Fans Hope Jesse Lee Soffer’s Photos Mean He’s Returning for Tracy Spiridakos’ Final Episode

CHICAGO P.D. -- "Rage" Episode 902 -- Pictured: Jesse Lee Soffer as Jay Halstead -- (Photo by: Lori Allen/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

The Chicago P.D. fans who have been clamoring for an onscreen reunion of the characters played by Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos are hopeful that new behind-the-scenes photos mean it could happen before Spiridakos’ impending departure from the show.

Soffer, 39, played Senior Detective Jay Halstead as a leading cast member on the hit NBC police procedural from Season 1 through early Season 10. Spiridakos, who first appeared on Chicago P.D. in a recurring capacity in Season 4, joined the main cast as Detective Hailey Upton Halstead in Season 5. The show announced last fall that Season 11 would be her last.

According to new photos that Soffer shared with fans on Instagram on Thursday, April 11, the As the World Turns alum did recently return to Chicago P.D. to direct an episode. The photos showed Soffer reviewing clips on set and posing with producer Brian Luce. One photo in Soffer’s five-part Instagram carousel also featured a behind-the-scenes moment between Spiridakos, 36, and co-star Jason Beghe, who plays Sergeant Henry Voight.

Related: Jesse Lee Soffer Finally Explains His ‘Chicago P.D.’ Exit

In his Instagram caption, Soffer said the photos were taken one week earlier. While he noted that the fifth photo “really captures Luce’s essence,” he didn’t specifically mention Spiridakos.

Soffer has previously returned to the show to direct, but fans are hoping for more. Many fans are eager to see resolution in the relationship between Soffer’s and Spiridakos’ characters, who were married—and later divorced—in the show’s storyline. Given Spiridakos’ imminent exit, fans are calling for that requested reunion to happen sooner rather than later.

“Can’t you just make a quick appearance back one episode,” one fan pleaded.

“This season has been heartbreaking,” another fan wrote, adding, “Jay never would’ve done this to Hailey.”

“So are you just gonna be behind the scenes or will you return at some point ? You know we miss you,” one Instagram user said.

Others were excited that Soffer embraced another opportunity to direct on Chicago P.D. Even so, they expressed hope for one final cameo.

“I love that you are living your best life right now and doing it so well,” one fan told him on Instagram. “Holding out hope for one last on screen appearance from you before a certain someone leaves the show soon!” Another fan agreed, writing, “I was so excited to see the BTS of you and Tracy again, and still holding hope maybe there will be something with you both onscreen too.”

Next: How 'Chicago P.D.' Is Preparing for Tracy Spiridakos' Exit