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'Chicago PD' Season 8 Episode 8 lauded for police brutality and racism storyline, fans say 'not easy' to watch

Officer Wheelan stood by what he thought was right, the Black man he had shot had been stopped for going above the speed limit but did carry a gun

Spoilers for 'Chicago PD' Season 8 Episode 8 'Protect and Serve'

The new episode of 'Chicago PD', 'Protect and Serve', couldn't be more apt in its title as the episode spoke to one of the biggest movements in American history. The Black Lives Movement has been deservingly the center of attention after the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by a White officer. 'Protect and Serve' storyline kind of mirrors the injustices Black people face at the hands of police officers by showing us two different perspectives of a case similar to Floyd.

Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins), the only Black officer on the team, and Adam Ruzek (Patrick Flueger) are both enlisted by Deputy Superintendent Samantha Miller (Nicole Ari Parker) to arrest a White police officer Wheelan for murder after a video of the cop shooting a Black man goes viral. While for Ruzek, this is another task that he has to accomplish, for Atwater it's much more than that. 'Chicago PD' hit the jackpot with this episode, which will have many people around the world relate to the episodes' views on morality and ethics. Fans took to Twitter to speak on how the episode affected them and how 'PD' still stands as the best of the NBC 'Chicago' series.

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'Watching #ChicagoPd is not easy'

Officer Wheelan stood by what he thought was right, the Black man he had shot had been stopped for going above the speed limit but did carry a gun. While he had a firearm legally, he didn't do much but put his arms above his head. Unfortunately, because he resisted the cop's need to arrest him, he was shot. People took to Twitter to explain the fear the Black man must have faced with Wheelan, with one writing, "How could this cop fear for his life when he saw this black man with his hands up not moving?! The video shows you were NOT justified in this shooting sir! This is why you were arrested in front of your kids. You deserved to be treated like you acted! #ChicagoPD."

The episode affected many as they watched a fictional storyline so aptly mirror real life crimes. One user added, "Watching #ChicagoPd is not easy. With this asshole Derek Chauvin's trial, it's stirring up a lot of anger and emotions #ChicagoPD #NBC." Another added, "This episode is intense love how it’s bringing more light on Police brutality #ChicagoPD." People even shared personal experiences, with one fan tweeting, "And it scares me cause if I'm walking to a 7 11 just minding my own business and a cop stops me for no good reason I know I have to do what they say or they might do something to me like hurt me or worst kill me cause they think they can. #ChicagoPD."

Some others called for peace. One user wrote, "We need to stop with this racism on these shows. Not all cops are bad, and not all black people are criminals! The majority of BOTH of these groups are GOOD PEOPLE. Don’t let the media divide us. #ChicagoPD #OneChicago." Another added, "@NBCChicagoPD your walking a fine line with this show. We understand the need for police reform, but your spreading the flames of anti police sentiment. #ChicagoPD." Yet another tweeted, "Unfortunately there are cops out there who are racist but not all are like that. What we saw on tv was an example of one. A change can be made to the police force in reality with the right training. #ChicagoPD #onechicago."

Nevertheless, the series killed it with this episode, making sure sensitivity and reality didn't blur too many lines as they tried to explain the truth of many Black people in the United States.

'Chicago PD' airs on Wednesday at 10/9c on NBC.