It seems a familiar face will be returning to the One Chicago franchise this fall. As confirmed via a social media post by actor Ethan Smith, Jesse Lee Soffer will officially return to direct the second episode of Chicago PD season 14, an episode that could end up being a very big episode for the show.Â
As previously reported, LaRoyce Hawkins will be exiting Chicago PD early in season 14 after 13 seasons as a series regular in the role of Officer Kevin Atwater. It has not been confirmed when Hawkins will exit the series, but reports suggest he will only appear in a few episodes at the beginning of the season to help craft a proper on-screen send-off for the character.Â
Interestingly, NBC took a similar approach just last fall with the exit of Chicago Fire star Daniel Kyri. Much like Hawkins, Kyri’s exit was announced ahead of the season, and fans were assured he would return to wrap up his character’s storylines. His exit would ultimately come in the second episode of the season, which introduced an exit storyline and served as his final appearance in the role of Darren Ritter.Â
If history repeats itself, there is a very real possibility Hawkins’ final episode of the show could come as early as the second episode of Chicago PD season 14, which means there is a very good chance that Soffer could be directing Hawkins’ final episode on the show—and honestly, we cannot think of a better way to help send-off Hawkins than with Soffer behind the camera leading the episode as its director.Â
Atwater has meant so much to so many fans over the years, and his departure is going to be one of the biggest exits Chicago PD has endured over the years. Fans are not ready to say goodbye to the character, but it certainly would lessen the sting slightly if Soffer were brought in to direct Hawkins’ send-off episode.Â
Having one of Hawkins’ former co-stars direct his final episode of the show would be a really touching moment for the show and would also put the episode in the hands of someone who has been where he has been before. Granted, the circumstances of Soffer’s exit were much different, as he chose to step away from the show to pursue other opportunities, but the sentiment stands that Soffer knows what it’s like to wrap on a character and a show that has been part of your life for many years.Â
Should Soffer indeed be directing Hawkins’ final episode, fans can at least know the episode is in good hands and that a familiar face with ties to the franchise will be overseeing what will absolutely be an unforgettable episode. Regardless, it’s always nice to see Soffer back on set, even if it’s behind the scenes, and we’re excited for him to return for what will be his fourth episode as a director on the show!Â
With filming on episode 2 seemingly underway at the moment, we’ll hopefully get some behind-the-scenes updates from Soffer and the Chicago PD cast that might help clue us in on the circumstances of the episode and whether or not it is indeed Hawkins’ final episode.Â
Chicago PD season 14 premieres Wednesday, October 7, at 10/9c on NBC.
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