“Chicago P.D.” Season 13 has really leaned into the emotional side of the Intelligence Unit this year, and honestly? It seems like that approach has worked for a lot of fans.
The season kicked off back in October 2025 and has balanced major cases with deeply personal storylines for nearly every member of the team. Voight (Jason Beghe) has continued trying to hold the unit together while adapting to constant changes around him, Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) recently dealt with a cold case tied to his father and an emotional ending, and Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) has faced several turning points of his own throughout the season.
Episode 20: ‘The Lost Years’ Airs Tonight
NBCOne of the biggest additions this season has been Officer Eva Imani, played by Arienne Mandi. From the beginning, the series hinted that her sister’s disappearance would become a major part of her story. That mystery has slowly unfolded throughout the season, especially in Episode 12, “Missing,” when more details about her past came to light.
And now? It looks like the storyline is finally ramping up in a big way.
According to IMDb, the official synopsis for Episode 20, “The Lost Years,” says:
“Imani struggles to maintain her composure when a new lead reignites her investigation into her sister’s disappearance.”
That definitely sounds like an episode that could shake things up before the finale.
The timing also feels important. Season 13 only has one episode left after this one, with the season finale scheduled for May 13. It seems like the show is setting up something major heading into the final stretch.
Fans Are Mostly Excited…
NBC
NBCOver on Reddit, fans are already talking about what this storyline could mean for Imani and the future of the series.
A lot of viewers seem genuinely invested in where this mystery is headed, especially because the emotional angle feels grounded and personal instead of just another case-of-the-week situation.
One fan wrote, “Nice. Imani is interesting, and her chemistry with Voight is good. Hopefully they can do it well.”
Another added, “In real life, when a person goes missing it sometimes takes decades for family to get closure; if they ever do. I’m interested to see where this goes!”
And honestly, that comment really sums up why the storyline has connected with people. “Chicago P.D.” has always worked best when the cases hit close to home for the characters involved.
One more viewer shared, “It’s a good storyline. Something interesting for a change!”
But Also a Bit Divided.
NBCOf course, not everyone on Reddit agrees. One fan bluntly said, “They need to wrap that whole storyline up. It’s already past its sell by date. Have spent way too much time on her as it is.”
To which another jumped in saying, “Every character in the show has a personal storyline. She is a new addition to the series so it is only natural to show her personal journey. The fact that it is a good and clever storyline makes it enjoyable and intriguing. Therefore the viewer is hooked in, wanting to find out more about her.”
And let’s be real: long-running shows like “Chicago P.D.” always spark debate when new characters start getting more focus. Fans get attached to the original cast, so any shift in screen time usually gets people talking fast.
Still, it seems like Imani’s story has brought something fresh to Season 13. The mystery surrounding her sister has added a slower-burning emotional thread that’s very different from the show’s usual high-speed tactical cases.
The ‘Chicago P.D.’ Season Finale Setup is Already Raising Questions
With only one episode left after “The Lost Years,” viewers are already wondering whether this storyline could explode into the season finale.
Some fans are even speculating that the show may be building toward a major character exit or huge cliffhanger tied to Imani’s investigation. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen, but NBC definitely seems to be positioning Episode 20 as an important turning point.
The promo teases the Intelligence Unit rallying around Imani as new information surfaces, and several previews hint that the investigation may finally uncover answers that have been buried for years.
That emotional payoff could make for one of the season’s strongest episodes yet.
And honestly? After a season full of personal struggles, shifting team dynamics, and emotional cases, it feels fitting for “Chicago P.D.” to head into its finale with a storyline centered on hope, closure, and finally uncovering the truth.
“Chicago P.D.” Season 13 Episode 20, “The Lost Years,” airs Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 10:00pm EST on NBC, streaming next day on Peacock.
