For the last few years, we’ve seen various members of Intelligence take some time off. The series regulars of Chicago PD, along with other One Chicago shows, have guaranteed minimums, which means various characters are missing for an episode here and there.
The reason behind that is for budget needs. However, the reason news is linked to something completely different.
Patrick John Flueger is taking a leave of absence from Chicago PD
Deadline reports that Patrick John Flueger, who has played Adam Ruzek from the beginning of the series, will take some time off from the series. This is not linked to the regular reasons for Flueger’s character to be written out of episodes here and there. Instead, it’s for personal reasons, and we wish him all the best during this time.
While the exact reason hasn’t been given—and we respect his privacy—the publication goes on to share that the time off coincides with an instance of alcohol use on the set. It’s not clear just how long he will take off at this time, but he is supposed to return later in the season.
Scripts need to be rewritten for Chicago PD season 12
This was certainly an unexpected leave of absence, as the writers need to get back to work to rewrite some of the scripts. Each season has some character-driven storylines for episodes, and while we’ve just recently had one that focuses on Ruzek and Burgess, it was mostly centered on Burgess’s fears for their daughter Makayla. We still need a Ruzek episode.
The show will need to take a step back from that, focusing on other characters. There will also be a storyline written in to see Ruzek taking time off from work and also not being at home. After all, when it comes to personal storylines, we often see Burgess and Ruzek at home together, dealing with their daughter.
One storyline that could be included is with Ruzek’s father, who is suffering from dementia. Throughout Chicago PD season 12, Ruzek tried to have his father live with them, and Burgess supported that. However, it was clear to Ruzek that his dad’s dementia was too far gone, and the man needs extra help. He could get that help in another state, which could lead to Ruzek leaving for a short period of time. Alternatively, he could need time off to grieve if the series tackles the story in a more heartbreaking way.
It's not the first time the One Chicago universe has handled a leave of absence. Chicago Fire did it when Taylor Kinney took time off for personal reasons, and Severide was written in as being needed elsewhere for the time being. This could be something Chicago PD does, with Ruzek being pulled into another operation for a short period of time.
Chicago PD airs on Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC.
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