The phrase "Favor, Affection, Malice or Ill-Will" is traditionally part of the taken by judges or officials, promising to act impartially "without favor, affection, malice, or ill-will". The title serves as a direct commentary on the episode’s theme: the difficulty of maintaining objective legal "justice" when faced with the raw, personal emotions of "vengeance".
: In a noble gesture, Kenny Rixton—who had been filling Ruzek's spot—decides to take a different position in the Gang Intelligence Unit. He does this specifically to allow Ruzek to return to his old desk in Intelligence. Favor, Affection, Malice or Ill-WillChicago P.D...
: Despite the team solving the original murder—which turned out to be a case of "wrong place, wrong time" during a gang conflict—the State's Attorney insists on prosecuting Clark. Clark is eventually arrested for solicitation of murder and faces a ten-year sentence. Subplots and Character Developments The phrase "Favor, Affection, Malice or Ill-Will" is
The episode's primary storyline follows Donald Clark, a grieving father whose 22-year-old daughter, Rebecca, was murdered. Frustrated by a lack of evidence that allowed the suspected killer to remain free, Clark attempts to hire a hitman to execute his own version of justice. He does this specifically to allow Ruzek to
" Favor, Affection, Malice or Ill-Will " is the 15th episode of Chicago P.D. 's fourth season. It is widely recognized by fans for its heavy moral dilemmas, specifically exploring the thin line between a father's grief and criminal intent.