The episode ends with Detective Jay Halstead and Officer Adam Ruzek finding evidence that points to the first victim as the prime suspect.
Meanwhile, Cruz plans to propose to his girlfriend Chloe and Boden selects his firehouse to be on duty during the city's Oktoberfest festivities, much to everyone's chagrin.
The season premiere featured the departure of original character Brian "Otis" Zvonecek, played by Yuri Sardarov.
[27] Executive producer Derek Haas explained that after the seventh season, they were not sure how they would handle the conclusion to the mattress factory fire.
"[27] Haas spoke with Chicago creator Dick Wolf about the decision first, before informing Sardarov that he was being written out.
[27] Haas confirmed that he considered killing off Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), but as he was only introduced in the seventh season, his death would not have the same impact as an original cast member.
[27] Another ongoing storyline follows Paramedic Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer), who has left Chicago with her fiancé Kyle Sheffield (Teddy Sears) for a small town in Indiana.
[5] On October 30, 2019, it was announced that former main cast member Monica Raymund would be returning as Gabriela Dawson for the mid-season finale in episode 9, “Best Friend Magic,” on November 20, 2019.