Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and non-binary folks who inspire us. These characters are prime examples of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said examples to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for NBC’s Chicago P.D., particularly Kim Burgess’s arc.
Kim Burgess
Fast Facts
Marina Squerciati joined the cast of Chicago P.D. as Kim Burgess during Season 1 and quickly became everyone’s favorite patrol officer. At first, Burgess was paired with Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins), which led to one of the strongest and best friendships we have seen on the show. Even though things got rocky when Atwater was moved to the Intelligence Unit before her, their friendship was stronger than this hiccup.
After Atwater, Burgess is paired with Sean Roman (Brian Geraghty). The unit and the fans dislike this character, making it difficult for Burgess’s storyline to be as important as him. However, it becomes essential to her story when Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) offers her a place in his unit. She turns it down because her partner needs her. Eventually, Burgess joins the Intelligence Unit after Season 4.
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Even though the show focuses on the cases, the relationships between the team members are the glue that keeps it together. For Burgess, one of her most meaningful relationships is with Adam Ruzek (Patrick Flueger). Their relationship is a rocky one, facing an engagement and a breakup. For several years, the two of them were only colleagues.
By Season 11, the two of them get back together. However, before getting there, the couple experiences a miscarriage after Burgess is attacked in the line of duty. This first pushes them apart, but in the end, their love is stronger than all the challenges they have faced.
The Real Deal
During Season 8, Kim Burgess becomes personally involved in the life of a little girl whose parents were murdered. While investigating the murder, Burgess becomes close to Makayla (Ramona Edith Williams), being the only person the girl trusts after a brutal incident. This relationship helped them heal parts of themselves that seemed broken beyond repair.
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After several challenges, including an uncle who wanted to take Makayla away, Burgess can adopt her legally. Bringing Makayla into her life pushed Burgess closer to Ruzek. At first, he is the person she trusts with the little girl. Eventually, Makayla ends up calling Adam’s dad and is excited for her parents to get married in Season 12.
After being an officer for over a decade, Burgess takes her detective exam in Season 12. Even though the detective in charge of her assessment believed Burgess needed to leave Intelligence to become a good detective, the deputy chief assigned her back to Voight’s unit. For fans, this is the best decision, as Burgess is a crucial element of the unit.
Why She Matters
Kim Burgess is the kind of cop you want to show up to help you on the worst day of your life. She is resilient, strong, and caring, which makes her one of the best detectives in Voight’s unit.
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So, be like Kim Burgess. Show up for your friends when they need you. Be ready to face your demons and attend therapy when it’s needed. Fight for the love of your life. Take care of your kid. And always be ready to show up on the scene to kick ass.
Chicago P.D. airs on Wednesdays on NBC.
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