Kevin Atwater will finally get some shine in the Chicago PD episode "Street Jesus." The character has largely been on the margins throughout season 12, but the episode will see him juggle his duties as a police officer with his personal interests as a community member.
It will be a tricky balance for the character, and one that will give him some much-deserved screen time. Thankfully, the screen time will not stop there. LaRoyce Hawkins, the actor who plays the vet Atwater, confirmed that the character will be contending with even more personal drama during season 12. Most notably, in the romance department.
Valerie Soto will return in an upcoming episode
Hawkins told the Hollywood Reporter that Atwater's most recent love interest, Valerie Soto (Natalee Linez), will be returning during the season's second half. Furthermore, the dynamic between the two characters will be deepened.
"Soto is on her way back," Hawkins confirmed. "She’s on her way back, and I like what we learned through her character." The actor went on to explain how important the Soto storyline will be for his character, given how much Atwater has struggled romantically in the past.
"Atwater, for a long time, has been very good at holding onto things," he explained. "And I think he has needed help in letting go. You gotta let go of some stuff in order to grow into whatever the next level is. That’s what we learned through her character. I’m grateful for it."
Hawkins promises more "evolution" for Atwater
The concept of growth is something Hawkins feels is crucial to his character overall. He told the outlet that Atwater has evolved significantly over the course of Chicago PD, and is finally starting to become cognizant of what he wants and what he values.
"I’m proud of the evolution of Atwater," Hawkins asserted. "I say that to say that I’m proud of myself, for being able to lock-in at this level. Every season we do our best — and when I say we, I mean me and Atwater — to get better, to not just improve, but ask, how do we make more impact?"
Atwater's initial interaction with Soto was a heated one. The officer believed Soto went too easy on an assault suspect, but eventually came to respect her and her decision. It'll be intriguing to see how the characters work another case together, and how Soto's absence has made Atwater more fond of her.