In a candid and emotional conversation, Chicago P.D. star LaRoyce Hawkins opened up about what he calls “the most passionate and psychologically demanding” episode of his career. Known for his layered portrayal of Officer Kevin Atwater, Hawkins reveals that the latest installment of the hit NBC drama pushed him to new emotional and physical limits.
“This episode demanded everything — heart, soul, and a little bit of fearlessness,” Hawkins said with a laugh, though his tone carried deep sincerity. “It’s the sexiest and most intense story we’ve ever told through Atwater. It’s about vulnerability, not just strength.”
The episode, which quickly became a fan favorite, follows Atwater as he navigates a morally complex case involving an undercover operation that blurs the lines between duty and desire. Viewers were quick to praise Hawkins for his grounded performance, balancing raw chemistry and emotional turmoil with quiet restraint.
“I wanted to make sure it wasn’t just about attraction or heat,” Hawkins explained. “It was about what happens when someone like Atwater — who’s used to being in control — suddenly finds himself emotionally exposed. That’s the true tension.” Showrunner Gwen Sigan echoed those sentiments, calling the episode a turning point for both the character and the series. “LaRoyce brings an incredible depth to Atwater. He’s always been the moral compass of Intelligence, but this episode shows his humanity in a completely different light,” she said.
Fans have long praised Hawkins for portraying Atwater with authenticity and grace, tackling racial and social justice issues with subtle power. But this particular episode, he admits, challenged him more than any before. “I had to trust myself — and my scene partner — in ways I hadn’t before. It was intimate in every sense,” he said.
Behind the scenes, Hawkins collaborated closely with the directors and writers to ensure that the emotional tone was handled sensitively. “We wanted to tell a story that was mature and real, not sensationalized,” he noted. “It’s about honesty — both in performance and storytelling.” The result is a riveting hour of television that fans are calling one of Chicago P.D.’s boldest to date. It explores the intersection of passion, danger, and emotional truth — themes rarely so openly addressed in procedural dramas.
As for what’s next, Hawkins teased that Atwater’s journey is far from over. “This episode cracks something open in him. You’ll see the ripple effects in the episodes to come,” he hinted. With over a decade on Chicago P.D., LaRoyce Hawkins continues to redefine what it means to play a hero — one who’s as complex and conflicted as he is courageous. And if this latest episode proves anything, it’s that Hawkins is just getting started.
