Chicago P.D. Season 10 Episode 6 Review: Sympathetic Reflex

Chicago P.D. Season 10 Episode 6, “Sympathetic Reflex,” proves exactly why Kevin has always been a fan-favorite character. Not only is he loyal, he is straight forward and always playing by the rules.

The entire episode is an ode to Atwater’s passion, dedication, and morals. Even though CPD wants to leave him out to dry (his exact words), he never deviates from what he is supposed to do as a good cop.

He lies on the floor with the victim, refuses to take a deal even though it will save him, and talks to the mother of the last victim to give her the closure she deserves.

Kevin Atwater plays by the rules and gets the job done in the way Jay Halstead wished he could and Voight tries to do by pushing the limits. He is the best cop on the show.

With the promo for the episode, we were afraid Chicago P.D. would do Kevin dirty. That unlike Hailey, Adam, and Antonio in the past, he wouldn’t be protected by his team.

Luckily, “Sympathetic Reflex” proves us wrong and the Intelligence Unit steps up for the officer when he needs them the most.

However, this dysfunctional family has its way of protecting their own and it isn’t always obvious. Chief O’Neal, ironically, tells Kevin what the best way to protect him is when in reality he isn’t doing such thing — he is simply covering for the CPD.

But his team, the one that has always been there for him, is doing so with little actions that show how deep the bond between these cops goes. Adam steps between Kevin and the grieving parents in the precinct.

He isn’t the only one. Trudy steps between Kevin and the Chief when his personal information is leaked. And Voight is the one to push for the investigation to keep going, trusting that he can clear Kevin’s name.

Chicago P.D. has always been more about the relationships and the work family than the cases. “Sympathetic Reflex” is the best example of that.

The beginning of the episode already tells us how Kevin will deal with everything that comes his way. He is the kind of man who shows up for Trudy to give a lecture even when he wasn’t her first option.

However, the way he handles himself during the lecture is what shows us the kind of man and cop he is. Atwater tells the officers “take your empathy with you” and that is exactly what he does throughout the episode.

He has empathy for the first victim as he stays by his side when he is dying. He has empathy for the other young man who died trying to help his friend and empathy for the mother of the kid who needs to know what his last words were.

Even though nobody outside his team has empathy for him and they are ready to leave him alone, Kevin never loses focus. He always knows what the right thing to do is.

If I’m honest, I have absolutely loved watching Torres and Kevin work together. As an older brother, Kevin is constantly showing up for Torres. Can he possibly become his mentor?

This relationship, this partnership, is leading Torres in the right direction as we witness on “Sympathetic Reflex” how much he has grown since joining the Intelligence Unit.

Torres’s way of showing he is part of the team and he also has their back is being the first one to bring relevant information to the table and going undercover when Kevin needs him the most.

To keep him in character and remind us he is still a newbie, he continues to wear the white t-shirt and blue jeans. He even does this when Kevin shows up at his lecture. Will this ever change?

The continuity on Chicago P.D. has at times failed us, but not during “Sympathetic Reflex.” Right out of the gate, we are told Voight and Hailey are still investigating Chief O’Neal’s son.

However, isn’t it sketchy they still haven’t told the rest of the team?

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a bit tired of Voight and Hailey’s secretive and, if I may say so, borderline weird relationship. They have both risked their careers in the past because of it, is it worth it to keep going down the same path?

Still, Voight proves on this new episode of Chicago P.D. that he cares about his entire team and would do anything for them. Even though he is ready to make a deal for Kevin’s sake, he trusts Atwater knows what’s best for him.

As much as we doubt Hank Voight, he continues to show up for his people time after time.

The best thing Chicago P.D. Season 10 Episode 6, “Sympathetic Reflex,” does is leave clues for us from the very beginning regarding who is involved in the case.

Clarita, who gives “overwhelming help” at the beginning of the episode, ends up being a key component for Kevin’s safety and the resolution of the case. She is more involved than we realize the moment we see her at the gas station.

These are the twists that keep us coming back to Chicago P.D. and leave us wanting more from the Intelligence Unit.

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What did you think of this episode of Chicago P.D.? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Chicago P.D. airs Wednesdays at 10/9 on NBC.

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