In the world of Chicago P.D., where gritty action meets intense character development, one of the most compelling storylines centers around the ever-evolving relationship between the members of Intelligence. One of the most intriguing characters on the show is Adam Ruzek. As the series has progressed, fans have noticed his increasingly complex behavior, especially his occasional display of “Voight-like” tendencies. These tendencies, as we see in Season 10, reflect an undeniable shift in his approach to law enforcement and his moral compass.
Jason Beghe, who portrays the iconic Sergeant Hank Voight, recently weighed in on this development in a candid interview, discussing how Ruzek’s behavior mirrors some of Voight’s darker traits and what it means for his character moving forward.
Let’s dive into this fascinating aspect of Ruzek’s character and explore what Jason Beghe had to say about it.
Ruzek’s Growing Complexity: A Reflection of Voight’s Influence
From Rookie to Voight’s Protégé: Ruzek’s Transformation
When Ruzek was first introduced on Chicago P.D., he was a fresh-faced officer eager to prove himself. As the series progressed, however, we saw his character evolve under the guidance of Hank Voight, who became something of a mentor to him. Voight, known for his controversial and sometimes morally ambiguous methods of getting results, has been a polarizing figure on the show.
For Ruzek, his proximity to Voight led him to adopt certain behaviors that, at times, are more in line with Voight’s aggressive, no-nonsense approach to crime fighting than with the ideals of the department. Jason Beghe pointed out in his interview that this shift in Ruzek’s behavior was not unexpected.
“Ruzek’s got a little bit of that Voight in him,” Beghe stated. “That’s part of who he is. He’s someone who’s willing to bend the rules if it means getting the job done. And Voight has always been a great example of that.”
Ruzek’s Darker Side: The Result of Real-World Struggles
As a character, Ruzek has faced his fair share of struggles. From personal relationships to professional challenges, he’s been through a lot over the years. Beghe highlighted that Ruzek’s actions aren’t merely a reflection of Voight’s influence but also a manifestation of his own inner conflict.
“Ruzek has a certain amount of rage, and he’s always been trying to navigate his feelings in this chaotic environment. That anger comes from the hard experiences he’s had—things that have shaped who he is as a person,” Beghe explained.
Voight’s Legacy: What It Means for Ruzek
Voight has been a mentor for Ruzek, but this mentorship hasn’t come without its complications. As Ruzek spends more time working under Voight’s leadership, his methods and mindset begin to mirror those of his superior.
This behavior, which often includes bending the rules or using intimidation tactics, represents the culmination of years of exposure to Voight’s aggressive, yet effective, style of policing. The question now is whether Ruzek will fully embrace these aspects of Voight’s persona, or if he’ll fight to maintain his own moral compass.
Why Ruzek’s ‘Voight-Like’ Behavior Makes Him a More Compelling Character
Character Depth and Conflict: A Must for Long-Running Series
One of the reasons Ruzek’s “Voight-like” behavior is so compelling is because it adds another layer of complexity to his character. For fans who have been following his journey since the beginning, this evolution is both fascinating and heartbreaking. Ruzek isn’t simply a carbon copy of Voight; rather, he’s an individual struggling with the consequences of his actions and the weight of his moral choices.
The internal conflict that Ruzek faces—balancing his desire to do good with the pressure to achieve results at any cost—mirrors the struggles of many real-life law enforcement officers. This gives his character depth and makes him relatable to audiences who understand the complexities of navigating right and wrong in high-pressure situations.
A Character Torn Between Loyalty and Morality
Ruzek’s behavior is further complicated by his loyalty to Voight and the team. As a member of Intelligence, Ruzek has formed strong bonds with his colleagues, particularly Voight. This loyalty often drives him to justify actions that he may otherwise question.
For instance, when Ruzek takes matters into his own hands to get information or force confessions, it’s not just about mimicking Voight; it’s about his desire to be a good cop and protect those he cares about. In some ways, his actions reflect a sense of desperation, a belief that bending the rules is the only way to protect the people he loves.
