In the riveting world of “Chicago PD,” relationships often take center stage amid the chaos of crime and justice. The latest episode, “Transference,” provided a compelling narrative filled with unexpected twists and emotional depth, particularly revolving around the evolving relationship between Atwater and Val. The episode was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring everything from relationship struggles to life-threatening situations, making it a memorable installment in the series.
Critic’s Rating: 4 / 5.04. Just when I thought Atwater would be rolling up to Burzek’s wedding solo, he and Val pulled through in the end. After the events of Chicago PD Season 12 Episode 17, they seemed like a doomed couple, so the fact that they ended on such a promising note was one of the biggest surprises of the hour. “Transference” had relationship woes, a stalker, murder, robberies, and sadly, no Torres. (Lori Allen/NBC)
This episode brilliantly showcased how the characters dealt with tension both in the field and in their personal lives. Atwater’s dinner date with Val quickly spiraled into chaos, as an unexpected gunfire incident turned a romantic evening into a life-or-death scenario. The suddenness of the gunshots and the ensuing panic set the tone for the episode, revealing how quickly lives can change in the world of law enforcement.
It’s always interesting to see how unit members catch cases; this was no exception. One minute, Atwater was on a dinner date with Val, which got more awkward by the second, and the next thing you know, gunshots erupted, and a man died in front of Atwater’s eyes. The suddenness of that was worrisome, as we didn’t know what to anticipate when Atwater headed toward the gunfire rather than away. Things intensified the second he happened across Nick in the alleyway, and we had to wonder if this kid was behind everything or had maybe seen it. My heart went out to that older man because I couldn’t help but wonder if Atwater had gotten to him sooner, called the ambulance, or called back up quicker if he would’ve had a fighting chance. (Lori Allen/NBC)
Atwater’s decision to confront the danger head-on speaks volumes about his character. He is a dedicated officer who prioritizes saving lives even in the face of personal trauma. However, this choice also exposes the emotional toll such experiences take on him, making it clear that he is not just a cop; he is a man grappling with the weight of his responsibilities.
With just Atwater on the scene, he had to choose between Nick and attending to a civilian; then, he had to clear the house before focusing on this man. And the ambulance was too far away. I hated that for Kevin. How traumatizing to witness that, yet there was Val, and with her came a whole new batch of trauma. I couldn’t figure out what the issue was with Val. Even before everything kicked off, she felt randomly cold toward Atwater. When she realized he had left a shirt at her house, she shut down on him as if he was trying to move in with her or something. Sometimes, a shirt is just a shirt, not this ultimate sign of a lifetime commitment. And it felt like she was withholding information well before she even knew what was happening in the case to hold back. I felt like she knew more than she let on the entire time. (Lori Allen/NBC)
Val’s behavior throughout the episode raises questions about her emotional state and intentions. Her sudden coldness towards Atwater could signify deeper issues, such as fear of commitment or unresolved trauma. The shirt incident, which may seem trivial, symbolizes a much larger fear of vulnerability. For Val, it appears that every interaction holds the potential for emotional stakes that she is not entirely prepared to face.
It was surprising that she didn’t have the wealth of information she had kept from Kevin before they found out about Nick. Whatever it is about Val, she always reads as if she’s shrouded in secrecy and maybe has ulterior motives, and I don’t know what to do with that. The whole situation with Nick was frustrating. By the end, we could adequately read between the lines and understand that she and Nick were both guilty of transference. However, that didn’t make Val’s actions throughout the entire hour any easier to accept or accept. She felt more of a hindrance than anything during this case, which was maddening. I understand that Nick wasn’t a bad kid and had some psychological issues, but it was more of a reason why he needed help she couldn’t provide. In her efforts to shield Nick from everything, she constantly endangered herself, him, and others. She didn’t seem to look at things from that perspective, though. (Lori Allen/NBC)
The concept of transference, where one person projects feelings or emotions onto another, plays a critical role in Val’s interactions with both Atwater and Nick. Her maternal instincts towards Nick complicate her relationship with Atwater, leading her to make questionable decisions. Val’s actions can be seen as a misguided attempt to protect Nick, but in reality, they often place everyone, including herself, in danger.
