Olinsky: A (Not-So-Short) Guide to How Long Our Favorite Undercover Detective Stuck Around in Chicago P.D.
Ah, Alvin Olinsky. The man, the myth, the legend (well, a legend until...). A mainstay of Intelligence Unit with a penchant for going undercover, sarcasm, and questionable (but often effective) police work. But for those new to the gritty streets of Chicago P.D., a burning question might be: just how long did Olinsky grace our screens?
The Good, the Bad, and the Undercover (Seasons 1-5):
Hold onto your Kevlar vests, because Olinsky was a fixture for a solid five seasons. That's right, from the pilot episode where he was probably undercover as a particularly gruff barista, to navigating the murky waters of gang warfare and internal affairs. He was Voight's right-hand man (sometimes conscience, sometimes partner-in-crime), a source of hilarious one-liners, and the guy you wouldn't want to mess with in a dark alley (or a particularly dull interrogation room).
Wait, There's More! (But Not Really):
Now, here's where things get a bit (okay, very) sad. While Olinsky's character arc is fascinating, it takes a tragic turn in season five. Let's just say, the whole "undercover" thing backfires in a major way, and Olinsky finds himself on the wrong side of the law (not cool, undercover work!). Spoiler alert (although, this show has been around a while), things don't end well for our favorite detective.
But Hey, At Least He Left a Mark (Kind Of):
While Olinsky's physical presence may have departed in season five, his memory (and questionable morals) live on in the halls of the district. He's occasionally mentioned by the team, and even gets a trippy ghost-like cameo in a later season (don't worry, it's not that out of place for Chicago P.D.).
So, the answer to your burning question? Olinsky was a mainstay for five seasons, leaving behind a legacy of witty remarks, questionable tactics, and a reminder that even the best undercover detectives can get burned. But hey, at least he went out with a bang (literally, but we won't spoil that for you).
