It was a noticeable — and puzzling — omission in Chicago P.D.’s latest episode. In Season 13, Episode 4, Officer Kevin Atwater, played by LaRoyce Hawkins, was nowhere to be seen. What made the absence even more striking was that the show made no effort to explain it. There was no throwaway line about him being off-duty, attending to a personal matter, or caught up in another case. Instead, the series simply moved forward as if one of its most recognizable and long-standing characters had vanished without a trace.
Atwater has been a cornerstone of Chicago P.D. since the very beginning. His moral integrity, emotional intelligence, and unshakable sense of justice have made him one of the show’s most compelling figures. From navigating the moral gray areas of policing to standing up against systemic injustice, his storylines have often provided the emotional and social depth that sets the series apart. So when he failed to appear — with zero mention from any of his colleagues — fans immediately took notice.
Social media lit up during and after the episode’s broadcast, with many viewers voicing confusion and frustration. “Where’s Atwater?” became a recurring question across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, as longtime fans speculated about the reason behind his unexplained absence. Some wondered if LaRoyce Hawkins might be on a brief hiatus or filming another project, while others criticized the show for overlooking such an integral character.
What makes the situation particularly disappointing is that Chicago P.D. has always been known for its attention to character-driven storytelling. Each absence — whether temporary or permanent — has historically been acknowledged in some form, even if briefly. For a show that prides itself on emotional realism and team dynamics, ignoring Atwater’s absence altogether felt out of character both for the writing and for the unit itself.
Hawkins’ portrayal of Atwater has consistently been praised for its authenticity and heart, often balancing the show’s intense procedural elements with deeply human moments. To see his character omitted without explanation felt like a disservice not only to the actor but also to the fans who have followed his journey for over a decade.
As of now, neither NBC nor Hawkins has publicly addressed the reason behind the character’s brief disappearance. Still, viewers are hopeful that Atwater’s story will soon return to the forefront — and that the show will treat one of its original heroes with the respect and presence he deserves. After all, in Chicago P.D., no officer should simply fade into the background.