Even a mostly harmless stalker is still a stalker, and that’s a problem. Sure, he transferred all these maternal feelings to her, but what if he did it to someone else? Nick was creepy with how he went about things. When he called Kevin out by name, it was disturbing, and I don’t know too many people who would put up with something like that or extend grace because he’s mourning his mother. Even how he orchestrated an apology from Kevin and a chance to talk with Val before he identified the actual killer was irritating. Where’s the genuine concern about the lives at stake? The stalker as a red herring was a nice touch because it mostly served as a conflict point in Atwater and Val’s relationship. Boyd was the actual murderer, and he had no qualms about taking Nick out, either. Fortunately, with another dead perpetrator on the books this season, we don’t have to worry about Boyd any longer. (Lori Allen/NBC)
Nick’s behavior escalates the tension in the episode, serving as a reminder that emotional trauma can manifest in disturbing ways. The stalker dynamic adds layers to Val’s character, showing how her need to nurture can sometimes lead to dangerous situations. The revelation that Boyd was the true murderer brings closure to the immediate threat but leaves lingering questions about how Val and Atwater will navigate their relationship moving forward.
I don’t know what to make of Nick, though. And it still bothers me that Val made this case so much harder by putting herself in harm’s way and not listening to Kevin when it called for it because he had the nerve to be concerned. The hour placed Atwater and Val’s relationship under a scope and did it in front of his unit, too. Voight couldn’t fathom how Val was such an obstacle during this case. Ruzek mostly tried to stay out of it, and in a rare but welcome Burgwater pairup, Burgess just wanted to ensure her best friend was okay and was there to keep him in line during the tense moments of this case as it continued to hit close to home. By the end of the hour, we had more insight into their bond. Val and Atwater are more similar than different in approaching their jobs and people. It’s part of why they clashed so much. But Val also seems to have a lot of emotional baggage that she can’t really unpack, and this didn’t make me confident about their relationship. (Lori Allen/NBC)
The episode highlights the complexities of Atwater and Val’s relationship. Their shared experiences in law enforcement create a unique bond, yet their differing coping mechanisms lead to inevitable conflict. Val’s emotional baggage and Atwater’s dedication to his work clash, making it difficult for them to find common ground.
When she lost her mother, she shut down, which is why she had that connection with Nick, but it also keeps standing in the way of her and Atwater. I don’t know if I can buy that she’s willing to go from keeping things light to jumping into a real relationship with Atwater so easily and quickly. It feels like she still has walls up. After her experience with Nick and the co-transference, it makes you wonder if her suddenly reaching this conclusion with Atwater now is some response to trauma or genuine. I hate that the hour leaves me questioning the legitimacy of this romance for Kevin, as goodness knows he’s had one of the worst love lives whenever the series bothered to show it. (Lori Allen/NBC)
Val’s past trauma continues to shape her present relationships, particularly with Atwater. The episode raises critical questions about whether her feelings are genuine or simply a reaction to her emotional struggles. Atwater, who has faced his own challenges, remains hopeful for their future, but Val’s hesitations cast a shadow over their potential happiness.
As “Chicago PD” continues to explore the intricacies of its characters, the relationship between Atwater and Val serves as a focal point for personal and professional conflict. The episode “Transference” not only delivered intense action and drama but also offered a deep dive into the emotional complexities faced by its characters. The unresolved issues between Atwater and Val leave viewers eagerly anticipating how their relationship will evolve in future episodes. As the series progresses, it remains to be seen whether they can overcome their challenges and build a lasting bond amid the chaos of their lives.
With the return of “Chicago PD” on April 16, fans are left pondering the fate of Atwater and Val and are invited to share their thoughts on this captivating couple. What do you think of their relationship? Are you rooting for them, or do you see potential pitfalls ahead? Sound off in the comments below.
