Bob’s health took another troubling turn in Season 13’s “Going Back,” which saw Ruzek navigating a mind-boggling investigation after he was plagued with a case of amnesia, giving him a brief but precious glimpse into his father’s heartbreaking day-to-day.
Ruzek struggled with his father’s rapid decline
Once returning to the Intelligence Unit, he revealed to his wife, Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati), that while his dad had stabilized, he didn’t have much time left. Later, while visiting him, Ruzek shared big news with his dad: he was selling the Ruzek family home so that he, Burgess, and Makayla could move closer to a better school.
Ruzek dragged his feet on selling the house for a while, partially because he knew how big a blow it would be to his father. Despite Bob’s declining mental state, Ruzek has still craved that connection and wanted to let him know about the new chapter and offer on the house. However, Bob was deeply troubled by Ruzek selling the house where so many of their memories were created. But before the confrontation could escalate further, Bob grew confused, heartbreakingly telling Ruzek that he looked just like his son.
During an intense investigation, Ruzek wound up being attacked and hospitalized with a temporary case of amnesia, which greatly complicated the case. After toiling over details and stitching the memories together from the assault, Ruzek and the Intelligence Unit were able to track down the perpetrators, but it didn’t come without some major reflections.
Ruzek stuck by his father’s side until the very end
After making yet another successful arrest, Ruzek got a dreadful call from Bob’s care facility, and Burgess could sense from her partner’s fallen demeanor that the worst was upon them.
As Bob faded in and out of consciousness, Ruzek explained that his latest investigation had provided a “small window” into Bob’s diagnosis. Ruzek understood how hard this had been for his father, and how strong Bob had been to keep fighting as long as he had. But Ruzek also understood it was time to say goodbye.
“I love you, Dad. Very much,” Ruzek said tearfully. “And I want you to know that I’m gonna remember everything. I’m gonna remember everything for the both of us. So it’s OK. You can let go.”
With that heartbreaking send-off, Chihards bid farewell to a P.D. icon, Disco Bob, who will never be forgotten. Watch Chicago P.D. on Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.