Chicago P.D. Needs to Do Something About This Burgeoning Romance Before Season 13
NBC’s Chicago P.D. has always walked a fine line between gritty crime drama and emotionally charged character development. But as Season 12 wraps up and fans look ahead to Season 13, one subplot is creating more tension than some of the show’s most intense cases: the budding romance between Hailey Upton and Joseph “Jo” Martinez. As this relationship inches closer to the center of the narrative, many viewers are left wondering—is this romance a breath of fresh air, or a disaster in the making?
Below, we unpack everything from fan reactions and storyline analysis to how this romance could affect the show’s future.
The Romance Heating Up Chicago P.D.
Hailey Upton’s Complicated Love Life
Detective Hailey Upton has had one of the most emotionally complex arcs in Chicago P.D. history. Her deep connection with Jay Halstead, her battles with trauma, and her fierce loyalty to her unit have made her a fan favorite. But with Halstead’s departure and Upton spiraling into a season-long emotional reckoning, the introduction of a new romantic interest—Jo Martinez—has some fans on edge.
Jo Martinez: Mysterious Newcomer or Romantic Distraction?
Jo Martinez entered the series as a sharp, no-nonsense officer from another precinct, quickly showing her mettle on a joint task force with Intelligence. But as she and Upton began spending more time together, small moments—extended eye contact, subtle gestures, late-night conversations—hinted at something more. What began as subtext is now very much text.
What Fans Are Saying: A Divisive Love Story
Social Media Reactions
Twitter, Reddit, and fan forums are ablaze with opinions about Upton and Martinez’s evolving relationship. Some of the most common reactions include:
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“Upton deserves happiness, but not like this!”
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“We just lost Halstead—why push a new love interest so soon?”
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“Jo and Upton have undeniable chemistry. I’m here for it.”
Fan Fiction and Ship Wars
The romance has already spawned its own fan fiction subgenre and led to the rise of the “#Uptinez” ship. But with passionate shipping comes equally passionate backlash. Longtime fans of “Upstead” (Upton + Halstead) argue that introducing a new relationship undermines Upton’s grief and emotional complexity.
Narrative Impact: How the Romance Could Shift the Show
1. Changing Team Dynamics
The Intelligence Unit thrives on trust and cohesion. Introducing romance within the unit—or with someone working adjacent to it—could fracture that balance. If Upton and Martinez’s relationship turns messy, it could lead to questions of favoritism, distraction on duty, or worse, betrayal.
2. Character Integrity and Development
Upton’s evolution as a character has been hard-earned. Her trauma, loyalty, and fierce sense of justice have defined her. Critics argue that tying her too quickly to another character—especially romantically—might cheapen that arc.
But there’s another school of thought: maybe Upton’s character development requires her to move forward emotionally. Some fans believe this romance is less about distraction and more about healing.
3. Ratings and Public Perception
Whether intentional or not, romance storylines often serve a dual purpose: emotional depth and ratings bump. Network shows know that a hot new pairing can reignite interest. With streaming competition fiercer than ever, a buzzworthy couple could be the exact cliffhanger Season 12 needed.
The Writers’ Dilemma: Where Do They Go From Here?
1. Slow Burn or Quick Flameout?
A slow-burning romance can work wonders—just look at earlier seasons of Chicago Fire or Grey’s Anatomy. But if the show moves too fast, the relationship might feel forced, disingenuous, or worse, tokenistic.
2. Will They or Won’t They?
Classic television tension thrives on ambiguity. If the writers play the “will they/won’t they” card right, Upton and Martinez’s story could offer emotional nuance instead of controversy. But if mishandled, it risks alienating the fanbase.
3. Addressing Halstead’s Legacy
Ignoring Jay Halstead’s importance in Upton’s life is not an option. If the writers want to do justice to both the past and the future, they’ll need to weave Halstead’s memory into any new relationship decisions. Ideally, Upton should have a moment of reckoning that validates her grief while exploring new emotional possibilities.
What Needs to Happen Before Season 13
Clear Character Motivations
If this romance is going to stick, viewers need to understand it. That means giving both Upton and Martinez backstory, motivations, and emotional stakes. Not just a few longing looks, but real conversations and decisions that shape who they are.
Avoiding Tropes and Clichés
Fans are savvy. They’ll spot a forced love triangle, a rebound plot, or a drama-for-drama’s-sake story a mile away. The show needs to avoid using romance as filler and instead use it as a vehicle for meaningful development.
Giving the Relationship Breathing Room
Whether the show decides to embrace or shut down the romance, it must give the arc room to evolve naturally. No one wants to see the plotline rushed or resolved in a single mid-season episode. Let the tension simmer. Let the characters grow.
Expert Commentary: TV Analysts Weigh In
Television experts have chimed in with some interesting takes on the romance storyline.
TVLine’s Emily Longeretta noted:
“Chicago P.D. has a history of going full-throttle with romance—sometimes to the show’s detriment. If the writers can balance emotional growth with plot intensity, they might just pull this off.”
Deadline’s Matt Grobar added:
“The show’s strength has always been its cast chemistry. If Upton and Martinez can develop authentic tension that reflects real emotional stakes, it could be a win.”
Predictions for Season 13
While the official plot for Season 13 remains under wraps, here are a few likely scenarios based on current momentum:
1. Martinez Gets Promoted or Transferred
If the writers want to cool the romance without destroying it, a logical move would be to transfer Martinez to another unit. It creates longing, preserves tension, and avoids office romance drama.
2. A Big Incident Tests Their Bond
A shootout, a betrayal, or a failed case could test their emotional limits and force them to make a decision about their relationship—one that serves both the story and their personal arcs.
3. A Return of a Past Flame
Halstead’s presence still looms large. A flashback, letter, or even a cameo could shake Upton’s resolve. Closure doesn’t always come easy—and might not come at all.
Final Thoughts: A Make-or-Break Moment for the Series
Chicago P.D. is no stranger to emotional landmines. But this brewing romance between Upton and Martinez might be one of its most precarious. Fans want resolution, writers need ratings, and the show must evolve while staying true to its core.
One thing is clear: Season 13 needs to address this head-on. Whether it becomes a bold new chapter or a storyline that gets quietly buried, ignoring it would be the real mistake.
What Do You Think?
Are you team “Uptinez” or holding out hope for something different? Share your thoughts in the comments—or let the writers know what you want to see in Season 13.
