Fall TV Preview 2017: Details on new seasons of 'Chicago Fire' and 'Chicago P.D.'
Chicago, here we come!
This fall, two of Dick Wolf’s Chicago-set shows — Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. — are returning with more thrilling and mysterious cases, life-and-death situations, and interesting new characters who will turn things upside down for the firefighters and police officers of the city.
For what else to expect, we asked P.D. boss Rick Eid about Season 5 and Fire executive producer Derek Haas about Season 6 of their respective shows. Read on for their answers to our fall questionnaire!
Chicago P.D. preview from EP Rick Eid
1. What’s coming up this season: This season, the Chicago Police Department faces major reform. In the season premiere, we learn that an “independent auditor,” Lt. Denny Woods (played by Mykelti Williamson), has been appointed to make sure the Intelligence Unit complies with new rules and regulations. And it doesn’t help that Woods has a personal vendetta against Voight (Jason Beghe). Now he and the unit are Wood’s biggest target.
We’ll also see the team grapple with the absence of Det. Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush), who, in the Season 4 finale, took a counterterrorism job in New York. But we’re excited to have Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda) rejoin Intelligence to help the team navigate this difficult new terrain.
The main thing we want to do throughout the season is attach the show to Chicago 2017. To keep it current, the episodes will explore hot-button issues, such as police shootings, human trafficking, and racial discord. Our goal is to reflect the complex racial, social, and political environment in that city right now.
2. A guest star who will surprise you: Wendell Pierce, who I was a huge fan of on The Wire, will guest-star on Chicago P.D. in Season 5. He plays Alderman Ray Price, a shrewd, magnetic politician. He elevates every scene he’s in, and it was exciting to see him go toe-to-toe with Voight. The two square off in the first episode when a member of the unit is under political fire. We’ll see Alderman Price return a few times this season when politics and policing intersect.
We also have Eriq La Salle coming on as an EP and director this season. I think many people remember Eriq from his iconic role as Dr. Peter Benton in ER. I don’t know if he’ll get out from behind the camera, but I’d love to see that.
3. Something you’ll learn about a character: With Det. Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer), we always hinted at the emotional baggage he carries from his time as an Army Ranger. But in Season 5, we’ll get to finally see Halstead confront his military past when he goes undercover with a group of ex-servicemen.
4. An interesting case this season: We have an episode where a gay, Muslim police officer is accused of orchestrating a major terrorist attack in Chicago. Officer Burgess (Marina Squerciati), who helped train the cop, is desperate to prove his innocence, even if that means going against her superiors. She’s the newest member of Intelligence, and the case will test her place in the unit.
Chicago P.D. premieres Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 10 p.m. on NBC.
Chicago Fire preview from EP Derek Haas
1. What’s coming up this season: Loyalties will be tested as a new character arrives and shakes up Firehouse 51 from the inside. Also, Dawson’s going to get a showcase episode, as she’s trapped in a collapse, off-duty, with no help arriving anytime soon.
2. A guest star who will surprise you: Jeff Lima, who plays Cruz’s brother Leon. Last we saw of Leon, he had to race out of Chicago to avoid gang violence. He’ll be back under very different circumstances.
3. Something you’ll learn about a character: Severide has a policy of “no houseguests allowed.” Until he doesn’t.
4. An interesting case this season: In the pilot, a little girl is bleeding from her eyes. WHAT?! You’ll learn why.
Chicago Fire premieres Thursday, Sept. 28, at 10 p.m. on NBC.
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