CHICAGO P.D. -- Season 12 Episode 10 "Zoe" -- Pictured: Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 10 Review: Zoe CHICAGO P.D. -- "Zoe" Episode 12010 -- Pictured: Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek

Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 10 Review: Zoe

Chicago P.D., Reviews

There’s always a beauty to how Chicago P.D. is filmed. The transitions, persecution scenes, sound effects, music, and special moments are all done with the perfect aesthetic that has remained consistent throughout the years.

Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 10, “Zoe,” is no different. The way in which the scenes smoothly transition between photos of the victims and Adam speaking with Zoe is what holds the case together.

These details are what help get viewers connected with the story. And in this case, they help the Chicago P.D. formula of focusing on one character per episode work amazingly in Adam’s favor.

CHICAGO P.D. -- Season 12 Episode 10 "Zoe" -- Pictured: (l-r) Jason Beghe as Sgt. Hank Voight, Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek
CHICAGO P.D. — “Zoe” Episode 12010 — Pictured: (l-r) Jason Beghe as Sgt. Hank Voight, Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek — (Photo by: Lori Allen/NBC)

Truth be told, this formula didn’t always work when the show insisted on focusing on one character for the majority of the season. So far, Chicago P.D. Season 12 has proven that focusing evenly on every member of the unit allows fans to enjoy the storylines better and to connect with the characters they’ve loved for over a decade.

“Zoe” allows us to see Ruzek’s growth once again. Not only do we witness how far he has come as a police officer, but we get to see how he has also matured as a person. His encounter with his father and the revelation of Bob’s Alzheimer’s are handled in a way that old Ruzek wouldn’t have.

By making him the most important element of the case while disrupting his personal life, the show gives us a well-rounded look into who Ruzek is and who he has become. He handles Zoe with parental treatment, the same way he would handle Makayla and the way Kim did so when they met her.

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Adam is to his own daughter and to the girl in need the stable figure he always wanted his father to be. Even though now his relationship with Bob is better and they’re able to have honest conversations, it wasn’t always like this. Their chaotic dynamic shaped Ruzek to be a different father and officer.

CHICAGO P.D. -- Season 12 Episode 10 "Zoe" -- Pictured: Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek
CHICAGO P.D. — “Zoe” Episode 12010 — Pictured: Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek — (Photo by: Lori Allen/NBC)

It’s always been obvious on Chicago P.D. that the unit is affected differently when the cases involve children. The moment Ruzek sets foot on the scene and sees the body of the little girl, we know this case will become personal.

However, what truly seals the deal for him is finding Zoe. The details aren’t exactly the same as with Makayla’s storyline, but finding a kidnapped girl who witnessed so much horror relates to his daughter.

Therefore, Ruzek takes this case personally. This becomes even more obvious during the interrogation scene. Ruzek’s anger and frustration are coming out strong, making him lose sight of what really matters.

The best moment during this scene happens when Voight looks through the interrogation room window and exchanges a look with Kim. Even though he cannot see her, Voight knows Kim can see him and understands what he is trying to say.

Burgess is the calm in the storm that Ruzek needs. She knows when to step in and help, and when to simply show up to let him continue with his day when he’s not ready to talk about his father.

This relationship has evolved throughout the seasons, but it has never taken away their individuality.

CHICAGO P.D. -- Season 12 Episode 10 "Zoe" -- Pictured: Marina Squerciati as Officer Kim Burgess
CHICAGO P.D. — “Zoe” Episode 12010 — Pictured: Marina Squerciati as Officer Kim Burgess — (Photo by: Lori Allen/NBC)

Like Makayla at the beginning of the episode, viewers are beginning to wonder when and where the Burgess and Ruzek wedding will take place. The couple has been through enough to deserve a little bit of happiness and a joyful time.

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While we’re not expecting a Belize wedding like their daughter, as the audience who’s been rooting for them since the beginning, we are definitely expecting to see an entire episode dedicated to their wedding. This may mean chaos happening before, during, or after said wedding, but it will be worth it to finally see them tie the knot.

At the end of Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 10, “Zoe,” Adam tells his dad that he will be moving back into their home so he is surrounded by family as he faces his illness. Even though Kim isn’t present when this happens, it has become clear that she is there to give Adam the support he needs.

It will be interesting to see how this new dynamic affects the couple. Nevertheless, they can weather any storm together.

CHICAGO P.D. -- Season 12 Episode 10 "Zoe" -- Pictured: (l-r) LaRoyce Hawkins as Officer Kevin Atwater, Marina Squerciati as Officer Kim Burgess, Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek, Jason Beghe as Sgt. Hank Voight
CHICAGO P.D. — “Zoe” Episode 12010 — Pictured: (l-r) LaRoyce Hawkins as Officer Kevin Atwater, Marina Squerciati as Officer Kim Burgess, Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek, Jason Beghe as Sgt. Hank Voight — (Photo by: Lori Allen/NBC)

Chicago P.D. Season 12 Episode 10, “Zoe,” doesn’t have a resolution yet. With the man still on the run and Zoe’s true identity still an enigma, we believe this case will come back further down the season.

It will definitely be great to see Annabelle Toomy portray Zoe again. Her interpretation of this character, from the way she spoke to how she looked at Adam while telling the story of her life, is one of the highlights of the season. This is one of the best guest appearances the show has ever had.

Hopefully, it won’t be long until we can close this storyline and see Zoe find justice.

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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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By day, Lara Rosales (she/her) is a solo mom by choice and a bilingual writer with a BA in Latin-American Literature who works in PR. By night, she is a TV enjoyer who used to host a podcast (Cats, Milfs & Lesbian Things). You can find her work published on Eulalie Magazine, Geek Girl Authority, Collider, USA Wire, Mentors Collective, Instelite, Noodle, Dear Movies, Nicki Swift, and Flip Screened.