Chicago PD Season 12, Episode 18 Review: Is Torres Leaving the Show?

by

In a striking turn of events in Chicago PD, Season 12, Episode 18 titled “Demons”, we witness not one but two departures from the NBC series. The narrative primarily revolves around Hank Voight’s mission to bring down Deputy Chief Charlie Reid. However, it seems that the plot doesn’t favor both characters evenly.

Chief Reid asks Voight to help find a stolen Toyota containing drugs linked to Jesus Otero, a criminal with whom Reid has a close bond. However, when Torres resumes work, he makes some questionable choices that bring him into the crosshairs of both men. With other One Chicago characters set to depart soon, there’s cause for concern regarding Torres.

Chicago PD Season 12, Episode 18 Puts Voight & Reid Back Together

Shawn Hatosy Has His Biggest Episode Yet

In essence, “Demons” consists of two interwoven narratives. Initially, it shows Reid instructing Voight to make finding the stolen Toyota their top priority. Simultaneously, Voight is maneuvering to set a trap for both Reid and Otero. However, the first part doesn’t extend for long or carry much depth because the plot can only sustain so much from the rest of Intelligence questioning why they are dedicating so much effort to carjacking investigations. The episode gains momentum when an impatient Reid, who seems to believe that crime-solving happens as quickly as a takeout order, begins to exert pressure on Voight and his team.

It’s intriguing to watch Shawn Hatosy return to our screens after his role as Dr. Jack Abbott in ‘The Pitt’, as he now reappears on ‘Chicago PD’ playing a distinct character. Hatosy’s portrayal lends credibility to Reid’s stereotypical villain scenes, such as the overt “you work for me” line directed at an uncooperative Voight. The scene where Reid attempts to persuade Torres to disregard Voight’s orders is convincing due to Hatosy’s convincing sincerity in his delivery.

The intense showdown between Reid and Voight is yet to unfold, as “Demons” concludes with Intelligence’s scheme to ensnare someone in Otero’s gang blowing up (figuratively speaking). However, the episode takes significant strides, either solidifying Reid as undeniably villainous or involving everyone else more. Given that the season is nearing its end, an episode like this was essential to provide a fitting conclusion for the Reid narrative. Unfortunately, it seems Torres might be facing an uncertain and unwanted ending.

Is Dante Torres Leaving Chicago PD in Season 12?

Episode 18 Doesn’t Inspire Confidence in Torres’ Future

As a movie critic, I must admit that Dante Torres’ absence in the latest episode of One Chicago initially seemed justified, given the occasional breaks main cast members get to save costs. However, the events unfolding in “Demons” and recent off-screen developments have completely changed my perspective. This episode sends a powerful message suggesting that Torres might not be sticking around with Chicago PD for much longer.

After taking a week off due to a shoulder injury, Torres causes chaos throughout the episode instead of following orders. He disregards both Voight’s and Kevin Atwater’s instructions, joining the hunt for carjackers despite being told to stay at his desk. His poorly executed Precision Immobilization Technique results in him crashing his car, and he even carries out a colleague’s task by tracking one of the suspects. All these mistakes together are almost too many for a single episode. To make matters worse, Torres has been facing trouble this season due to the Gloria Perez issue, and he also grapples with personal struggles that he shares with Voight. This pattern of behavior suggests an impending storyline where Torres may resign or be dismissed because of his increasing number of mistakes.

Additionally reinforcing this notion is the news that, due to financial constraints, there could potentially be cuts across all Wolf Entertainment shows, including Torres’ series. If such a scenario unfolds, Torres’ current downfall could serve as a convenient plot device – albeit one that feels repetitive, given its similarity to Antonio Dawson’s exit storyline where he spiraled into drug addiction and was written off-screen for rehab. Unlike Antonio, Torres doesn’t seem to have an addiction issue, but his self-destructive behavior is mirroring Antonio’s poorly received narrative.

Chicago PD Season 12, Episode 18 Follows a Familiar Playbook

The Supporting Characters React as Expected

In this revised scenario, “Demons” primarily focuses on increasing the interaction between Voight and Reid, thereby minimizing the involvement of other characters from Intelligence. The team carries out the necessary groundwork to solve the case, yet only Torres seems to make a significant impact. One of their notable appearances is as a collective unit, when they pledge to assist Voight in his struggle against him. This scene follows an expected pattern – Voight delivers a speech about Reid’s perilous nature, and the team expresses indifference – yet it satisfies fan expectations.

It’s puzzling how the episode utilizes ASA Chapman, as her early introduction seems to imply a larger role for her character. However, she only appears in two significant scenes and is mostly confined to phone conversations for the remainder of the episode. This underutilization of actress Sara Bues, whom audiences have grown fond of, feels somewhat disappointing. Yet, when Chapman reappears, she asks Voight to ensure Reid is dealt with properly, and his response seems reminiscent of something Hank Voight would have said in earlier seasons rather than in Season 12.

In the character of Reid, we see an individual who transcends Voight’s line-crossing behavior, prompting viewers to reevaluate Voight (and potentially Voight doing the same). His dialogue with Chapman implies that he is no superior being, showing no desire for improvement. Reid appears as just another adversary for Voight to apprehend, using any methods available. This scene in Chicago PD Season 12, Episode 18, while progressing the plot, also introduces a sense of discomfort and missed potential opportunities. While viewers don’t expect Hank Voight to transform into a harmless figure, they hope for more impactful responses than mere confusion from the Reid storyline.

Chicago PD airs Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m. on .

Read More

2025-04-19 21:52