After years of playing the steady, reliable heart of Chicago P.D., Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) is finally getting the spotlight he deserves in Season 13, Episode 5 — and it’s shaping up to be one of his most intense cases yet. NBC has teased that the episode, aptly described as “explosive,” will test Atwater both physically and emotionally, blurring the line between heroism and self-preservation.
Episode 5 puts Intelligence in the middle of a high-stakes investigation involving a series of coordinated bombings across Chicago. When a new suspect emerges with ties to Atwater’s past, Kevin finds himself personally invested — a move that could jeopardize both the case and his safety. “This episode pushes Kevin to his limits,” Hawkins said in a recent interview. “We’ve seen him be the voice of reason, the moral compass, but this time he’s driven by something deeper and more personal.”
Sources close to production describe the hour as one of the most cinematic of the season, filled with massive action sequences, emotional confrontations, and a rare glimpse into Atwater’s inner turmoil. Fans who have long felt that the character has been underutilized can expect a full-circle moment. “This is the episode that reminds viewers why Atwater is one of the backbone characters of the show,” said showrunner Gwen Sigan. “He’s the quiet strength of the unit, and now, we get to see what happens when that strength is truly tested.”
The case reportedly begins when a downtown building is leveled in a shocking explosion, setting off a citywide panic. The Intelligence Unit races to track down the culprit, but when evidence leads to a familiar name from Atwater’s past, tensions within the team begin to rise. “Atwater’s sense of justice has always been clear, but this episode asks him to question his own boundaries,” Sigan added. “How far is he willing to go when the lines between right and wrong blur?”
Viewers can also expect powerful scenes between Atwater and Sergeant Voight (Jason Beghe), whose relationship has evolved from cautious respect to deep mutual understanding. “Voight sees himself in Kevin in a lot of ways,” Hawkins revealed. “There’s a moment in this episode where that connection really hits — it’s emotional, raw, and something fans will talk about.”
As for the “explosive” element teased in the episode’s synopsis, insiders hint that the final act will feature one of Chicago P.D.’s most intense action sequences to date, with practical effects that rival a feature film. “It’s big — both literally and emotionally,” one crew member shared. “You’ll be on the edge of your seat.”
With Chicago P.D. continuing to balance character-driven drama with high-octane action, Episode 5 promises to be a defining moment for Atwater — one that reminds fans why he’s the moral anchor of the team. When the dust settles, nothing will be quite the same for Kevin — or the Intelligence Unit.
