Spoilers Ahead
There are serious issues in the world we shouldn’t have to deal with in 2016.
Case Summary: When a woman goes missing, racial prejudices rise; thereby, forcing the unit to work extra hard in order to justly fight the crime in front of them while acknowledging the unfortunate issues the world still has. Jay and Erin officially move in together while Erin begins distancing herself from Voight. Tay and Burgess go on a girl’s night. And Mouse makes a drastic decision about his future.
Review | Analysis: “Made A Wrong Turn” is Chicago P.D. at its absolute finest. The episode showcased the depth of the world’s calamities and struggles masterfully. The unfortunate truth within today’s society is the fact that race is still a predominant concern especially surrounding law enforcement. Through “Made A Wrong Turn” Chicago P.D. acknowledges the fact that while this is a prodigious issue in the real world, some of these officers are attempting to do the best they can in order to be part of the solution. And the thematic situations “Made A Wrong Turn” explored revealed incredibly valuable emotions beautifully.
Chicago P.D. writers took a massive risk with the episode’s storyline because so often real-life issues that are in the spotlight aren’t targeted as authentically in scripted television. But in “Made A Wrong Turn”, we were given the cold hard truth in a way that ached. We, unfortunately, live in a world where people have yet to grasp the concept that a person’s race, sexuality, and religion aren’t what defines them. And entire groups shouldn’t be punished for one person’s crimes. There is good and bad in all of us and our outer appearance or our choices in religion/sexuality don’t speak on behalf of what we’ve done. If a few people go off on a murder spree and choose to use God’s name as their excuse, then they aren’t following religion properly. For while I can only speak on behalf of Christians, I’m certain that no God would ever want his followers to spread anything other than love. In the same way that there are exclusively colored gangs, there are white ones as well. Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Armenian, etc. Yet, we’re ¾ done with 2016 and people still differentiate because of color. White supremacy exists. It’s real and within the past few years, it’s as though we’re going backward instead of forwards.
“Made A Wrong Turn” chose to point out the fact that though a person of color is responsible for the abduction of a white woman, the officers see the bigger issue at hand. I found it incredibly fascinating that Crowley herself stated that social justice concerns be put aside because as officers, their number one concern will always be the victim. And P.D. is no stranger to exploring cases that deal with atrociously flawed white men and women. While the story took place in a black neighborhood filled with understandably concerned civilians, it showcased both the anger and compassion people are filled with. And that is what ultimately reveals the truth that should be remembered. People are who they chose to be. People are defined by their hearts. People are defined by the little things they do simply because they want to — such as a little girl who brings officers a drink and offers a hug. There will be good and bad wherever we go, but as human beings, the best thing we can do is be a part of the solution. The best thing we can do to change the world around us is to offer kindness and support to those who need it, and proper justice to those who’ve committed a crime.
Police brutality within the states is real and tragically growing, but it’s refreshing to have a series like Chicago P.D. that doesn’t ignore the fact that this is an ongoing problem. And the choice to have episodes like this that show the evident racial struggles are what allows the audience to feel a sense of hope that maybe one day, things can get better and fairer. Though there are horrifically flawed officers who’ve taken innocent lives, there are also good ones who’ve helped.
Most Exquisite Moment: There were a number of exquisite moments in this episode; therefore, for this week, we’re going to discuss two of them. First off, I loved the warmth exhibited through the little girl’s gesture. A child’s actions often come with utmost sincerity, and the definite impact this had on both Halstead and Lindsay was gorgeous.
And as a sap for the first “I love you’s”, I was completely in awe of this week’s episode. Interestingly, I never once thought of Erin being the first to say those words, but as it happened, I realized that it was most appropriate. And ultimately, it felt right. Jay has always been a constant in Erin’s life often reminding her of the fact that she’s not alone and can confide in him for whatever she needs. Thereby, her choice to tell him she loves him prior to them moving in together was perfect. Before they were a couple, they were best friends, and sometimes words aren’t necessary when actions speak louder. Jay and Erin have always loved each other, but today, they’ve chosen to profess that they’re in love with each other revealing the very depth of their adoration to the core. They’re in it for the long haul, and I’m so excited for them to come home to one another.
Jesse Lee Soffer and Sophia Bush are outstanding scene partners when it comes to expressing reflective sincerity and adoration. And in the two different ways, they each professed their love, they did so marvelously revealing emotions words aren’t able to. Essentially, that’s always been my favorite thing about the actors and their scenes together — they say a lot more through their looks and physicality than words could ever. They have and will always be home to each other; the person whose happiness and safety are the number one concern. But most importantly, I’ve always said that Jay’s choice to continuously respect Erin’s agency has been one of my favorite characteristics about him. This is why it’s so fitting that she say the words first, he’s always respected her timing and made sure she knew that with him, there was no pressure. He’d have her back to end, but he’s never once wanted to push her away knowing she can shut off when that happens. But today, because Jay’s shown that he’d always have her back on and off the field, it’s been easier to confide in him. It’s easy to be vulnerable with him and it’s easy to be herself with him. And now that their home is together, I’m looking forward to more scenes that involve casual intimacy. Still, simple moments where it’s just the two of them in their more sincere and vulnerable times.
Most Noteworthy Performance: Samuel Hunt floored and broke me in a way I never expected was possible from Mouse. In a single conversation, we learned more about the character than we had ever known in the past two seasons. Mouse has decided he wants to go back in with the rangers in spite of what it’s done to him because the noise in Chicago is too loud. And what an outstanding analogy he made once again thematically representing the heart of this episode. Hunt’s expressiveness shattered me, and the pain he was able to convey was exceptional. As all soldiers, the time he served broke and changed him, but as he states, it’s where he felt he belonged. He knew what he was doing without a single doubt that he was doing something right. And while I personally cannot understand what that’s like, Hunt was able to showcase a whirlwind of emotions through his expressions and tone of voice.
And as an honorable mention, Soffer’s reaction to the news stunned me even further. The two have always been enjoyable as scene partners, but in “Made A Wrong Turn” they stepped up to the platform admirably exhibiting a broad variety of deeply rooted issues in a way that was incredibly haunting. Jay’s anger and frustration brought forth a variety of emotions that I’m hoping is explored before Mouse actually leaves.
Essentially, when the episode finished, I could not stop thinking about this scene. And I could not stop thinking of the fears and torment that Hunt showcased. This has clearly been on Greg’s mind for quite some time now, and the poignancy Hunt exhibited throughout the episode was incredibly impressive. When you looked into his eyes, you felt the torment and anguish. And if that’s not a noteworthy performance, I don’t know what is.
Worth Mentioning:
- I loved seeing Tay and Burgess go out on a ladies night. We need more of these scenes in a show that’s as dark as Chicago P.D.
- Anyone who disrespects Platt deserves to have a pigeon sh*t on their car
- I’m still incredibly distraught and in denial over the fact that my second favorite character will be leaving Intelligence. Frankly, I have absolutely no interest in Chicago Justice, but the fact that I now feel compelled to watch it because I need Antonio Dawson on my screen makes me a little angry. While this crossover trend seems to be a massive trend today, it isn’t convenient for people who don’t have enough time to add another show onto their list.
What are your thoughts on this week’s episode? Remember if there’s anything you’d like us to discuss, let us know in the comments section below.