Chicago PD has long thrived on blending intense police procedurals with personal drama, and Season 13, Episode 11, titled “On the Way”, delivers exactly that mix. Airing on January 28, 2026, this installment puts the spotlight firmly on Detective Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins), sending him undercover into the high-octane world of carjacking rings. With flashy cars, street racing vibes, and high-stakes chases, the episode feels like NBC’s own take on the Fast and Furious franchise—right down to the garage scenes and adrenaline-pumping sequences. Yet, while it offers entertaining action, it ultimately treads on familiar ground, recycling Atwater’s character struggles before hitting viewers with a shocking personal twist.
The Plot: Undercover in a High-Stakes Carjacking World
The episode kicks off with a spike in violent carjackings across Chicago, where thieves target luxury vehicles and disappear quickly. The Intelligence Unit, led by Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), needs someone who can blend into the street racing and car theft scene. Enter Kevin Atwater, who volunteers to go deep undercover.
Atwater pushes his personal life aside—specifically his budding connection with new character Lolo (and lingering ties to his ex, Tasha)—to immerse himself in this flashy underworld. He poses as a skilled street racer and potential car thief, earning trust within the crew responsible for the thefts. The case escalates when a carjacking turns deadly, forcing Atwater to navigate moral gray areas while maintaining his cover.
Key moments include Atwater and Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar) visiting a police impound garage to select a flashy ride for the op. The scene, complete with gleaming sports cars like a bright orange Lamborghini Aventador, pulsing music, and lingering shots, screams homage to Fast and Furious. Fans of the franchise will spot the parallels immediately: the love for high-end vehicles, the thrill of speed, and the “family” dynamic among the thieves.
The action ramps up with street takeovers, chases, and tense confrontations. Atwater’s skills shine as he races to gain the crew’s trust, but the operation tests his limits. Torres backs him up from the sidelines, adding solid teamwork that highlights the unit’s strength.
Why It Feels Like a Fast and Furious Episode
The Fast and Furious influence is unmistakable. The episode leans into car culture hard—luxury rides, underground racing scenes, and the adrenaline of high-speed pursuits. Reviewers noted how it mirrors the franchise’s blend of action and personal stakes, especially since both properties fall under the NBCUniversal umbrella.
Yet, unlike the movies’ over-the-top spectacle, Chicago PD keeps things grounded in realism. The carjackings reflect real-world issues (rising SUV thefts and insurance hikes), giving the story relevance. The undercover work feels authentic to Atwater’s character—he’s street-smart, physically imposing, and able to connect with people from tough backgrounds.
Still, the riff doesn’t break new ground. It borrows tropes without fully innovating, making parts feel predictable for longtime viewers.
Familiar Ground: Atwater’s Recurring Struggles
At its core, Episode 11 is a Kevin Atwater character study. LaRoyce Hawkins delivers a strong performance, showing Atwater’s internal conflict between duty and personal fulfillment. He questions what life he has outside the job—echoing arcs from earlier seasons where Atwater grappled with relationships, family responsibilities, and the toll of police work.
His dynamic with Lolo adds fresh romantic tension, but the episode circles back to old themes: the job always comes first, personal connections suffer, and Atwater sacrifices for the badge. While this consistency keeps the character true, it risks feeling repetitive after 13 seasons.
The supporting cast shines too. Torres proves reliable in backup, and the team dynamic remains tight. Voight’s leadership provides the usual gravitas, though he takes a backseat here.
The Shocking Twist: A Pregnancy Bombshell
Just when the carjacking case wraps and viewers expect resolution on Atwater’s personal arc, the episode delivers its biggest surprise. Tasha (his ex) returns with life-changing news—she’s pregnant, and the baby is Atwater’s. The title “On the Way” cleverly doubles as a nod to both the undercover op and the impending child.
This reveal hits hard, shifting focus from action to emotional stakes. It forces Atwater to confront fatherhood again, reopening wounds from past losses and regrets. The pregnancy announcement (with subtle mentions of prior loss) adds layers of complexity, setting up future drama for Season 13.
Fans reacted strongly—some called it a curveball that hijacks the fun action, others praised it for giving Atwater meaningful growth.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Episode
Strengths:
- LaRoyce Hawkins carries the hour effortlessly, blending toughness with vulnerability.
- The Fast and Furious-style action provides a refreshing change from typical drug busts or gang cases.
- The pregnancy twist is genuinely surprising and ties into Atwater’s ongoing journey.
- Strong pacing keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
Weaknesses:
- The car theft premise and undercover setup feel familiar, echoing past Atwater ops.
- Some scenes lean too heavily on franchise homage without adding unique flair.
- The personal drama recycles themes, potentially frustrating viewers wanting fresh development.
Overall, Episode 11 earns solid praise (around 4.2/5 from critics) for entertainment value and character focus. It’s not groundbreaking, but it delivers thrills and heart.
Where Does This Leave Season 13?
“On the Way” serves as a mid-season palate cleanser after heavier arcs. With Atwater facing impending fatherhood, future episodes could explore work-life balance, team support, and how this changes Intelligence Unit dynamics.
Chicago PD continues proving why it remains a procedural powerhouse—balancing explosive action with emotional depth. While Episode 11 treads familiar ground in its Fast and Furious riff, the personal bombshell ensures it lingers.
Fans eager for more Atwater spotlight or high-speed drama won’t be disappointed. As the season progresses, this twist promises ripple effects that could redefine his path.
