Voight’s reputation has always been an important subject on the show. His actions, the way he polices, and how he treats criminals are something that’s always discussed. Even though he has calmed down from how he used to be, that’s still a big part of his character.

However, one thing that is rarely discussed but very much real is that Voight has always been stuck in the past. His wife’s death, his son’s death, Alvin’s death, and Erin’s leaving have always been heavy on him. It seems as if he cannot move on.

Mentioning each of the victims from a case he worked on 15 years ago is another sign of his inability to let go of the past. But it isn’t until Chapman confronts him about it that we realize that everything Voight does is motivated by his fear of failure.

He is obsessed with this case coming back because failing those six women has been haunting him ever since. It goes hand-in-hand with his wife’s death. Therefore, he has been stuck on that case for as long as he has been grieving his wife.

Nevertheless, as Chapman mentions, she didn’t fail those women. He did the best he could with the circumstances. The way Suzanne reacts to him coming back into her life proves that 15 years ago he did everything in his power and the victims don’t hold him responsible for anything.

“The After” showcases Voight’s fear of failure. It also marks the first time that he admits that he wasn’t okay when he returned to work after his wife’s death.

Hank Voight presents himself as a strong man who isn’t affected by anything. He has killed, tortured, and done unspeakable things on the show, but we have rarely seen his vulnerable side.

Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 4, “The After,” portrays him as a human, not an unbreakable cop. It is the first time we have seen him talk about his wife as much as he does.

Camille has been known to the audience only by name for over a decade. The details of who she was are few; we can only piece together an image of the woman Voight loved. However, by Chapman asking questions, we learn that Camille was a warm person, and that is why Voight is still stuck in the past.

As Chapman puts it, it is tough to see Voight as belonging to someone. He is more known as a lonesome man who doesn’t need another person to survive. But by seeing his vulnerability, we realize that maybe he still belongs to someone who is gone.

Throughout the show’s 12 seasons, we have seen every character in a romantic relationship at least once—that is, everyone except Hank Voight.

He’s had a paternal relationship with Erin, a complicated relationship with a female CI, and a borderline obsessive relationship with Upton. But a romantic partner? Never.

The closest it got was Olivia Benson sending him a gift after working a case together. However, since Chapman came into town, many viewers have wondered if there was more to their relationship. She is the only woman who has tolerated his behavior and advocated for him.

For the first time in 12 years, someone is brave enough to voice their feelings for Hank Voight. Champan goes as far as becoming him for a split second just to show she cares about him.

It is pretty comical that Voight wants to get mad at her for bending the rules when he does so in every case. But it is heartwarming to see that someone is willing to do for Voight what he has been doing for everyone around him for over a decade.

As exciting as it is to see a glimpse at a possible romantic relationship, we can’t help but wonder if Voight would ever take that next step. The episode clearly shows he is still stuck on his wife. Can he open up to someone like Chapman?

Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 4, “The After,” caters to the fans who love Voight and have been asking for a romantic partner for the sergeant for many years. It is the kind of episode that offers deeper insight into a character who hasn’t always been a fan favorite.

Whether one likes Hank Voight or not, it is undeniable that he will do whatever it takes to save someone in trouble. He goes the extra mile when others are willing to give up on the victims and survivors, which is admirable.

Yes, his methods aren’t always the best, but he keeps showing up for those who need him. Can he show up for himself and allow himself to be happy again? Or is that impossible?

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

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

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