Starting with “A Good Man,” Halstead was clearly keeping his distance from Upton off the clock. They had to work together on a robbery case, which grew personal for Halstead.
A meth-making substance was stolen by two armed thieves who broke into a drugstore. In the chaos, civilian and struggling veteran Lenny was tragically shot while shielding others. Lenny was implicated in the heist as the inquiry continued. To honor Lenny and his family, veteran Halstead went “off the books” to find the robbers without revealing his role. Halstead, Upton, and Voight spotted the robbers in a meth lab, but they left. Halstead fell into shock after repeatedly stabbing and killing one of the perps in self-defense gone wrong. Upton and Voight advised him to gather his thoughts to create a tale to escape difficulties.
Halstead almost confessed to Chief O’Neal, visibly scared. He quit and gave up his badge. He then informed Upton that he joined the army with Lenny’s former infantrymen and is now pursuing drug traffickers in Bolivia. He said he’s uncomfortable with his police work’s grey zones after Upton’s death at the conclusion of Season 8, Anna’s death, and Voight’s ultimatum at the start of Season 10.
“It’s black and white, it’s good and bad, it’s right and wrong, and it’s no more of this,” he informed his wife of his new position. “I need it. I need that back. Flying out today. Eight months, perhaps longer. But I vow to you that we’ll get through this because you’re my love, and if I’m yours, you’ll realize you have to let me go.”
Showrunner Gwen Sigan told NBC Insider that the writers carefully crafted Halstead’s resignation.
We wanted to honor Halstead’s character and his contributions to the program by letting him go. “From him,” she says. “I wanted to keep him alive and doing good in the world. Regaining his identity offered us that chance. For him, the army has always defined him. I think his experience with the rangers molded his values, and compass, and it was fitting that he wanted to return to simplicity and ‘good and wrong.'”
If Jesse Lee Soffer quit “Chicago P.D.,” he may have had many reasons. Actors may leave shows for personal, professional, or artistic reasons. Jesse Lee Soffer may leave “Chicago P.D.” for five reasons:
Creative Differences:
Actors often leave due to creative conflicts with showrunners, writers, or other decision-makers. This might involve conflicts regarding character direction, narratives, or artistic vision. An actor and creative team may decide to separate ways if they can’t agree.
Career Options:
An actor may leave a TV show to pursue new job options. After several years on one program, an actor may want to try new roles, genres, or platforms. They may leave their current job for appealing film, theater, or TV opportunities.
Financial or contractual issues:
An performer may leave a program due to contract or financial issues. Contract conflicts, pay problems, and other financial issues might lead to a leave. An actor may not renew their contract because they seek a pay raise or better terms.
For personal reasons:
Family, health, and the desire for a break can also cause an actor to leave a long-running series. Television production’s long hours and filming schedules might strain an actor’s personal life. Some may emphasize self-care or family time.
Desire for New Challenges:
After several seasons playing the same character, an actor may want fresh challenges and to show off their variety. They may be inspired to take parts that let them explore more people and stories. Even a successful program like “Chicago P.D.” may lose actors to this need for development and variety.
It is important to note that these explanations are theoretical and may not apply to Jesse Lee Soffer’s departure. Check credible sources or the actor and show’s production team’s official remarks for the most accurate and up-to-date information.