Time for change
From Voight struggling to adapt to the reform measures, to Atwater standing up for the truth, Chicago PD tackles topical societal and political issues in season 8.
Chicago P.D.
Season 8 Tuesdays (from 8 June) M-Net (*101) 21:30
In light of the protests aimed at fighting police brutality and racial injustice, including the most well-known Black Lives Matter movement that sparked debate and action around the world after US citizen George Floyd was killed by a cop in May 2020, season 8 of crime drama series Chicago PD (2014-now) isn’t only dedicated to addressing reallife events, but also tackling reform in the field. “We feel a sense of responsibility to discuss these ongoing issues, which is fun and challenging,” says Jason Beghe, who plays stubborn Detective Sergeant Henry “Hank” Voight.
Usually, Voight doesn’t think twice about breaking the rules and using excessive force to catch the bad guys. However, with protocols set in place and pressure from newly appointed Deputy Superintendent Samantha Miller (Nicole Ari Parker, Giselle from 2017 in musical drama show Empire, 2015-2020), Voight is forced to reconsider his way of running the Intelligence Unit.
“There’s clearly a need for transformation [in both policing and Voight’s character], and we will see that throughout this season’s storylines. There may be people who are offended, and there may be new fans. We are going in with both barrels blazing. I’m proud of our scripts as they’re not only entertaining but [educational],” says Jason.
THE GOOD FIGHT
Coincidentally, the season 7 finale (in April 2020) reflected society. Just before production was abruptly shut down due to COVID-19 restrictions, patrol officer Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins, Michael in comedy show South Side, 2019-now) found himself at the centre of a scandal. During his undercover mission with racist detective Tom Doyle
(Mickey O’Sullivan, Dan in 2018-2019 in drama series The Chi, 2018-now) from a neighbouring police station, Tom both racially profiled and fatally shot a black man. When Atwater caught up to Doyle, Doyle had been shot dead by two bystanders who were trying to protect the victim.
“Doyle’s colleagues tried to convince Atwater to hide the details of the murder to defend his legacy, but Atwater refuses to lie. He’s always stood for the truth, and that won’t change anytime soon,” explains LaRoyce. But Atwater also becomes a target in season 8. “There are consequences for Atwater’s honesty as Doyle’s colleagues make it their priority to terrorise him at every turn,” reveals the actor. “Atwater is faced with a massive task this season: opposing the police department. We watch as Atwater finds his voice. He understands that he isn’t just a police officer, he is a black man too. And he is staying true to his heritage and what he understands the truth to be.” And that means despite the death threats and physical attacks, Atwater is adamant that he isn’t retracting his statement against racist Doyle.
MIXING BUSINESS & PLEASURE
It’s not all doom and gloom in season 8 though. There’s a prospect for romance for detectives Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer, Nate in medical drama series The Mob Doctor, 2012-2013) and Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos, Charlie in postapocalyptic sci-fi show Revolution, 2012-2014). The pair have fought their attraction for each other since season 6 (2018), explains Tracy. “Halstead and Upton’s feelings for each other have been growing over the past two seasons. Quite frankly, there was nowhere else to go for them. They had to take things to the next level or at least give it a try.” But can the cop couple juggle working in a high-pressured environment and still maintain a healthy romantic relationship? “We’ll see,” says Tracy. “I know that vulnerability isn’t exactly Upton’s strongest attribute, which might have already jeopardised the romance before they even get to try it out.”