Kevin Atwater is leaving Chicago P.D.‘s Intelligence Unit to make more time for the family he has finally built.
The Oct. 14 episode, “Don’t Blink,” marks LaRoyce Hawkins’ final appearance as a series regular. It is the second episode of Season 14, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Hawkins has played Atwater since the show’s 2014 premiere, when the character patrolled alongside Kim Burgess before moving into Hank Voight’s team.
Last season, Atwater reconnected with Tasha Fox, played by Karen Obilom, an old friend from the police academy. She returned to Chicago during her pregnancy after initially leaving for a job in Miami.
Atwater’s Vest Saves Him After He Returns to Work
The episode opens with Atwater and Tasha welcoming their son, Malcolm, then settling into life at home. When he returns to Intelligence, Atwater asks Voight about a promotion, hoping advancement will help him provide for his family.
He struggles with being away almost immediately. A call from Tasha sends him rushing to the hospital, where Malcolm has an ear infection. Burgess tells him the pull between home and work becomes easier to manage with time, according to TV Insider.
During a pursuit, Atwater is shot and collapses. His vest stops the bullet, and Burgess reassures him that he will be going home. When he comes around, he is thinking about his son.
The investigation involves Peter, a father committing robberies to help his son, Brennan, repay dangerous people. Atwater persuades Peter to identify his accomplice, but officers discover Brennan has been killed before they can reach him. Delivering that news, Atwater hears Peter blame himself for not being present enough while his son was growing up, Parade recapped.
Voight Offers an Alternative Just as a Promotion Becomes Possible
Sergeant Nolan’s impending retirement opens a path to the advancement Atwater requested. Voight expects him to be relieved, but Atwater admits that a higher rank may not give him what he wants. He still wants to serve the community, while having more time at home.
Atwater raises teaching at the police academy as a possibility. Voight remembers a recent call from Atlanta seeking experienced officers and describes an opportunity with good pay and flexibility over taking cases.
“There are a lot of ways to be good police,” Voight tells him. He also recalls the years when his own son was young as the best of his life.
When Atwater takes the idea to Tasha, she reminds him that she has only just moved back and that they had agreed on Chicago. He tells her he wants them to build a life together and is ready for something different.
Ruzek Raises a Glass Before Atwater Says Goodbye
Intelligence gathers at a bar for the farewell. Adam Ruzek opens his toast by teasing Atwater about having the best smile in the district, then tells him nobody deserves this happiness more.
Trudy Platt interrupts to give Atwater a turn. He thanks the people around him and explains that his new family needs a new home, according to Give Me My Remote.
“For the past 14 years, the 21st district has been my home,” Atwater says. His colleagues embrace him and sing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” The ending leaves room for a future appearance, although no return has been announced.
Jesse Lee Soffer Returned to Direct the Farewell
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Jesse Lee Soffer, who played Jay Halstead, directed Hawkins’ final episode. Showrunner Gwen Sigan told Us Weekly that she was grateful to have a former cast member behind the camera for it.
Sigan had also told TV Insider that the writers wanted the exit to develop from details already established about Atwater, with him making a positive choice instead of being forced out. His history of helping raise his siblings informed their approach to showing him with a child of his own.
Marina Squerciati, who plays Burgess, told Us Weekly on Oct. 6 that she and Hawkins remained in touch. She described their friendship with Patrick John Flueger, who plays Ruzek, as the “Three Musketeers” and said losing that daily working relationship was difficult.
Hawkins Thanked Viewers After the Broadcast
Minutes after the episode aired, Hawkins posted a video to Instagram Stories, according to One Chicago Center. Obilom also shared a tribute praising the care he brought to the set and the way he treated her throughout their work together. “Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for supporting the show,” Hawkins told viewers.