The revolving door cast of Chicago PD is inevitable.
When your show has been running for over a decade, the least surprising thing is that some of our favorite characters have come and gone.
As we enter Chicago PD season 12, the cast is stronger than ever, but we have a little question: Who will become a detective and Walt’s newest right-hand man?
If anyone had to make a bet on who should be in this position, Kevin Atwater has a strong case to make that he’s the best man for the job.
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Petrovich is too new, polarizing, and in trouble
While we’re still trying to determine whether Bojana Novakovic’s Josephine Petrovich will return to the series in a larger role, there are mixed feelings about what that means.
Petrovich’s contribution as a profiler and someone with an extensive background in sex crimes work is fascinating in its own right.
If written well, it could make for some compelling arcs over the course of a season.
But we already felt like there was too much of her in the last season, and her exhausting background of relationship problems and alcoholism didn’t feel like she was up for the challenge.
In many ways, she is the alter ego of Hailey Upton, and the idea that a production like “On Paper” goes to great lengths to draw some parallels and show how they are connected invites far too many comparisons.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Erin’s transition to Hayley, it’s that when a new character draws too many comparisons because of certain plot points, little good can come of it.
Comparison is the thief of happiness and all good things.
Sadly, over the course of Upton’s exit, the show spent about two and a half seasons tormenting us with her emotional issues and struggles and her declining mental health as the job kept chewing her up and Spit her out.
Unfortunately, it would feel more of the same if the series chose to turn to Petrovich, making the troubled blonde the only detective on the team and possibly Voight’s newest right-hand man.
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If we don’t see our favorite characters step into character after seeing them rise and grow, then things aren’t going to be great.
Atwater’s trajectory from rookie patrolman to intelligence detective is encouraging.
Nothing makes us happier than seeing someone “win” something.
We’re over a decade into this series, and it feels like we’re part of the characters’ journeys, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
One of the best things about a show with this kind of longevity and characters that have been around since the beginning is that we get to see them evolve throughout the series.
We see Atwater and Burgess working together and making their mark as patrol officers.
We didn’t see that with Ruzek, for example, as he was plucked out of the academy and thrust into a position on this elite team.
This is not to say that Ruzek did not earn his honor or position, or that he did not become an outstanding intelligence officer, as he did.
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But even more gratifying is seeing the rise of Atwater and Burgess.
If Kevin’s ambition can take him further in his career and higher in the rankings, that will be better for him.
Atwater isn’t actively pursuing scouting or focusing on ranking climbs
As ambitious as Atwater was, he never gave the impression that he was in the job to earn titles and climb the ladder.
Ranking never seemed to be his biggest concern.
Wouldn’t it be more fun to award higher positions to those who demonstrate all the skills and talents for that position without needing such recognition or a pat on the back?
Atwater is in this job for the right reasons, and when you have people like that, it’s incredibly important to reward them, because it’s great character backed by the power and influence of a title that is where real change can happen Way.
Water and Atwater will have a truly unique but necessary dynamic
Atwater was the calmest, level-headed, most compassionate, and most manipulative member of the intelligence community.
You can never accuse this man of not understanding what’s going on on the streets of Chicago.
But Atwater always had a quiet strength that set him apart from his peers. He also has a calm, laid-back demeanor.
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That is to say, he is a man of strong convictions and morals, and he is unwavering in whether he is right or wrong.
He is arguably the most upright member of the intelligence community, past and present, and his ethics are the most consistent.
Atwater even managed to find a way to maintain his authenticity as a true “Scout” member of the group (sorry, Halstead), while still being under Walt’s leadership and with his brother Ruth Working with a hothead like Zeke.
We haven’t seen a secondary with these qualities in Voight.
Most of them are either some kind of carbon copy of him, or people who have lost themselves in working with him to the point of appearing disingenuous.
Atwater could complement Watt nicely.
They are a true yin and yang pairing.
Atwater can serve as a moral center and “voice of reason,” ensuring that intelligence doesn’t follow Wert over the cliff.
With his promotion to detective, it becomes more likely that Atwater will become Walt’s new right-hand man.
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We know Chicago PD Season 11 is a shortened season focused on setting up and executing Haley’s Exodus and the series.
But it also gives the usually underused Atwater some strong installments directed at him as a cop and as a person.
In “Moments,” Atwater evaluates his actions and reactions during an armed robbery that left someone dead.
The episode “Waterline” serves as Atwater’s “redemption,” with Trudy reminding him of who he is, how far he’s come, and why he’s a great cop and person.
Atwater has even taken on more of a leadership role throughout the season, which we saw especially with his dynamic with Torres.
If you think we’re reading too much into this, keep in mind that Chicago PD Season 11’s main artwork only features three intelligence agents; Voight is rightfully at the center.
This season will naturally focus on Hayley due to her departure, and when we viewers see this photo, she’s to Voight’s right.
This season has spent a lot of time depicting the dynamic between father and daughter and what they mean to each other, so it makes sense.
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Of all the other characters, Atwater is on the other side of Walt.
It’s like he’s waiting for an opportunity to be next, right?
It’s a refreshing change for police officers of color to be elevated, straddle both worlds, and make a difference
In Atwater’s storyline, they explore what it’s like to be a black man who also happens to be a police officer when the two seem to be in direct conflict.
He had a difficult path, which had a profound impact on his career many times.
For the record, we’re going to strongly ignore the discussion that he could never be promoted again because of the problems he faced fighting the police.
Chicago PD famously forgets about its own continuity, so this time around, we’ll do the same.
Atwater deals with his neighbors, who see him as a traitor because of his work, racism, and betrayal by his so-called Blue Brothers, as well as the work that affects his romantic and family relationships.
But much of Atwater’s motivation is to care for and inspire his community, eliminate toxicity and other problems found on the job, and bridge the gap between the community and police.
He tends to stand between them with a genuine desire to make a difference, which is why his journey feels so natural and everything they’ve set up for his character to allow him to continue climbing and gain a level of authority.
For Atwater and police officers like him, advancing to the next level means a lot more than it appears on paper.
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This initiative is significant and far-reaching given the Chicago Police Department’s efforts to increase social awareness. This is consistent with what they constantly want to explore.
It is also an incredible and well-deserved achievement for Atwater, one that he has achieved through hard work and some of his most notable attributes.
It breaks the monotony of similar police promotions.
It’s especially gratifying to know that a man whose advice to rising police officers is to “lead with compassion” may become even more visible as one of the new faces of policing.
Ruzek, Burgess or Atwater’s intelligence couldn’t be wrong. They have proven themselves over and over again.
We’re all watching Detective Kevin Atwater; it’s about time.
Over to you, Chicago PD fanatics.
Do you think Atwater should be promoted? Why is he perfect for this role? Let’s take a listen and see!
You can stream Chicago P.D. on Peacock.
