Iffy

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Heed this notice: The discussion ahead may unveil plot twists for episode 19 of Chicago P.D.’s 12th season. Every week, you can catch new episodes on Wednesdays at 10 p.m., concluding NBC’s “One Chicago” night. Episode 19, titled “Name Image Likeness,” premiered on April 23 and primarily focused on Toya Turner’s character Kiana Cook. The official summary reveals that Cook is assigned her first undercover operation during a brutal robbery-murder case involving a prominent college athlete. Apart from Turner, the regular cast members Jason Beghe, Patrick John Flueger, Marina Squerciati, LaRoyce Hawkins, Benjamin Levy Aguilar, and Amy Morton are also featured in this series.

In a surprising twist during Cook’s initial collaboration with Confidential Informant (CI), Ruby suddenly disappears along with Damone, leaving the case in shambles. Though they are eventually apprehended, this near-miss incident leaves an indelible mark on Cook. The series concludes as the officer listens to her mother’s voicemail message and contemplates returning her call.

In this discussion, Toya Turner is questioned by ScreenRant regarding the Cook case, her dynamics with Torres, and anticipations for Chicago P.D.’s final episode of the current season.

Turner Was Initially “Iffy” About Cook’s Storyline In Chicago P.D. Season 12, Episode 19

“We have to act like we’re together, which they ended up changing it a little bit for us.”

What were your initial thoughts on Cook’s storyline when you read the script for that episode?

Toya Turner: While I didn’t find the episode flawless, I thought it was exceptionally well-done. It felt like a debut performance to me. I noticed Cook evolving, her storyline expanding. When I went through the script, there were two aspects that gave me pause. I thought, “Uh oh. Me and Ruz have to portray a romantic relationship. That’s like my on-screen brother!” However, they adjusted those scenes slightly for us, which I appreciated greatly.

As a movie enthusiast, there’s a scene featuring Voight that I found myself taking a stand against him. I remember saying something like, “Perhaps it’s just because Jason and I, on a personal level, lack that dynamic.” So, I expressed my reluctance, stating, “No, I don’t feel right about this. It doesn’t add up.” Fortunately, Gwen had a conversation with me about it, and when I watched the director’s cut, I was thrilled to discover that moment became one of my all-time favorites in the episode. It really amped up my excitement for the show.

At the close of the episode, Cook makes a call to her mother. Is there any exploration of their relationship to be expected in Season 12?

Toya Turner: No, I think it’s teeing up for future stories in the next season, but not this one.

Is there anything you’re hoping for from that storyline?

Toya Turner: I don’t want things to seem too perfect or easy right away. I’ve had feelings for her since I was a child. That was the time when I truly desired to establish a bond with her. I believe I ought to let her put in a bit more effort before we move forward.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but feel that the storyline isn’t quite complete yet. Ideally, I’d love to see at least five more episodes unfold before I’m ready to extend an invitation for dinner or casual hangouts. Meeting the extended family, particularly the grandfather, seems crucial to fully appreciate the depth of this narrative. Honestly, I can’t wait to delve deeper into their lives and unravel more of their secrets.

What do you suppose the impact on both her professional and personal life will be, now that Cook has used a cochlear implant for the first time?

Toya Turner: To be honest, it didn’t work out as planned. [Chuckles] So I might need to distance myself emotionally from my confidential informant. Perhaps this will make me stick strictly to the facts and rules. That’s what I believe. Considering her performance in the undercover operation and as a confidential informant, she hasn’t had any successes yet. She’s not doing well in that area. [Chuckles]

Cook And Torres Will Grow Closer In Chicago P.D. Season 12

“Whatever chemistry you’re all seeing, I’m telling you, it’s because we’re just locked in.”

Are you learning new things about Cook as she faces these new obstacles?

Toya Turner: Indeed, I’m discovering quite a bit about her. While I put in a lot of effort into the scripts, it’s the small adjustments my director and I make that are revealing even more. We’ve talked so much, which has been instrumental in shaping her character, boosting her confidence, and helping her feel more at ease. This process isn’t just about her character development, but also about mine.

Does Cook have a relationship you’d like to see develop more?

Toya Turner expressed that she has grown closer to Voight, and she anticipates a more affectionate bond between herself and Torres following this particular episode. She feels as though their connection is deepening beyond its previous state.

I was going to ask about that. Closer friendly or closer romantically?

Toya Turner: Y’all are taking things too seriously! [Laughs] It’s all just friendly banter right now. Closer friends, if you will. I can’t really say what Gwen is thinking about our relationship dynamics, but I don’t believe she brought Kiana Cook onto the scene to be a romantic interest for anyone.

However, just because nothing is happening now doesn’t guarantee that things won’t change in the future. It could be a new character joining or someone who’s already part of the show. The connection you’re witnessing is simply due to the fact that we’ve grown close. That’s all. I consider them my friend, if not more.

Is there anything you can tease about the season 12 finale?

Toya Turner: I’ve got a feeling there’s a wedding [laughs], and I’ve been invited, capturing plenty of BTS moments. It promises to be an incredibly joyful occasion. So, it’s going to be a fantastic event. I think you’ll all enjoy it.

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About Chicago P.D. Season 12

From Renowned Emmy Award-Winning Executive Producer Dick Wolf

The TV show ‘Chicago PD’ follows the brave team members from Chicago’s top-tier Intelligence Unit within the police department, as they tackle some of the city’s most serious crimes such as organized crime, narcotics trafficking, and high-profile homicides. The main character is Sgt. Hank Voight (played by Jason Beghe), a dedicated yet complex individual who stands right in the thick of the battle against crime in Chicago.

The Intelligence Unit is set to undergo a test while adjusting to working effectively with the latest Deputy Chief of Police. Moreover, we’ve welcomed a fresh face to our team – Officer Kiana Cook, a dedicated and resilient patrol officer eager to demonstrate her abilities within the unit.

Check out our other One Chicago interviews:

  • Showrunner Gwen Sigan (Chicago P.D.)
  • Eamonn Walker (Chicago Fire)
  • Joe Miñoso (Chicago Fire)
  • Luke Mitchell (Chicago Med)
  • Shawn Hatosy (Chicago P.D.)
  • Steven Weber (Chicago Med)

Chicago P.D. season 12 airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.

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2025-04-24 06:09