In Chicago P.D. Season 12, Episode 14, titled "Marie," Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) is thrust into an emotional whirlwind that forces him to confront his worst fears both professionally and personally. The episode picks up where the gripping story of Zoe, a young girl kidnapped by her serial killer father, left off in Episode 10, "Zoe." The case deeply affects Ruzek, especially since Zoe (Annabelle Toomy) and his own daughter, Makyla, are close in age. As the hunt for Zoe intensifies, Ruzek finds himself unable to let go, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him. What should have been a simple case of justice becomes a reflection of his own paternal love, amplifying his emotional stakes.
The heart of this episode lies in the juxtaposition of Ruzek’s professional dedication and his personal grief. As the unit pursues Zoe’s captor, Ruzek is simultaneously grappling with the deteriorating health of his father, Disco Bob (Jack Coleman), who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The reality of his father’s condition makes Ruzek’s emotional journey even more heartbreaking. His father's cognitive decline mirrors his own feelings of helplessness, knowing he can’t save Bob from losing his memories just as he is fighting to save Zoe.
Ruzek’s journey is a battle of dualities. On one hand, he’s trying to bring closure to a child’s horrific situation, giving Zoe back her future and her name. On the other hand, he’s watching his father lose his own name and the very essence of who he is. It’s a haunting parallel that John Flueger, who plays Ruzek, describes in an interview with TV Insider. He discusses the emotional weight of trying to accomplish something positive—rescuing Zoe—while simultaneously watching something negative unfold in his personal life with his father. The contrast between these two aspects of his life creates an emotional conflict that feels almost unbearable.
In Episode 14, the serial killer who claims to be Zoe’s father is back, and this time, he has taken Zoe. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Kim (Marina Squerciati) tries to offer support to her fiancé, Ruzek, as everything seems to fall apart. Despite the horror of the situation, Zoe, even in her captivity, manages to leave behind clues that could lead to her rescue. "I’m Zoe. Help!" her notes read, providing the hope that the unit can track her down. Ruzek is determined to find her, fighting against the clock and the emotional toll of his father's worsening health.
The emotional depth of this episode is what makes it unforgettable. Flueger’s portrayal of Ruzek as a man caught between his love for his daughter, his duty to Zoe, and his anguish over his father’s decline adds layers to the character. This isn’t just about solving a case; it’s about the crushing weight of loss and the drive to do the right thing even when everything seems impossible. The episode promises to break hearts as it highlights Ruzek’s struggle, forcing viewers to empathize with his pain and determination.
