‘Chicago P.D.’ Recap: ‘Blood Bleeds Blue’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

CHICAGO P.D. -- "Blood Bleeds Blue" Episode 12002 -- Pictured: Toya Turner as Kiana Cook and Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek -- (Photo by: Lori Allen/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 12002 of ‘Chicago P.D.’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that our better understanding of mental health and the various ailments that can impair it, and popular media, have aided in helping us to realize that holding onto trauma is something that is severely negative in nature. Because trauma does bring about toxic behaviors that can impact our lives in all the wrong ways. Since it can cause us to harm others and harm ourselves in ways that are supremely unique, and stories and science really are doing an amazing job of hammering home the dangers of keeping it around. But it does leave one to wonder… is there any kind of positive angle to trauma? Can it in fact, do anything worthwhile for people before it begins to erode their lives into something dull?

Well, believe it or not, the answer is yes to those questions. But only under the right circumstances, it can basically be used as a survival mechanism. Because its strength can propel people forward to get through some supremely tough times, and it can help them focus and complete major tasks. Because at its peak, it ignites something within us, and for proof… look no further than last night’s episode of Chicago P.D. on NBC. For ‘Blood Bleeds Blue’ saw Voight and Ruzek harness its power to get through quite the dramatic series of events. For this episode picked up immediately after last week’s ugly ending, where Martel and Ruzek were being shot at and well, we came to learn that Martel did not survive her wounds, and that the bullet that hit her, came from a domestic violence dispute in a nearby house.

Wherein a real piece of work shot his ex-wife and kidnapped their son, and in the process, killed a cop. Which meant, the department sprung to action, with Ruzek leading the charge and Voight and Platt backing him up at the office, and well… that brought about… one intense tale. One that plunged us into the heart of a citywide manhunt. Where we came to learn that the offender was hoping to also murder his children in an effort to exert full control over the family he lost. Which added a sense of urgency to the hunt, one that took the team all over the city before they finally were able to corner the monster and put him down in an unexpected manner. But not before saving both of his kids and their mother, giving rise to a semi-happy ending that showcased the theme in question… in the middle of the manhunt.

Because Ruzek was badly traumatized by Martel’s death, and visibly shaken at times, and of course, we know Voight is suffering from a form of PTSD after his harrowing encounter. But in this moment, they both used it to survive, to fight, and that did give them reason to focus, reason to move forward. So that they could solve this case, help someone, and likely believe they could heal a bit of themselves in the process. Which isn’t possible, but that’s a discussion for another day. Because what matters more here, is that this episode did showcase how trauma can be used for good, and how it can drive a person to accomplish wonders when it is fresh and used to push someone forward. But sadly… that moment never lasts and what we are left with when the task is accomplished, is that pain.

Which we saw Ruzek experience when the job was done and the scare was over, and of course… once Voight lets go, he too will be faced with the pain of yesterday. Giving rise to the reality that both men have a hard road ahead, but while we wait to see if and how they deal with the horrors they experienced here, we can celebrate one intense and intelligent tale. Since we don’t see shows ponder upon this rare and somewhat reckless truth about the power of fresh trauma, but it was welcome and fit properly. Since it didn’t glorify it, just informed us, and now that this journey has come to a close, it’s onto the next one and likely more tough days for these incredible officers, as they slowly put the pieces back together in the department and hopefully work to heal their traumas before they begin to poison them. Until next time.

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