‘Chicago P.D.’ Season 9: Expect More Makayla Drama When the Show Returns

There's only a few episodes left of 'Chicago P.D.' Season 9, and fans should expect more Makayla drama when the show returns.

by Erica Scassellati

Published on April 27, 2022

2 min read

Makayla has been through a lot of trauma since she was introduced

Makayla was first introduced in Chicago P.D. Season 8. Her biological father murdered her mother, traumatizing the young child. Kim Burgess bonded with Makayla and eventually made the decision to adopt her. However, Makayla’s biological uncle came into the picture and tried to get custody of his niece. Although he didn’t succeed, Makayla was kidnapped shortly after.

Obviously, all of this is a lot for a little girl to go through. Burgess is doing everything she can to help Makayla recover from the trauma she has been through in Chicago P.D. Season 8 and 9. Eventually, this includes distancing herself from Ruzek. “They’re going to find out the hard way what’s best for Makayla,” Marina Squerciati told TV Insider.

There’s more Makayla drama to come in ‘Chicago P.D.’ Season 9

Chicago P.D. Season 9 will return with episode 20, “Memory” on May 11. According to cartermatt.com, the episode synopsis reads, “Voight and the team delve into a cold case in search of clues to solve a shocking new crime. With its focus on buried memories, the case sparks concern for Burgess and Ruzek about Makayla’s mental healing.”

Although Ruzek agreed to move out of Burgess’ home in episode 17, it’s clear that he still wants to be a part of Makayla’s life. Burgess and Ruzek are facing some very difficult decisions about what’s best for Makayla’s mental well-being.

“We will continue to play with that for the rest of the season,” showrunner Gwen Sigan told TVLine. “You’ll see them deal with that new dynamic and navigate that new space and see if it is better for Makayla or isn’t, and how they react to it as well. We’ll definitely explore it some more.”

Parenting changes Burgess and Ruzek’s relationship

Burgess and Ruzek have been in a complicated on-again-off-again relationship since season 1. However, now that they are responsible for the well-being of a child, it adds a whole new dynamic to their relationship in Chicago P.D. Season 9. “I like that the inclusion of a child makes you navigate your relationship differently,” Squerciati told TVLine.

“I think if Makayla wasn’t there, they’d take the time to work through it and build back. But that process is unavailable to them in front of a child, so it’s kind of sad. They want to be together and take that time to build, but they don’t have that space, which is also pretty selfless — and lovely.”

Chicago P.D. Season 9 airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. EST on NBC.