In a squad filled with hardened detectives, legacy arcs, and emotional backstories, rookie officer Dante Torres has flown largely under the radar — until now. Chicago P.D. Season 12 has the perfect opportunity to give this quiet force of nature his long-overdue spotlight, and honestly, it’s time.
Introduced as a principled, street-smart officer with a mysterious past, Torres (played by Benjamin Levy Aguilar) entered Intelligence with sharp instincts and a desire to do good — but he’s often pushed into the background. With Season 12 teasing major shifts within the team and long-running characters facing turning points, the stage is set for a redemption-style breakout that would make even Marvel proud.
Think about it: Torres has all the makings of a hero’s journey. He’s dealt with gang affiliations, trust issues, and the pressure of proving himself in Voight’s morally grey world. But unlike some of his teammates, Torres still holds onto a rare spark — idealism. He believes in justice without shortcuts, which could make him the perfect contrast (or challenge) to Voight’s crumbling code.
Letting Torres take center stage could breathe new energy into the show. We’ve seen Voight’s reckoning begin. We’ve watched Burgess rise from trauma. Now it’s time to see Torres lead. Not by command — but by conviction.
A Torres-centered arc would also allow Chicago P.D. to explore themes of identity, second chances, and community trust in a way no other character can. His story is relevant, raw, and full of untapped potential.
If the writers are looking for a fresh, emotionally grounded shift in Season 12, the answer is clear: give Torres the arc he deserves. Because every great squad needs a new kind of hero — and Torres might just be that guy.