The Consequences of Ruzek’s Voight-Like Behavior
How His Actions Could Impact His Relationships
Ruzek’s increasing adoption of Voight’s methods isn’t without consequences. As we saw in recent episodes, his actions have led to tension within the team. Members of Intelligence, particularly Hailey Upton, have shown concern about Ruzek’s moral choices and his growing willingness to blur the lines of the law.
In the long run, Ruzek’s Voight-like behavior could strain his relationships with his colleagues and put his career in jeopardy. While Voight’s unorthodox methods have helped him rise through the ranks, it’s clear that Ruzek is walking a fine line. Will his colleagues continue to stand by him, or will they begin to distance themselves if his behavior becomes too erratic?
The Dangers of Losing His Moral Compass
One of the most significant risks of Ruzek adopting Voight-like behavior is the possibility of losing his moral compass entirely. Ruzek’s character has always been defined by his internal struggle—his desire to do the right thing while working in an environment where compromise is often necessary.
As Ruzek takes more inspiration from Voight, there’s a fear that he could begin to ignore his own principles in favor of expediency. This could lead to dire consequences, not only for Ruzek but also for those around him.
Jason Beghe’s Insights on the Future of Ruzek’s Character
The Path Forward: Can Ruzek Find Balance?
While Ruzek’s actions in Season 10 have certainly raised eyebrows, Jason Beghe expressed hope that his character will eventually find a balance between his own moral code and the influence of Voight. “Ruzek has always been a character of contrasts. He’s trying to figure out where he fits in this world, and I think he’s always going to be torn between being a good cop and making tough decisions when the time calls for it,” Beghe said.
For Ruzek, the key to his future growth will be acknowledging the influence Voight has had on him while still maintaining a sense of self-awareness. Can he continue to work alongside Voight without losing himself in the process? Only time will tell.
Ruzek’s Future on Chicago P.D.: What’s Next?
Will Ruzek’s Actions Lead to Redemption or Ruin?
As the series continues to unfold, fans are left wondering what the future holds for Ruzek. Will he continue down the path of embracing Voight’s methods, or will he find a way to carve out his own identity as a cop? His actions in the coming episodes will likely shape his future on Chicago P.D. and determine whether he can remain a valuable member of Intelligence.
Conclusion: The Complex Evolution of Ruzek’s Character
Ruzek’s “Voight-like” behavior is more than just an interesting plot twist—it’s a critical development in his character’s journey. As he grapples with the influence of his mentor, Hank Voight, Ruzek’s internal conflict grows more complex. Jason Beghe’s insights into Ruzek’s behavior only serve to deepen the intrigue surrounding this character and provide viewers with a greater understanding of what drives him.
Ultimately, Ruzek’s storyline is a reflection of the broader themes of morality, loyalty, and personal growth that define Chicago P.D. As we move forward in Season 10, fans will continue to watch Ruzek’s journey closely, hoping that he finds a way to balance his past with his future—and, most importantly, hold on to his humanity.
FAQs
1. What is Ruzek’s relationship with Hank Voight on Chicago P.D.?
Ruzek and Voight share a mentor-mentee relationship, with Voight being a significant influence on Ruzek’s career. This relationship has led Ruzek to adopt some of Voight’s more morally ambiguous methods of policing.
2. How does Ruzek’s behavior affect his relationship with the team?
Ruzek’s increasing adoption of Voight-like tactics has caused tension within the team, particularly with Hailey Upton, who is concerned about his moral compass and the risks his actions pose.
3. Can Ruzek maintain his sense of morality while following Voight’s example?
Ruzek’s struggle to maintain his morals while adopting Voight’s methods is central to his character’s evolution. He will need to find a balance between these two aspects to avoid losing himself.
4. Will Ruzek’s Voight-like behavior lead to his downfall?
While Ruzek’s actions have raised concerns, it’s still unclear whether his behavior will ultimately lead to redemption or ruin. His character’s future depends on his ability to manage the influence of Voight while staying true to his values.
5. How does Jason Beghe view Ruzek’s transformation?
Jason Beghe acknowledges that Ruzek’s transformation is a natural result of his exposure to Voight’s leadership style
