Along with the case being a sentimental one for Ruzek, his partnership with Burgess in Chicago PD season 12, episode 20 is tested because, as they tackle their work with Intelligence, they also grapple with personal issues at the same time. For instance, Ruzek deals with personal issues involving his father, who has Alzheimer's. Burgess also worries about Adam because of the stress and anxiety he's feeling as he investigates Bailey's death while also worrying about his dad. The balancing act of Ruzek and Burgess' work and personal life is a struggle moving forward as they seek to marry.
Ruzek's Case In Episode 20, Explained
Ruzek Takes This Case Personally As A Family Man
When Ruzek encounters Bailey after visiting his dad, the officer views Frank as a man in trouble and in desperate need of help due to his vulnerability and emotional reactions. Ruzek does everything he can to save Bailey from falling off the icy bridge, but it isn't enough. Adam works with Burgess, along with Sergeant Hank Voight and Officer Dante Torres, to figure out who would hurt Bailey. As their investigation delves deeper, it is revealed that Frank wasn't the honest husband and father he appeared to be.
The Intelligence Unit learns Bailey took part in a trafficking ring involving young women. As Ruzek and Burgess make arrests, Ruzek finds himself in a precarious situation as he tries to help a young woman. However, she locks the door of her room and hits Ruzek as he battles a henchman. Burgess desperately tries to enter the room, fearing for Adam's safety. Despite the intensity of the situation, Ruzek takes down the henchman, and Burgess breaks through the door, apprehending her. This scene highlights a scary moment for the pair because Ruzek could've died and Burgess would've been too late.
Why Ruzek And Burgess Are One Of The Strongest Pairings In Intelligence
Ruzek And Burgess Can Balance Work And Family Time
This trafficking case and the investigation into Bailey's death highlights the power of Ruzek and Burgess as arguably the most effective pair in Intelligence. Despite Ruzek's concern regarding his father, and Burgess worrying about Adam due to the stress he's going through, they love and support each other with optimism and the belief that they can balance their work and personal lives. Ruzek and Burgess have always been hard workers and intelligent investigators who can handle the pressure of multitasking and working each case close to the chest.
As Ruzek and Burgess look forward to getting married and continuing to raise Makayla, along with the potential to raise a larger family, they are going to have more stressful days while balancing police work and family time. As parents and married colleagues, there are also going to be cases that hit close to home for them, leading to more pressure in the workplace. But as long as Burgess and Ruzek stick together, the more confident they will be in getting through each day.
Ruzek And Burgess Are Capable Of Leading Intelligence Despite Future Challenges
Ruzek And Burgess Will Tackle More Pressure Even After They Get Married
Burgess continues to prove her leadership in her newly appointed position as detective in Intelligence. Burgess is firm and impartial in her work ethic, especially when interrogating suspects and persons of interest during this trafficking case. Ruzek also shows his leadership qualities in his determination to find out what happened to Bailey. For instance, Ruzek can take command of a crime scene, show his interrogation skills when questioning the henchman who nearly killed him, and insists on explaining to Bailey's wife the truth regarding her husband's secret activities.
With Burgess and Ruzek's track record, they have the capability to lead Intelligence if they were given the opportunity to do so (although Voight isn't giving up his leadership role in Chicago P.D. anytime soon). Ruzek and Burgess have grown immensely over the years, not only in the Intelligence unit, but also as human beings ready to tackle more responsibilities and grow their family. They've also proven that they are more than capable of handling the pressures of living in the cold city of Chicago and putting up with horrifying cases to serve their home.
