Season 13, Episode 20 of Chicago PD, titled “The Lost Years,” definitely has one noticeable issue: the episode clearly functions as the first half of a larger two-part finale story, leaving several important questions unanswered. But despite that, the episode still succeeds because of one major reason — Arienne Mandi delivers one of the strongest performances of the entire season.

Over the years, Chicago PD has experimented with many character-driven episodes, but Episode 20 feels more personal and emotionally focused than most. This is undeniably Eva Imani’s episode, while Hank Voight steps into more of a background role for once.

Mandi carries almost every major emotional moment from beginning to end. She appears in nearly every scene, balancing vulnerability, anger, exhaustion, and determination throughout the episode. If anyone still questioned whether Eva Imani truly fits into the Intelligence Unit, this episode completely removes that doubt.

The Story Finally Forces Imani to Face the Truth About Shari

Fans who have been following Season 13 closely already knew the storyline involving Shari had to become the emotional center of the finale.

Since Eva Imani was introduced, the mystery surrounding her missing sister has shaped almost every part of her character. Leaving that storyline unresolved after an entire season simply would not have worked.

What makes “The Lost Years” feel refreshing is the fact that the show finally allows someone other than Voight to carry the emotional weight of the season-ending storyline.

Instead of focusing on another Voight-centered moral conflict, the episode shifts its attention completely toward Imani’s personal trauma, giving the series a different emotional energy than usual.

“The Lost Years” Turns Into One of the Creepiest Episodes the Series Has Ever Done

As the investigation progresses, the episode slowly becomes darker and more disturbing than expected.

The reveal surrounding the suspect is genuinely horrifying. The man responsible had raised Shari for years while pretending to care for her, only to later manipulate and exploit her in deeply disturbing ways.

Even for a show as dark as Chicago PD, this storyline feels incredibly unsettling.

Unlike many previous cases that focused mostly on violence or action, this episode leans heavily into psychological trauma and emotional damage, making the story hit even harder.

Still, the episode avoids becoming completely hopeless. Shari survives and is finally found alive, even though she no longer fully recognizes Eva, creating a bittersweet ending rather than a tragic one.

Arienne Mandi’s Silent Scene Becomes the Emotional Highlight of the Episode

One of the episode’s best scenes happens after Imani discovers the crime scene connected to her sister’s friend.

Instead of rushing into dramatic dialogue, the show allows the moment to breathe naturally.

Imani quietly walks outside, trying to regain control of herself.

There’s no background music.
No emotional speech.
Just silence, ambient noise, and Arienne Mandi’s facial expressions carrying the entire moment.

The camera stays locked on her long enough for viewers to truly feel the grief, panic, and emotional exhaustion running through the character.

Scenes like this are rare in a fast-moving procedural drama, which is exactly why the moment feels so powerful.

Eva Imani and Dante Torres Are Becoming One of the Show’s Most Interesting Duos

Episode 20 also continues building the growing connection between Eva Imani and Dante Torres.

After everything Torres has endured during his own journey in Intelligence, he now seems to understand Imani better than most people around her.

Their scenes together feel natural, grounded, and emotionally believable.

The show spent a lot of time earlier in the season developing Imani’s relationship with Voight, but her dynamic with Torres may actually have even more long-term potential.

If the writers continue exploring their friendship, the two characters could easily become one of the strongest partnerships in the series moving forward.

Arienne Mandi Feels Like a Permanent Piece of Chicago PD Now

“The Lost Years” is not an easy episode to watch. It’s emotionally heavy, intentionally unfinished, and filled with uncomfortable subject matter.

But despite those flaws, the episode remains gripping because Arienne Mandi completely commits to the material.

Over the years, Chicago PD has introduced several new team members who never fully connected with audiences or disappeared after a short time. Eva Imani, however, feels very different.

Episode 20 makes it clear that Arienne Mandi has the screen presence, emotional range, and intensity needed to become a long-term part of the series.

And if this episode is any indication, Eva Imani may end up becoming one of the show’s most important characters in the years ahead.