LaRoyce Hawkins reveals unexpected pick for favorite Chicago PD episode

Kevin Atwater knows his way around a shootout. He's arguably the most reliable character in Chicago PD when it comes to wielding a gun, and making sure the bad guys are the ones who go down in the end. It's the more tender moments, that most appeal to actor LaRoyce Hawkins.

Hawkins has been playing Atwater for over a decade, and he's had several wonderful showcases on the small screen. The actor spoke with NBC about his favorite Chicago PD episodes in 2022, and his choice surprised many. Not only due to the episode itself, but the reason why Hawkins found it to be so important.

LaRoyce Hawkins love an episode from season 9

The actor's favorite hour of Chicago PD is the season 9 episode "Burnside." Tucked into the middle of an otherwise action-packed season, "Burnside" stood out to Hawkins due to the fact that it showed a different side of his character to viewers. A softer, more romantic side, as he put it:

"My favorite scene of all the One Chicago’s thus far is the second time Atwater lost his virginity with his second shot at love, Miss Celeste Nichols."

Hawkins felt that "Burnside" was one of the most crucial episodes in terms of fleshing out Kevin Atwater as someone who yearns for love and something more outside of the confines of his job. "I just like it because it was a chance for us to see a different side of Atwater," the actor stated. "It was nice to watch him enjoy himself."

Hawkins likes exploring Atwater's romantic side

Unfortunately, the enjoyment was short-lived. Atwater's secrecy led to the Celeste relationship falling apart before the end of the season. The character has tried to reach out and respark things since, but it has not proven successful.

Thankfully, Atwater has bounced back in recent seasons. The character struck up a romantic dynamic with Val Soto (Natalee Linez), a psychiatrist he bumps into at a cop bar. It's an unexpected pairing, but one that has proven to be successful given their unique chemistry and their emphasis on honesty. Lack of communication got Atwater in trouble last time around, and it seems as though he's learned his lesson.

"[Val] she has the skills to not just be patient but also understand what’s going on," Hawkins told TV Line. "It’s unexpectedly sweet, which I dig about it, because I don’t think Atwater sees it coming. [His] guards are always up." Hopefully we can get more Atwater romance in the future. Who knows, maybe a future episode will dethrone Hawkins' current favorite.