This season on NBC Chicago Police there was a fight for Hank Voight (Jason Beghe). But after escaping death after being captured by a serial killer and then losing one of his closest teammates, no one can blame the big boss for sharing his feelings.
Deadline has shared an exclusive clip from tonight's episode of “The After” (above), airing at 10 p.m. on NBC, showing Voight and ASA Chapman (Sara Bues) working closely on his latest case. This is sure to send Voight/Chapman shippers into a tizzy – I know it's happened to me – but is Voight even a relationship type? After the tragic death of his wife and the way he mourns her to this day, is he able and interested in having a new woman appear in his life romantically? Read about all this and more in our questions and answers below.
Jason Beghe as Sgt. Hank Voight, Sara Bues as ASA Chapman
Lori Allen/NBC
DEADLINE: Jason, what can you say about Voight's state of mind this season?
JASON BEGHE: I think the near-death experience and all the things that happened changed him, as you can see in the first episode, he's a changed man. He wants to tear off a piece of bread and make sure all the sauce is removed from the plate. It doesn't really matter if he or anyone else is tired. At this moment he is ready to experience everything.
DEADLINE: Since ASA Chapman joined the show, a large fanbase has been shipping her and Voight. What do you think?
JB: What does shipping mean?
DEADLINE: (laughter) Shipping means that fans want two people to be in a relationship.
JB: All right. (He laughs) As for shipping, he never really thought about it. Over the years, there was this thought: “Oh, maybe Voight should have a girlfriend.” I just always thought he was devoted to Camille. He wasn't lonely, he was just lonely because he had a deep sense of honor. He made a commitment to this woman, and it was a simple commitment. He wasn't the type of guy who would be tempted just because a spectacular, attractive, extraordinary woman appeared in his life. It wasn't even something he would have considered possible because he had made a commitment and I don't think that commitment would ever end with the death of his wife. It was like, “This is my lady and I'm ready,” which is nice and I'll be her man.
The reason for this was because Hank was shocked and almost shocked that he was shocked because he was the only one who wasn't shipping Hank. Everyone ships Hank, and you know, he has a lot of interesting qualities. You could see that the woman was interested in him or saw his advantages. It's probably not for everyone, but who is, you know?
DEADLINE: What can you tease about what else is in store for Voight this season? Do you think it will surprise us?
JB: I think the only thing you can be sure of is that Hank Voight is trying to evolve. He leads a quite responsible lifestyle. If you look at him over the last 12 years, he's changed a lot and I like to think it's been organic. It's not like you're like, “Oh, he's a nice guy now.” You see the effort and work he puts into himself, his work and his interactions with people.
There are clear moments when she exposes herself to herself. That's one of the things I like and admire about him and, honestly, what makes him interesting. I think it's safe to say that he will continue to evolve and discover more of himself this season.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
