Chicago PD season 12 finds new life through Dante Torres’ redemption. In "Demons," he finally opens up, forging a crucial alliance with Voight.
Dante Torres has been a wildcard since his introduction to Chicago PD, and season 12 only intensified that image. Between his on-again, off-again presence and the internal strife he carried like a shadow, many fans worried Torres was spiraling beyond return. “Water and Honey” painted a picture of chaos, but it’s the emotional depth of “Demons” that finally gives us hope. And trust me, we needed it.
The episode kicks off with Torres, portrayed by Benjamin Levy Aguilar, showing up bruised in both body and soul. A sling on his arm, dark circles under his eyes, and a defiant disregard for Voight’s orders set the stage for what seemed to be his breaking point. But in a twist that few saw coming, this chapter turned into a confession booth for Torres. After weeks of guilt over his romantic ties with a former informant and being manipulated by Chief Deputy Charlie Reid—a dangerous player brilliantly portrayed by Shawn Hatosy—Torres chooses transparency over self-destruction.
Torres opens up: A risky confession that pays off
The significance of Torres’ call to Voight cannot be overstated. For a character who often internalizes his struggles, laying it all out is both brave and narrative gold. He admits he’s been suffering from severe insomnia, missing work not out of laziness but sheer emotional depletion. His motivation? Fear of being replaced. The vulnerability he shares bridges a long-standing gap between him and Voight, played with stoic gravitas by Jason Beghe. This revelation reshapes Torres from a brooding liability to someone we can finally root for.
According to NBC Insider, Benjamin Levy Aguilar mentioned that viewers would soon witness a more emotionally grounded Torres, and “Demons” delivers on that promise. The episode doesn’t just humanize him—it anchors him within the team, showing that his struggles are not just personal but symptomatic of larger issues within the IU.
A new alliance: Voight and Torres vs. Reid
The power dynamics in Chicago PD are always shifting, but few are as satisfying as seeing Voight and Torres find common ground. Their conversation in “Demons” reveals more than just mutual respect—it unveils strategy. Voight, often the hardened mentor, acknowledges the systemic rot Reid represents, and Torres’ insight becomes a valuable asset rather than a liability. Their bond is built on the shared realization that Reid’s corruption is a threat to them all.
Entertainment Weekly noted that the Reid plotline has been the backbone of season 12, but Torres’ role in it was always ambiguous—until now. With this new clarity, the character’s past missteps are contextualized rather than condemned. He’s not just a young cop making reckless decisions; he’s a soldier navigating a morally complex war zone.
Season 12’s turning point: Why Torres matters more than ever
“Demons” doesn’t just offer closure; it charts a path forward. Torres’ choice to side with Voight over Reid signals a return to integrity for the IU, even if the road ahead is dangerous. This narrative pivot gives hope not just for Torres, but for the entire unit, suggesting that truth and loyalty still hold weight in a city riddled with deceit.
The episode ends without resolving Reid’s blackmail scheme, but that’s exactly what makes it compelling. It’s not about instant justice; it’s about resilience. And if Torres can find his way back from the edge, maybe the IU can too. What’s next for Chicago’s most conflicted detective? We’ll be watching—and hoping.
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