Chicago PD: LaRoyce Hawkins promises more Atwater and Burgess moments

Kevin Atwater has lots of personal setbacks to overcome. The officer’s decision to keep his job a secret led to the dissolution of his relationship with Celeste (Amanda Payton), and now he’s torn between his personal and professional desires.

LaRoyce Hawkins, the actor behind Atwater, has been forthright about the growing pains that his character is going to have to undergo before he can reach a place of happiness, but he’s also gone on to highlight an unexpected dynamic between Atwater and Burgess (Marina Squierciati).

Here’s a breakdown of the changing friendship between the two cops and what to expect.

Is Atwater going to leave Chicago PD?

In the episode “Lies”, Atwater struggled to come to grips with his relationship, and Burgess was the only person he felt comfortable confiding in. She urged him to come clean and tell Celeste the truth, and while the confession ended poorly, it was, in essence, the right thing to do. Hawkins discussed this singular bond during a recent interview with TV Line.

"“We’re definitely going to see moments where Atwater and Burgess are there for each other”, he revealed. “We’re going to see moments where she’s able to communicate to him things that nobody else would, that will challenge him and his character, and Atwater is going to have the same opportunity down the line.”"

Those who’ve been following the show for a while know that Atwater and Burgess were partners in seasons prior, and their subplots often provided levity to the darker plots involving Voight (Jason Beghe) and the rest of the team. As the characters have gotten older, and matured, however, their outlook has taken on additional depth.

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Atwater attributes this change to both onscreen and offscreen events. He cites the experiences that the characters have endured in the past season (nearly dying, having their confidence in the job shaken) as a big reason, but he also noted that his and Squerciati’s personal lives have been a factor in the writing process.

“Now, [Marina] and I are parents”, the actor noted. “And it’s interesting where our conversations take us because it parallels very much the kinds of conversations that Atwater and Burgess have.”

Given how bumpy the road ahead looks for Atwater (trying to salvage his romance with Celeste) and Burgess (trying to ensure that Makayla is in safe hands), it’s safe to say that both cops will need all the emotional support and friendship they can get.

For the latest Chicago PD season 9 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.