As Chicago PD gears up for its 13th season, there’s an opportunity that the series absolutely cannot afford to miss — finally giving Kevin Atwater the meaningful storyline he deserves. For years, Atwater, played with quiet strength by LaRoyce Hawkins, has been underutilized and often boxed into repetitive undercover operations, usually involving gang-related cases. While characters like Voight, Ruzek, and Burgess have consistently taken the spotlight, Atwater’s arcs have too often been sidelined or left unresolved.

Season 12 hinted at a deeper and more impactful direction for Atwater — one rooted in community, change, and personal growth. His collaboration with his longtime friend Hype to establish the Urban Vision Community Center provided a glimpse of a storyline that could elevate his role beyond the badge. Unfortunately, that potential was undercut by a frustrating decision: Voight sending Hype into a deadly undercover situation that resulted in his death. The community initiative storyline was left hanging, with no real resolution on whether Hype’s legacy would live on or if Urban Vision’s mission would survive.

This unfinished arc represents the perfect entry point for Season 13. With Hype gone, Kevin Atwater is the natural heir to carry on his friend’s vision of helping at-risk youth in Chicago’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. And in the aftermath of Deputy Chief Reid’s death — which may have significant legal and political fallout for Voight — CPD could use a positive public face. Enter Atwater. His connection to the community, his integrity, and his efforts with Urban Vision make him the ideal officer to bridge the gap between the police and the public.

But this shouldn’t just be about PR. Atwater’s involvement could deepen the show’s exploration of morality and accountability. Voight has long walked a fine line between heroism and corruption, and Reid’s final words — “you’re even worse than me” — still linger. If Voight attempts to use Atwater’s outreach work to clean up his own image, it could create powerful tension between them. After all, Kevin already has reasons to be disillusioned with Voight, especially after Hype’s senseless death.

Moreover, this storyline has the potential to redefine Chicago PD’s approach to justice. Instead of relying solely on raids and surveillance, the show could showcase the power of prevention and support — and Atwater is the perfect character to lead that charge. He’s earned it, both in-universe and in the eyes of viewers who’ve long waited for him to step into a more central role.

If Chicago PD season 13 embraces this direction, it can finally fix one of its biggest ongoing mistakes: sidelining one of its strongest and most compelling characters. Kevin Atwater’s time is now — and the series needs to let him rise.