Jesse Lee Soffer discusses the possibility of returning toChicago P.D.as Jay Halstead now that he’s joined another show.Soffer leftChicago P.D.early on in season 10, with his final episode airing in October 2022.The exit proved controversial, with many viewers arguing that the farewell storyline was out of character for Halstead. He’s not been seen on any of the One Chicago dramas since. But he’s picked up a new role as Wes Mitchell inFBI: International, a spinoff ofFBI,which has crossed over with the NBC procedural franchise in the past.
In comments toTVLine, Soffer opened up about the possibility of reprising the role of Jay Halstead. The actor confessed that he has no insider knowledge to share. But he did share his belief thathis new role as Wes shouldn’t stop him from returning as Halstead. He also says that he’s fortunate to be a part of two dramas in the overall Dick Wolf universe – which includes theLaw & Ordershows. Read Soffer’s response below:
You know, that’s a really smart question. I didn’t ask, but I imagine that [my FBI: International role] doesn’t preclude that. I would hope that it doesn’t, because, obviously, Wolf is such a huge production company with so many shows, and I feel very fortunate to get to play two main characters on two of those shows. So never say never!
It Was Not A Happy Ending
Halstead’s departure fromChicago P.D.was notably dour. The franchise’s veteran charactermore or less ends up ignoring his wife, Hailey Upton (played by Tracy Spiridakos). Halstead heads for Bolivia, looking for cartels, and he stops returning her calls. Spiridakos has since departedChicago P.D.herself, leaving during season 11, which leaves the fan-favorite couple’s story largely unresolved. Upton makes her exit, looking for a new career opportunity. But it’s much earlier in the season, in the premiere in fact, thatthe popular couple known as Upstead are officially divorced.
Spiridakos' reason for leavingChicago P.D.was similar to Soffer’s, withboth actors explaining that they were looking to try something differentafter long stints on the NBC procedural. Despite the divorce, Upton’s departure is hopeful and showrunner Gwen Sigan has mentioned that the door remains open for Spiridakos to reprise her role. Considering the open-ended nature for both Upton and Halstead, there is a lot of potential in a storyline where they reconnect and give things another try.
S11.E12
Inventory
Soffer joinedFBI: Internationalseason 4 earlier this year, taking over the spot left byoriginal cast member Luke Kleintank, who played Supervisory Special Agent Scott Forrester. A former LAPD officer, Mitchell has a bit of lighter side to him than Halstead though he also has a bit of an edge when it comes to the job. Despite his place in the overall Dick Wolf universe, and although he has returned to One Chicago behind the camera to direct two episodes, Halstead looks to be in the rearview mirror for the moment. But he could conceivably return toChicago P.D.since the connection withFBIisn’t regularly enforced.
The FBI & Chicago P.D. Crossover Explained
Upton Showed Up On FBI
The connection betweenChicago P.D.andFBIdates back to theFBIseason 2 episode, “Emotional Rescue,” which sees the two procedurals come together despite airing on different networks. Upton features heavily in the episode, interacting with FBI Special Agent Omar Adom ‘OA’ Zidan (Zeeko Zaki). In the episode, which is written by Rick Eid and Joe Halpin, with Monica Raymund directing, Upton is sent to work with the FBI as a punishment for her behavior. But by the end of the episode, she is celebrating with the rest of the team.
FBI: International Season 4 Premiere Shows The Missing Jay Halstead Story In Chicago PD
FBI: International makes up for Jay Halstead’s disappointing exit from Chicago PD with its new storyline featuring Jesse Le Soffer as Wes Mitchell.
Although there was some speculation that Upton might make moreFBIappearances, “Emotional Rescue” is the only major crossover betweenChicago P.D.andFBI.One Chicago has not crossed over withFBI: International, which should create a degree of separation between Wes and Halstead, making it easier for Soffer to return toChicago P.D.and allow for Upstead to get a happy ending.
Our Take On Soffer Returning To Chicago P.D.
In a sense, it was bold ofChicago P.D.to break up a fan-favorite couple off-camera with little explanation. But part of the benefit of long-running procedurals is that there’s a chance to revisit old stories and perhaps fix lingering regrets. Given the merely loose connection that One Chicago has with FBI, and that all of these shows are under Dick Wolf’s production company, there should eventually be some degree of closure for Upstead. It would be cool to see, especially withSpiridakos and Soffer keeping in touch off-cameraand sparking dating rumors.
Chicago P.D.
Cast
Chicago P.D.: This police drama, set in Chicago’s District 21, follows the distinct units within the Chicago Police Department—uniformed officers addressing street crimes and an Intelligence Unit tackling major offenses such as organized crime and drug trafficking, capturing the dedication of those who serve and protect their community.
One Chicago
Developed by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, One Chicago is a multi-series television franchise that combines various public service/government organizations in Chicago, Illinois. Each series shares a timeline and universe, with multiple characters crossing over occasionally. The One Chicago universe began with Chicago Fire in 2012, with P.D., Med, and Justice comprising the remainder of one of NBC’s most successful primetime franchises.
