Unforeseen Departure: Patrick John Flueger Takes Temporary Leave from 'Chicago PD' Season 13
Patrick John Flueger, known for his role as Adam Ruzek on "Chicago PD," has unexpectedly announced a temporary leave of absence from Season 13 of the show. This unplanned departure will require script rewrites to explain Adam's absence, but Flueger is expected to return before the season concludes. This departure follows a trend in the One Chicago franchise, as Taylor Kinney previously took a break from "Chicago Fire," impacting the storyline of his character, Kelly Severide.
Reports suggest that Flueger's decision to take a break is linked to personal challenges he is facing, including an incident involving alcohol consumption on set. The specifics of his personal struggles remain undisclosed, but the timing of his absence is unfortunate, especially as Adam's wife, Kim Burgess, played by Marina Squerciati, needs his support during a tumultuous period in their lives.
Adam and Kim's relationship has been a focal point in Season 12, with their recent marriage and the challenges they face as Kim navigates the complexities of her job. As they contemplate their future, including a potential move to the suburbs, a murder in their neighborhood adds further tension to their lives. The upcoming episode, "Root Causes," will shift the focus back to Hank Voight, setting the stage for the episodes without Ruzek.
Fans of the show will undoubtedly miss Adam's presence during his absence, but the writers will need to find a way to address his departure creatively. The unfolding storyline will reveal how Adam's absence impacts the characters and the overall narrative of "Chicago PD."