The 5 best Chicago PD season 5 episodes

1. Captive

For all the talking about the Woods vs. Voight battle royale, the best episode of Chicago PD this season had almost nothing to do with that. “Captive” focuses on Kevin Atwater, who inexplicably disappears and finds himself held hostage—while also facing one of the most difficult choices from his career.

Atwater comes face to face with Joe (guest star Mekhi Phifer), who’s still enraged at him for shooting and killing Joe’s son. While the shooting was justified, Joe understandably doesn’t want to hear that. Unfortunately, he may be Atwater’s best hope for survival as the drug dealers who come into the mix have other ideas for the both of them.

“Captive” is, in large part, a two-man play between two talented actors. LaRoyce Hawkins gets a chance to shine, which is more appreciated given how little screen time he got last season; he has so many great moments, including making clear to Joe how much the death affected him. Mekhi Phifer, so good in so many other series, is equally brilliant in his grief, rage, confusion and just need for some kind of closure.

Chicago PD is known for its action, but “Captive” goes the other way and slows things down and focuses on character, and that’s what makes it so memorable, emotional and such a standout installment. We need more of these in the future.

Next: Chicago PD season 5's missing scenes

What do you think were the best Chicago PD episodes from the latest season? Let us know your picks in the comments.

Chicago PD returns to NBC on Sept. 26.