What Happened to Al on Chicago PD?

What Was Al's Last Episode?

Alvin Olinsky was first introduced to the Chicago Fire team back in Season 2, Episode 9. Titled 'You Will Hurt Him,' the 2013 episode served as a great introduction to Al, who would then go on to have a firm part to play in Chicago PD. Alvin would also appear in an episode of Chicago Justice in 2017, three episodes of Chicago Med between 2016 and 2018, and 107 episodes of Chicago PD from 2014 until, unfortunately, 2024. That, of course, surpasses his four appearances as the character on Chicago Fire, despite it being the very show that he first debuted on!

All good things must come to an end though, and that 2024 date did mark the final appearance of Al in Chicago One, as a reoccurring character. Indeed, Chicago PD would mark the last time he starred in any one of those shows, and there is a critical reason for that. Because Al made a surprise appearance in 2024, but only as an apparition, in the mind of another character, rather than in the flesh. That's because the character was sadly killed off all the way back in Season 5, Episode 22, "Homecoming." Season 5 launched in 2014, meaning there was a 10-year gap between Al's involvement in the series.

While Al is entered into surgery in the hope that he can be saved still, he eventually passes away while on the operating table. This leads to an arc where Voight's rage results in him tracking down the killer and murdering him in the process. It's a dark time for the show, and one that pivots around Alvin's loss. It was a death that also led to far more conflict than usual, as the team felt such guilt for his fate, getting abused by a system that he had fought so long to protect. It was not the ending a hero like Al should have received, considering he'd been around for much earlier seasons, and it's one that didn't always sit well with fans either.

Elias Koteas Moved On From the Series

Why Did Al Leave Chicago PD?

It's usually the case that performers who have played critical ongoing roles in serialized network television shows are often ready to move on when the time comes. That schedule can be especially draining, and doesn't leave room for any other roles. What's more, actors are scared of being typecast, and if they stay in one position for too long, that may be how the rest of their career is defined. So, for Koteas, this was an opportunity to reinvent himself and play the hand that he had been dealt with as much skill as possible. But in truth, it was not the actor's decision to leave.

But Koteas was a true professional, absolutely nailed his final scenes, and was rewarded soon thereafter. Since Chicago PD, the actor was cast in The Silent Planet, where he played Theodore, and continued his voice acting role in American Dad, returning for another episode. He'll soon be appearing in a new thriller titled The Block, indicating that his schedule is starting to pick up again after his 2024 appearance in the series. Janet Planet, The Baker and Guilty Party complete his filmography since 2014, but there is always room for Koteas to take on that next big breakthrough role.

This Is a Continuing Trend On Chicago PD

Could Al Make a Comeback?

But Al has already returned to the show before, with Koteas obviously keen to follow up on that appearance. There is a possibility he will do so again, with Chicago PD using visions, flashbacks, and other unusual narrative techniques to bring back older cast members in unexpected ways. If the show ever needs a ratings boost, that's usually when the team will tap into this kind of tool, but Koteas may be getting busier as his career continues to develop.