Chicago P.D. season 8 is currently in production. The series wasn't able to wrap up the previous installment due to the current global health crisis. Now, the cast and crew are back on set and the series will be introducing a new recurring character, as well.
TVLine reported that Empire alumna Nicole Ari Parker will recur in the upcoming Chicago P.D. season 8 as Deputy Superintendent Samantha Miller. The character is originally from Atlanta and described as "a progressive, ardent proponent of police reform."
Samantha Miller wants to help Voight (Jason Beghe) and the Intelligence adapt to the new reality. However, she will not tolerate breaches of the new police guidelines and protocols. The character is set to make her debut in the premiere of the new season.
One of the major questions with the arrival of Parker's character is whether or not she can really change Voight. He is someone who utilizes police brutality when needed and acting as a de-facto vigilante to the bad people in the city. It's interesting to see how these two characters interact moving forward.
Meanwhile, Parker fills the void left by Lisseth Chavez. She is leaving the series after playing the role of Rojas for just one season. She is departing from the series to join another show, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, where she will have a significant role.
As for what else we can expect in Chicago P.D. season 8, the series will continue to explore Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) and Upton's (Marina Squerciati) relationship. The two aren't romantically involved as of yet, but it's clear that they do have feelings for each other.
The new season can address their relationship in several ways. For instance, Upton will be spending most of her time in New York and she may be able to contemplate her feelings for Halstead. Eventually, she'll realize what's she truly feels towards him.
Halstead, on the other hand, is hesitant to deal with his feelings for Upton at first. But, he'll recognize his feelings and what she means to him. Also, a certain incident may happen in Chicago P.D. season 8 and will bring the two closer together.
In a previous interview with TV Guide, showrunner Rick Eid said they'll dig deeper into Halstead and Upton's relationship. The new season will show how these two characters carry their professional lives and relationship at the same time. Their emotional connection leads them to understand each other.
Chicago P.D. season 8 premieres on Wednesday, Nov. 11, on NBC.
