Chicago P.D. Season 14: Atwater’s Exit and New FBI Presence Explained
The Season 14 premiere of Chicago P.D. sets up the impending exit of Kevin Atwater, played by LaRoyce Hawkins, while introducing a disruptive federal presence to the Intelligence Unit’s bullpen, according to an interview with showrunner Gwen Sigan.
Atwater Prepares for Fatherhood and His Final Episode
Atwater is on the verge of becoming a father, a milestone that finally arrives during the Season 14 premiere. As the unit wraps up a case, Atwater receives a call from Tasha, played by Karen Obilom, announcing that the baby is coming. Patrick John Flueger’s character, Ruzek, rushes to drive Atwater to the hospital. The subsequent episode will serve as Hawkins’ final appearance as the character transitions into life as a new parent.
Showrunner Gwen Sigan explained that the following episode will jump forward after Atwater takes a few weeks at home with Tasha and the baby. The narrative explores the adjustment of returning to police work with new domestic stakes waiting at home. The season also features key character interactions between Atwater, Burgess, played by Marina Squerciati, and Ruzek, though tight episode runtimes limit the screen time available for the unit’s interpersonal dynamics.
Imani Navigates Family Estrangement After a Tough Bargain
Meanwhile, Imani, played by Arienne Mandi, faces personal devastation after giving her all to support her incarcerated sister, Shari, played by Selin Cuhadaroglu. Voight, played by Jason Beghe, previously allowed Imani to decide the fallout of the murder committed by Shari, leading to a deal. Despite Imani’s constant prison visits and emotional investment, Shari cuts her off entirely and refuses further contact.
Sigan noted that the storyline forces Imani to cope with a reality where her primary defining purpose has been stripped away. Rather than wallowing, Imani actively compartmentalizes, excelling at her job while searching for distractions, escapes, and new personal interests to fill her hours.
An FBI Agent Enters the Intelligence Bullpen
Administrative changes at the district compound create immediate friction for Voight and his team. Following the sale of OCD HQ, specialized units find themselves housing extra personnel. Intelligence is assigned an FBI agent named Charlie to evaluate whether the unit represents an efficient use of resources and to utilize full clearance of the bullpen.
Charlie presents an unconventional challenge for the squad. Unlike standard authoritative antagonists, the character is socially awkward and speaks his thoughts aloud, disarming a team that is not really sure what to make of him. Voight finds himself unusually stymied by the new dynamic, creating a serialized interior threat that runs parallel to the criminal cases tackled over multiple episodes.
With Atwater’s departure leaving the department short-handed, the unit prepares to introduce new faces and modified workflows as the season progresses on NBC.
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