The Intelligence Unit is growing. Chicago P.D. Season 10 will have a new series regular, with Deadline reporting Benjamin Levy Aguilar was promoted to series regular. Levy Aguilar appeared in Chicago P.D. 9×18 “New Guard,” playing the role of Dante Torres.
On the whole, this is a good thing for a show that has struggled with diversity — much more than the rest of One Chicago. And though we will always miss Vanessa Rojas, and would absolutely take her back if she wanted to return — wait, where is she again? — Dante isn’t a replacement minority. He’s an interesting character in his own right and one who will hopefully push the Voight/team dynamics to more interesting places.
I mean, we all know it’s just a matter of time before Voight pulls a Voight. Now there’s another pair of eyes on him. And that means the reaction of everyone else on the team might be different. This is particularly true of Jay, whose interactions with Dante followed more of the mentor/mentee dynamic than Voight has ever truly followed with anyone, other than perhaps Erin.
Plus, the more the drama is focused on Voight and maybe Dante’s dynamics with the team the less the show has to focus on relationship drama for the sake of drama. So maybe Hailey and Jay get to just be …a married couple, finding their balance. Going on casual dates. Picking furniture together. HAVING A HONEYMOON. Maybe Kim and Adam get to be parents — and figure out what else they are, once and for all. Maybe Kevin gets more of a focus in the good way, and a love interest that lasts (they could also bring back Vanessa, like …no one would complain), because it’s frankly unbelievable that he’s stayed single all this time.
Hopefully, all of this happens while Dante gets some good storylines — and some writers who actually understand the nuance of his background. Real diversity, after all, isn’t just about hiring diverse actors, it’s about telling truthful, nuanced stories through them, and that …well, that requires some change behind the scenes as well.
For now? We’re excited for Chicago P.D. Season 10 and Benjamin Levy Aguilar’s expanded role. How about you?
Chicago P.D. will return to NBC on September 21.
I love this addition. I am glad it’s happening. This gives meaning to New Guard. The fact that he has a complicated past to explore should give him some interesting storylines.