This article contains spoilers for Chicago P.D. season 12, episode 20, “Black Ice.”Chicago P.D. season 12, episode 20, “Black Ice,” finds Officer Adam Ruzek working on a case involving a man falling to his death from an icy bridge. However, the investigation goes further than that when Ruzek learns that the individual, who was a husband and father, turned out to be part of a trafficking organization. Ruzek desperately tries to save the man, Frank Bailey, but is too late. Adam is left feeling bad for the individual because he’s also a family man who’s about to marry Detective Kim Burgess and is a father figure to Makayla.
Along with the case being a sentimental one for Ruzek, his partnership with Burgess in Chicago PD season 12, episode 20 is tested because, as they tackle their work with Intelligence, they also grapple with personal issues at the same time. For instance, Ruzek deals with personal issues involving his father, who has Alzheimer’s. Burgess also worries about Adam because of the stress and anxiety he’s feeling as he investigates Bailey’s death while also worrying about his dad. The balancing act of Ruzek and Burgess’ work and personal life is a struggle moving forward as they seek to marry.
Ruzek’s Case In Episode 20, Explained
Ruzek Takes This Case Personally As A Family Man
WhenRuzek encounters Bailey after visiting his dad, the officer views Frank as a man in trouble and in desperate need of help due to his vulnerability and emotional reactions. Ruzek does everything he can to save Bailey from falling off the icy bridge, but it isn’t enough. Adam works with Burgess, along with Sergeant Hank Voight and Officer Dante Torres, to figure out who would hurt Bailey. As their investigation delves deeper, it is revealed that Frank wasn’t the honest husband and father he appeared to be.
The Intelligence Unit learns Bailey took part in a trafficking ring involving young women. As Ruzek and Burgess make arrests, Ruzek finds himself in a precarious situation as he tries to help a young woman. However, she locks the door of her room and hits Ruzek as he battles a henchman. Burgess desperately tries to enter the room, fearing for Adam’s safety. Despite the intensity of the situation, Ruzek takes down the henchman, and Burgess breaks through the door, apprehending her. This scene highlights a scary moment for the pair because Ruzek could’ve died and Burgess would’ve been too late.
This trafficking case and the investigation into Bailey’s death highlights the power of Ruzek and Burgess as arguably the most effective pair in Intelligence. Despite Ruzek’s concern regarding his father, and Burgess worrying about Adam due to the stress he’s going through, they love and support each other with optimism and the belief that they can balance their work and personal lives. Ruzek and Burgess have always been hard workers and intelligent investigators who can handle the pressure of multitasking and working each case close to the chest.
