Chicago P.D. 4×22 “Army of One” Recap

Spoilers Ahead

Case Summary: When a group of pedophiles are targeted and burned, the Intelligence unit must figure out who’s behind it. And since capital punishment is now illegal in Illinois, despite the fact that those burned are criminals, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s now a crime. Erin crosses a line and leaves her career in jeopardy.

Review | Analysis: Chicago P.D. is a great show, but like anything in its genre, it can get redundant. Now while that’s not a problem because it mirrors a police officer’s day-to-day lives, on a TV series, it’s up to the characters to make it gripping. And most of the time, the characters succeed, but every so often (too many times lately), the series fails with its prodigious lack of continuity. Although “Army of One” was riveting in every sense of the word, it still poses plenty of questions that will probably not be answered.

Most Noteworthy Performance: Naturally in an episode like this there’d be a number of fantastic performances, but Sophia Bush takes the crown for this one. Bush’s fiery rage managed to convey a heart-shattering array of emotions in a single moment that told viewers she was about to cross a line. A line we knew was possible, but still never expected. But because of the ferocity in her spirit, it was evident that she could potentially lose control.

Most Exquisite Moment: This isn’t a single moment, but a few rather that have made Upton an incredibly fascinating character. Her kindness and the desire to make the team happy on her first day showcased why she was chosen to be an officer in the first place. And it allowed us to once again see that Platt’s display of kindness and bravery has undoubtedly shaped her. I also appreciated her being able to see that Lindsay is clearly going through something and wanting to offer a helping hand was an adorable touch. Chicago P.D. may be flawed, but its display of female/female friendships is always solid. I know Upton will eventually leave, but I’d love to keep her around. It’s a treat to have women be courteous of each other and the vibes they’re throwing out. She could’ve stayed quiet, but she wants to make a great impression, and being cautious of another’s feelings is an empathetic step. And it now pains me to see that she was put in the position of watching an officer kill someone. I’m intrigued to see how it all works out, but considering the fact that Marina Squerciati is likely to return next season after her maternity leave (a hearty congratulations, by the way!), next Wednesday is probably Upton’s final episode. But I hope it isn’t her final journey as a detective.

“Army of One” was something else — an episode that’s bound to haunt viewers for a while. It’s especially a difficult one to write about because in the end, the unit wasn’t able to save the boy who’d been sexually assaulted. And that’s the kind of tragedy this world is unfortunately always filled with. A tragedy that doesn’t leave many words, only profound sadness. The idea of YouTubers exposing pedophiles sounds honorary, but ultimately, it would do more harm than good, and the truth is, such people should be imprisoned for life. In my book, it’s just as bad as murder.

Worth Mentioning: 

• As of late, I feel like my worth mentioning has become harsh criticism zone, and I truly apologize to those who’ve come here for positivity. I still try immensely to maintain it and to find the beauty in episodes, but sometimes, it isn’t easy. And lately with this show, it has been incredibly difficult.
• Voight’s means of dealing with Halstead and Lindsay are understandable, but sometimes, they’re ridiculously petty. And in “Army of One”, they were just ill-fitted. I understand that personal conversations shouldn’t be had at work, but prior to watching the scene, I had assumed it was the result of a drastic fight. And their discussion was anything but that. Not to mention the fact that personal conversations consistently take place between other people. Sigh. Frankly, at this point, I’m too tired to care.
  • On another note, in Halstead’s realm of life, am I the only one who’s under the impression that this could’ve served as a centric for him? If he was the one to pull the trigger, I’d understand it so much more considering the fact that he’s gone through it once before with Ben Corson. While everyone in the unit cares immensely when children are harmed, Halstead’s ties with sexual assault/murder in the hands of a pedophile have already been established. And considering we have only gotten less than an ounce of his struggles since “Remember the Devil”, progressing the character further would’ve made more since. I love Lindsay, but how many finales are going to be focused solely on her?
  • On another note, while Halstead and Lindsay may be on a break, it doesn’t change the fact that they’re always excellent as partners. And I didn’t appreciate Olinsky’s comment about him not being a good job of the fact that their relationship has gotten in the way of the partnership. How many times has Jay stopped Erin from going too far? How many times has Erin stopped Jay? The two of them know how to work together, but most importantly, they know their partner’s move before they even think it. And that kind of deeply impactful understanding is exactly why they should have been working together this week. Erin would not have crossed the line with Jay in the room.
  • Mistakes can and surely will be made in any line of work, but they’re less likely to happen frequently when someone’s got your back. Whether they’re a couple or not, Jay and Erin have always had each other’s backs — a promise they never intend to break or forget. No matter how much they’re tested or torn apart, their innate desire to protect and care for the other will remain a constant in their relationship.
• Voight’s comment about being with Lindsay until the wheels fall off crushed me. Their relationship has always been one that’s managed to bring out the emotional side of me and though we get them often, this scene was no exception. We all know Voight has her back, but it doesn’t hurt to hear it.
• Atwater and Ruzek are hilarious together. And if Chicago P.D. was anything like Brooklyn Nine-Nine these two would crush the game with their partnership. But for what it’s worth, they do it here, too.

What are your thoughts on this week’s episode? Remember if there’s anything you’d like me to discuss further, let us know in the comments below and we shall do so. I see the comments on other social media platforms, but we can’t always have discussions there and I hope that’s understood. They’re best here on our website. Thank you. And we appreciate you greatly.