Chicago PD: Why Did Al Olinsky Leave the Show?

“Chicago PD” has become one of the most popular police dramas on television, captivating audiences with its intense storylines and complex characters.

One of the show’s most beloved characters, Detective Alvin Olinsky, played by Elias Koteas, left a significant impact on fans before his departure in Season 5.

Let’s know why Al Olinsky’s character was written off the show and how this decision influenced the series.

Alvin Olinsky’s Role in Chicago PD

Elias Koteas portrayed Alvin Olinsky, a senior detective and experienced undercover officer in “Chicago PD” for the first five seasons.

Known for his deep loyalty and commitment to the Chicago Police Department, Olinsky often found himself partnered with Adam Ruzek (played by Patrick Flueger) and Kim Burgess (played by Marina Squerciati).

His close bond with Sergeant Hank Voight (played by Jason Beghe) made him an integral part of the Intelligence Unit and Voight’s right-hand man.

Olinsky’s character was known for his gritty, no-nonsense approach to policing, often working in the shadows to bring justice to the streets of Chicago.

His background as an undercover officer gave him a unique perspective and skill set that made him an invaluable member of the team.

Why Did Al Olinsky Leave Chicago PD?

The departure of Al Olinsky from “Chicago PD” was both shocking and emotional for fans. His exit was tied to a major storyline involving the murder of Hank Voight’s son, Justin Voight.

After Justin’s death in Season 3, Voight took matters into his own hands and killed his son’s murderer, Kevin Bingham. However, this decision set off a chain of events that would eventually lead to Olinsky’s tragic fate.

In Season 5, the police discovered Bingham’s body, and an autopsy revealed Olinsky’s DNA on the corpse. This evidence led to Olinsky being charged with second-degree murder and felony concealment of a homicide.

Despite his innocence and willingness to protect his team, Olinsky was denied bail and sent to jail while awaiting trial.

Unfortunately, his time in jail took a fatal turn. While alone in his cell, Olinsky was attacked by another inmate and stabbed multiple times.

He succumbed to his injuries in the following episode, marking a heartbreaking end to his journey on the show.

The Creative Decision Behind Olinsky’s Exit

The decision to kill off Al Olinsky was driven by the show’s storytelling needs, as explained by “Chicago PD” showrunner Rick Eid. In an interview with US Magazine in May 2018, Eid shared that Olinsky’s death was a consequence of the show’s evolving narrative, particularly after Voight’s actions against Bingham.

Eid emphasized that there needed to be significant repercussions for Voight’s decision to kill Bingham. The creative team felt that losing Olinsky, Voight’s closest friend and confidant, would be a powerful and emotional consequence that would deeply impact the show’s dynamics and Voight’s character.

Eid further explained that this storyline allowed the show to explore the darker and more complex aspects of Voight’s character, emphasizing the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise in law enforcement. While the decision was difficult and came with mixed emotions, it ultimately served the show’s broader narrative goals.

Elias Koteas’ Reaction to His Character’s Death

Elias Koteas, who played Olinsky, was deeply respected and admired by the cast and crew of “Chicago PD.” Rick Eid described the moment when they informed Koteas about his character’s fate as “brutal” because of their admiration for him as both an actor and a person.

Despite the emotional weight of the decision, Koteas took the news “like a true professional,” remaining committed to his role until the very end.

In an interview with TVLine in May 2018, Eid praised Koteas for his dedication to the show, even in the face of such a significant and unexpected change. The actor’s professionalism and dedication made his departure even more poignant for the cast, crew, and viewers.

Al Olinsky’s Brief Return to Chicago PD

Although Al Olinsky’s character met a tragic end in Season 5, he made a brief return in a guest appearance during the Season 11 finale.

In a gripping scene, Voight, who was held captive and severely injured, experienced a hallucination of Olinsky, who appeared to him as a spectral figure asking what he had gotten himself into.

This moment served as a poignant reminder of the deep bond between Voight and Olinsky and highlighted the long-lasting impact Olinsky had on the show and its characters.