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Jesse Lee Soffer’s FBI Character Is The Real Jay Halstead If He Stayed in Chicago PD

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Jesse Lee Soffer’s character in FBI: International is similar to how Jay Halstead might have evolved had he remained with Chicago PD. Initially, Halstead was a key figure in the https://screenrant.com/chicago-pd-cast-character-guide/ Chicago PD cast, serving for the first 10 seasons as an idealistic police officer who frequently butted heads with Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) due to Voight’s questionable methods for upholding justice. However, when Soffer chose to depart after season 10, Halstead was scripted out and did not reappear in the series. His abrupt departure was partially attributed to concerns about changes in his character over time.

In due course, Soffer became a part of the fourth season’s cast for the FBI: International series, taking on the role of Wes Mitchell, the freshly appointed head of the Fly Team. Unlike Halstead, Mitchell was not depicted as a calm and composed figure; instead, he was portrayed as impulsive and hot-tempered, frequently creating problems for the team due to his aggressive approach towards perceived hindrances in case resolutions.

Jay Halstead Left Intelligence In Chicago PD Because He Didn’t Want To Be Like Voight

His Personality and Behavior Had Changed By The Time He Left

Voight believed Halstead had leadership potential within the Intelligence Unit, and aspired for him to assume control someday. As a result, he took on a mentoring role towards Halstead, offering guidance not only on challenging cases but also on becoming the leader Voight envisioned. In essence, Voight viewed Halstead as his future successor and encouraged him to “follow the right path“, although it wasn’t always clear what he meant by that advice. However, during season 8, Halstead started to transgress ethical boundaries.

By the time Halstead departed, he had taken several controversial actions that Voight either supported or tolerated. Consequently, his choice to go to Bolivia, which appeared sudden, was also driven by his apprehension that if he stayed with Voight, his conduct would deteriorate even more into activities he found disconcerting, including criminal activities. In an effort to shield himself from this unfavorable outcome, Halstead decided to leave the Intelligence Unit.

Jesse Lee Soffer’s Wes Mitchell In FBI: International Is Reminiscent Of Hank Voight

He Is More Interested In Justice Than Following Rules

As a passionate film aficionado, I must say that Wes Mitchell’s alliance with the Fly Team in FBI: International initially began as a temporary arrangement. Pursued to Budapest following the murder of my partner in LA, I tracked down the assassin who had fled to Hungary. During this investigation, I exhibited a concerning pattern of hasty and impulsive actions, which complicated the case for the Fly Team, and my former protege, Cameron Vo (Vinessa Vidotto), cautioned me that such methods wouldn’t be effective in Europe. From the start, Mitchell shared mentoring and hotheadedness with Voight, a trait that persisted throughout our partnership.

The officer manipulated a suspect into confessing by offering a fake suicide pill if he complied, but actually substituting harmless props while taking away the real pill. This way, the man wouldn’t be able to end his life before facing justice. Voight might have admired this method, although he probably would have pushed harder to extract information. However, Mitchell held back somewhat to increase his chances of success in his new role as an officer.

Why Halstead Still Needs To Return In Chicago PD (Despite His Divorce With Upton)

His Story Was Not Finished Properly

Halstead’s departure from Chicago PD was disheartening due to its lack of proper build-up and unexpectedness, which felt inconsistent with his character. After he moved to Bolivia, the show portrayed an uncharacteristic journey for Halstead, where he divorced his wife, traveled extensively, and helped strangers. This series of events led to Upton’s divorce and her departure a year later. Ultimately, this narrative thread ended up removing Halstead from the storyline, as no characters seem to refer to him anymore.

It’s fitting that Halstead gets a suitable conclusion in “Chicago PD”. To achieve this, it would be beneficial if Halstead comes back with a more focused mind and the resolve to stay true to himself and his moral principles. This would make him a strong counterpart for Voight during “Chicago PD” season 13.

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2025-06-01 15:08

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