Could Olinsky Have Stopped Voight’s Shocking Decision?

Chicago P.D. continues to dominate the landscape of network television with its inspiring intensity and emotional depth. As the flagship series of the One Chicago franchise, it has skillfully navigated intricate narratives, showcasing morally complex characters and their tangled relationships. The season 12 finale left fans stunned when Hank Voight made the shocking decision to orchestrate the murder of Deputy Chief Reid, setting the stage for a wildly unpredictable season 13.

With the fallout from Voight’s controversial actions looming, questions arise about the ramifications within the Intelligence Unit (IU). Could any of the team members have intervened to prevent this dark turn? Showrunner Gwen Sigan offers her perspective, suggesting that only Alvin Olinsky could have swayed Voight against his choice. However, opinions diverge on whether Olinsky would have acted to stop his partner in crime.

Unpacking Sigan’s Perspective on Olinsky’s Influence

Sigan stated in an interview with TV Insider her conviction that Olinsky could have been the exception: “I think, yeah, I think he could have. I think definitely probably the only person that could have.” This bond between Voight and Olinsky was as profound as brotherhood, rooted in mutual understanding and respect.

Olinsky was critical to the IU’s dynamics, often serving as Voight’s sounding board. The two shared a unique rapport that made Olinsky adept at rationalizing Voight’s controversial concepts in ways others struggled to. Indeed, history supports Sigan’s assertion—as seen in season 1 when Olinsky helped steer Voight away from a drastic action against Pulpo. His influence had been a vital part of Voight’s decision-making process.

A Closer Look at Olinsky’s Possible Stance

While it’s plausible that Olinsky could have attempted to counsel Voight, the pressing circumstances of an IA investigation and the imminent disbanding of their unit paint a different picture. Rather than resist, might Olinsky have supported Voight’s reasoning behind Reid’s removal? Given the pressure and chaos of the situation, it’s conceivable that Olinsky recognized Reid’s presence as a significant liability, causing him to align with Voight’s hardline stance.

Olinsky often embodied Voight’s moral complexity, operating within the gray areas of law enforcement. Their former alliance allowed Olinsky to understand the consequences of inaction in the unforgiving world of Chicago P.D.. Therefore, it’s likely that rather than talking Hank down, Olinsky would have sided with him—perhaps even aiding in the execution of the plan.

As the possibility of exploring these relationships unfolds in upcoming episodes, viewers remain on the edge of their seats, craving insight and development from their beloved characters. The narrative potency of Chicago P.D. continues to captivate audiences, inviting fans to ponder the moral dilemmas faced by those within the IU.