Chicago P.D. 4×12 “Sanctuary” Recap

Spoilers Ahead

Case Summary: When a girl is murdered after her morning run, two kids become the suspects. However, after they run into the church, the officers can’t get to them as they’re then protected by the Pastor. It turns out they weren’t guilty, the church is destroyed, and the culprit is found.

Review | Analysis: “Sanctuary” should have aired before “You Wish” because once again we’re left with a lack of continuity that simply doesn’t add up. But that said, for what it’s worth, I adored the focus we had on Atwater and I only wish his scenes were a little bit longer. Laroyce Hawkins needs to be given more opportunities to shine as he did this week. Who do I need to speak to for more Atwater scenes?

Most Noteworthy Performance: Laroyce Hawkins stunned me in that final scene at Molly’s. I was expecting the comedy bit, but I wasn’t expecting the heart-shattering honesty that followed. Hawkins’ ability to keep the comedic tone while slowly fading into the reality that still haunts black men and women broke me. Hawkins wore hope and warmth in his eyes beautifully, but at the same time, you could see the haunting sadness that lingered. And in an episode where black kids were shown as possible suspects yet again, it felt even rawer — emotionally heartbreaking. Hawkins turned this moment into a compelling work of art, and it’s performances like this that often remind others of the harsh reality that’s increased catastrophically within the last few years. Weaving comedy with dark reality allows those who usually don’t listen to pay closer attention. Police brutality still exists and for Chicago P.D. to bring light to it in the way that it does is admirable.

Seriously though, we need more scenes featuring Atwater.

Most Exquisite Moment: As mentioned previously, I’m extremely confused with Olinsky’s behavior lately. You’re telling me that the man who’s never once shown any sign of being anything other than a feminist is a bit ridiculous to me. It makes absolutely no sense that he’d be so harsh with Burgess. However, I’m willing to look beyond this in order to acknowledge that his choice to finally call her his partner was gorgeous. That’s the man Olinsky’s always been — kind and understanding being critical only when it’s necessary. Perhaps what’s been frustrating, the fact that it’s written as though he’s only acting this way because Burgess is a woman. And none of this would’ve appeared this way if Platt hadn’t made that comment — it would’ve felt more organic without it. It would’ve felt right. But nonetheless, Burgess can now feel that she’s part of the team and her partner is someone who cares and sees her value.

Worth Mentioning:

• Once again the lack of continuity leaves me wondering if the episodes were filmed out-of-order because we’ve had absolutely no follow-up with Erin’s situation regarding Bunny. Or the fight with Jay. Sure they apologized and it all seemed to fall into place, but we need further glimpses into these things for them to feel organic.
• I loved watching the entire community come together to help renovate the Church. It’s moments like this where Chicago begins to feel like a character as well.