Their chemistry is undeniable on Chicago P.D. — but what does it mean?
Officer Kiana Cook (Toya Turner) has certainly made her mark on Chicago P.D. as the newest member of the Intelligence Unit.
Throughout the season we've learned more about her past and wealthy family, while also seeing her make a near-fatal mistake during her first undercover case. And in the latest Cook-focused episode — Season 12, Episode 19's "Name Image Likeness" — she's in charge of a CI for the first time during a complex robbery-murder case involving a college basketball star and exotic dancer.
However, what's equally fascinating are her relationships within the Intelligence Unit. Cook found a quick bond with Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger), who was her first partner before she even officially joined Intelligence.
"I think we really just like lock in when it comes to doing something with a case," Turner tells NBC Insider about Flueger's Ruzek, who the cast affectionately calls Paddy. "I feel like we can almost like finish each other's sentences."
However, if Chicago P.D. fans have picked up on a chemistry that's not quite as tangible between Cook and Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar), you're not alone.
Cook and Torres' chemistry on Chicago P.D.
"I feel like Cook and Torres, it's something else," the actress tells us. "They work great together. You know, they do. But I also feel like there's this unspoken thing. Like, they know secrets about each other."
Fans will remember that Cook was particularly hard on Torres earlier this season once his relationship with Gloria was revealed. Despite this, she also went out of her way to reach out to Torres when he was clearly struggling in the aftermath of his secret being revealed. Additionally, when Torres was out on leave, Cook was clearly worried and wondering about where he was.
While both Turner and Aguilar have previously denied there's anything romantic happening between their characters, the actress acknowledges there are definitely emotions brewing beneath the surface.
"It's like me and Paddy are like brother and sister. You know?" she says. "I don't know what to call what Cook and Torres are."
Whatever's going on between the two, Turner hints there will be a (small) development in their relationship at the end of the season, which will also mark Ruzek and Burgess' (Marina Squerciati) wedding.
"I will say there is something in the season finale," she teases. "You know what I mean? Just a little something. Just a little bit."
Chicago P.D.'s Season 12 finale will air Wednesday, May 21 at 10/9c.
