Summary: Chicago PD showcases the lives of the fictional Intelligence Unit of the Chicago Police Department. In the episode “I Remember Her Now,” a mother and daughter’s murder case leads the team to uncover a sex trafficking ring.
1. The Plot
The episode begins with a young girl being chased down an alley by a man before she is ultimately captured. Later on, in an unrelated case, the Intelligence Unit investigates the murder of a woman named Diane and her daughter Mia. As they dig deeper, they realize the murders are linked to a sex trafficking ring. This revelation not only leads them to the killer but sparks a larger investigation into the trafficking operation.
One of the most interesting aspects of the plot is how it highlights the issue of missing persons and sex trafficking, which is often underrepresented in mainstream media. It sheds light on how pervasive these issues are even in first-world countries like the United States.
The episode also shows the personal relationships between the characters, particularly Erin and her father-figure, Hank Voight. Their dynamic adds depth to the plot and helps to humanize the characters.
2. The Characters
One of the strongest aspects of Chicago PD is its ensemble cast of characters. Each member of the Intelligence Unit has their own unique personality and backstory that makes them interesting to watch.
Hank Voight, played by Jason Beghe, is the commanding officer of the Intelligence Unit. He is a man with a dark past who often skirts the law to get results. Erin Lindsay, played by Sophia Bush, is a former drug addict who turned her life around to join the police force. Other notable characters include Detective Antonio Dawson, Sergeant Hank Voight’s right-hand man, Detective Jay Halstead, the calm-headed detective who provides balance to the unit, and Detective Alvin Olinsky, a grizzled veteran who provides wisdom and has a no-nonsense attitude.
In “I Remember Her Now,” the characters’ relationships with each other are explored further, particularly Erin’s complicated relationship with her mother and Hank. This helps to maintain the show’s focus not just on the case, but also on the characters’ personal lives.
3. The Action
As a crime drama, Chicago PD is no stranger to intense action sequences. From high-speed car chases to rooftop shoot-outs, the show knows how to keep viewers on the edge of their seat.
In “I Remember Her Now,” we see Detective Jay Halstead chase down the man who was trying to abduct Mia, leading to an intense sequence where Halstead fights the attacker. We also get a glimpse of the dangers that Intelligence Unit members face when going undercover to crack down on sex trafficking.
The action scenes not only provide excitement, but they also serve to show the bravery of the police officers and the risks they face daily.
4. The Direction
The episode was directed by Fred Berner, who has worked on several episodes of Chicago PD before. His mastery of the show’s style is evident in this episode as well.
Berner understands how to balance character development with plot progression while still delivering exciting action sequences. He also manages to capture the intensity and sadness of the sex trafficking ring storyline without relying on graphic violence.
His direction creates a tense and emotional atmosphere that keeps the audience engaged throughout the episode.
5. The Importance
Chicago PD has been praised for its realistic depiction of life in the police force and its focus on social issues such as gun violence, drug addiction, and systemic racism.
The inclusion of sex trafficking as a main plot point in “I Remember Her Now” is an important addition to the show’s list of social issues. The episode not only raises awareness of the issue but also provides resources for victims at the end of the episode.
By tackling such heavy topics, Chicago PD sets itself apart from other police procedurals and establishes itself as a thought-provoking and socially responsible show.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, “I Remember Her Now” is a prime example of everything that Chicago PD does right. It balances character development with nail-biting action sequences and tackles important social issues without exploiting them.
Moreover, it highlights the show’s strengths, which are the ensemble cast, the realistic depiction of police work, and its social commentary. For fans of the show, this episode serves as a reminder why Chicago PD is one of the best police dramas on television today.
Lastly, remembering the victims of sex trafficking and missing persons is critical. As showcased in the episode, we should stand up against these forms of violence and commit to ensuring that our communities are safe for all people.
