In the gripping second episode of the eleventh season of Chicago P.D., titled "Retread," Adam Ruzek is thrust into a tumultuous tailspin as he grapples with his own limitations and the haunting specters of his past. Unable to surmount the mental barriers that hinder his reinstatement exam, Ruzek finds himself gravitating towards a familiar yet perilous refuge: gambling. This lapse in judgment draws him into the shadowy realm of an underground poker game, a dangerous nexus where the lines between undercover work and personal indulgences blur dangerously.
Adopting an alias from his shadowy past, Ruzek finds himself ensnared in a web of deceit with criminal informant Zaco. The stakes escalate swiftly, culminating in a harrowing shootout with masked assailants. Despite explicit instructions from Voight to disengage and leave the scene, Ruzek's impulsive nature overrides his better judgment. He reaches out to Voight, who endeavors to quell the situation by seizing control of the case and concealing Ruzek's involvement. Yet, Ruzek's actions leave a trail of incriminating breadcrumbs, alerting the watchful eyes of Internal Affairs.
Meanwhile, the tension between Ruzek and Burgess simmers, reaching a boiling point. Burgess's instincts are aroused when Voight unexpectedly takes charge of the case, and her suspicions solidify upon the arrival of Internal Affairs. Ruzek's attempts to brush off his involvement only deepen the rift between them.
Determined to redeem himself, Ruzek defies Voight's directives and embarks on a solo investigation. He tracks down Zaco, seeking vital information, and gradually unravels the heist as an inside job. This reckless quest leads him to the scene of another crime, where he discovers a robbery suspect on the brink of death. The dying man's final words implicate the poker game's organizer, Wes Arbin, as the orchestrator of the robbery, casting a sinister shadow over the entire ordeal.
However, the situation becomes increasingly tangled due to Ruzek's failure to document the confession and his unauthorized presence at the crime scene. Voight endeavors to shield Ruzek, yet the remainder of the team eventually uncovers his involvement. Adding another layer of complexity, Voight breaches one of Ruzek's solemn promises by enlisting Zaco as a confidential informant. In return for his collaboration, Zaco insists on improved accommodation for his sister, the dismissal of drug charges, and a substantial financial reward. With Zaco poised to expose Ruzek, Burgess faces an arduous dilemma – she concedes to Zaco's demands.
Despite equipping himself with a recording device during a meeting with Wes, the operation spirals out of control. Wes, sensing Zaco's betrayal, eludes police surveillance with cunning. Driven by his resolve to safeguard Zaco, Ruzek tracks him down before Wes can exact his revenge. A thrilling chase and a fierce shootout unfold, culminating in Wes's demise and Zaco suffering grievous wounds.
In a surprising twist, Ruzek receives the news that he has aced his reinstatement exam. Nonetheless, the episode concludes on a melancholy note as Zaco succumbs to his injuries, leaving a poignant aftertaste. "Retread" delves into the perilous repercussions of being shackled to the past and the consequences of impulsive actions. It underscores the precarious balancing act Ruzek performs as he contends with his physical and emotional constraints. Moreover, the episode explores the tension that arises in relationships when trust is shattered and loyalties are put to the test.
