Leonard Gardner Movies
- 2002
As NYPD Blue entered its tenth season, there was a perception that the series had become flat and predictable, and that the leading characters were merely going through the motions. But the series had confounded its critics the previous season by retaining its popularity despite a change to an earlier and less advantageous time slot, and it would continue thriving -- and even improving -- throughout season ten. Some of the emphasis during the 2002-2003 season was on couples. The May-December romance between 15th precinct detectives Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) and Connie McDowell (Charlotte Ross), tentatively inaugurated during season nine, experienced a number of rocky moments -- many of them tied in with the vacillating feelings of Andy's son Theo (Austin Majors). But their relationship was strengthened and reaffirmed by a major crisis: Connie's determination to retain custody of her baby niece Michelle, whose mother (Katherine La Nasa), Connie's sister, was killed by her low-life husband, Frank Colohan (played by former X-Files menace Nicholas Lea). Despite the efforts by Frank's nasty and manipulative parents to obtain custody of Michelle, the forces of good triumphed, largely because Andy marshalled extra assistance from an old friend, Detective Diane Russell (Kim Delaney, in a most welcome one-shot return to the series). The other couplings of note involved Andy's partner John Clark Jr. (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) and Detective Rita Ortiz (Jacqueline Obradors), the off-and-on relationship between detective Baldwin Jones (Henry Simmons) and Assistant DA Valerie Haywood (Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon), and the brief reunion between 15th precinct skipper Lt. Tony Rodriguez (Esai Morales) and his drug-addicted former wife, Angela Lupo (Jessica Ferrarone). Two of these three couples would be broken up by season's end, one of them under tragic circumstances, while John Clark Jr. would begin a liaison with police doctor Jennifer Devlin (Chandra West). Back "on the job," the 15th was again targeted for persecution by Internal Affairs captain Pat Fraker (Casey Siemaszko), who was so determined to get something damaging against his longtime enemy Andy Sipowicz that he was willing to engineer a frame-up that sent John Clark Jr. to jail on a trumped-up drug charge. This plot development would result in the disgrace of a longtime NYPD Blue recurring character, the suicide of Clark Jr.'s alcoholic father (Joe Spano), and ultimately a bloody confrontation which, for the season-closing cliffhanger, left Lt. Rodriguez hovering between life and death. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dennis Franz, Henry Simmons, (more)
- 2001
At the end of NYPD Blue's eighth season, Danny Sorenson (Rick Schroder), the troubled young partner of the 15th precinct's Detective Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz), had disappeared under sinister circumstances after a botched undercover operation. It was not until season nine got under way that Danny's murder was confirmed, sending Sipowicz -- not to mention the rest of the 15th -- into an emotional spiral. In the fine revolving-door tradition of NYPD Blue, Danny was immediately replaced by another handsome young detective with personal issues: John Clark Jr. (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), the son of a veteran cop (Joe Spano) who happened to be an old enemy of John's new partner Andy. To compensate for the defection of another longtime series regular, Kim Delaney (Detective Diane Russell), Jacqueline Obradors was added to the cast as Det. Rita Ortiz, formerly of the vice squad who had transferred to the 15th at the insistence of her jealous, possessive Assistant DA husband, Don Harrison (Stan Cahill). Inasmuch as the series was falling into a pattern of predictability by this time, it was hardly surprising that Rita Ortiz would have been minus one husband and plus one new boyfriend (John Clark Jr., of course) by the end of season nine.
Of the holdover actors from previous seasons, Esai Morales had neatly settled into the role of Lt. Tony Rodriguez, the no-nonsense replacement of former 15th precinct skipper Lt. Fancy -- and had brought along his own emotional baggage in the form of a vengeful Internal Affairs Bureau captain (Casey Siemaszko) who had seemingly made it his life's work to force Rodriguez out of his job. The inner demons of Det. Connie McDowell (Charlotte Ross) surfaced to plague her when she attempted to touch base with Jennifer (Katie Fountain), the daughter whom she'd given up for adoption 16 years earlier. Gay cop John Irvin (Bill Brochtrup) took a brief respite from his duties to embark upon an African "safari" with his new boyfriend. And the off-again, on-again relationship between Det. Baldwin Jones (Henry Simmons) and ADA Valerie Haywood (Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon) took on a new and slightly melancholy dimension when Valerie became pregnant. As usual, it was top-billed Dennis Franz as Andy Sipowicz who bore the brunt of the dramatic developments. In addition to having to adjust to the tragic loss of another partner, Dennis also found himself enmeshed in the financial intrigues surrounding wealthy old eccentric Mrs. Hornby (Elmarie Wendel), for whom he worked as a bodyguard in his off-hours. And, of more importance to future plot developments, Andy finally made a romantic decision between two of the women in his life, Connie McDowell and the very-much-younger Cynthia Bunin (Juliana Donald) -- or rather, the decision was made for him following a traumatic hostage crisis. With Steven Bochco replacing the departing David Milch as senior executive producer, NYPD Blue was poised to begin its ninth season in early October of 2001 -- thereby breaking the tradition established in the past two seasons, when the debut date had been moved up to January (or mid-season) due to backstage intrigues and scheduling conflicts. However, the tragic events of September 11 obliged both the producers and the network to delay the season opener until November 6, by which time several scripts had been rewritten to reflect the 15th precinct's reaction to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Of the holdover actors from previous seasons, Esai Morales had neatly settled into the role of Lt. Tony Rodriguez, the no-nonsense replacement of former 15th precinct skipper Lt. Fancy -- and had brought along his own emotional baggage in the form of a vengeful Internal Affairs Bureau captain (Casey Siemaszko) who had seemingly made it his life's work to force Rodriguez out of his job. The inner demons of Det. Connie McDowell (Charlotte Ross) surfaced to plague her when she attempted to touch base with Jennifer (Katie Fountain), the daughter whom she'd given up for adoption 16 years earlier. Gay cop John Irvin (Bill Brochtrup) took a brief respite from his duties to embark upon an African "safari" with his new boyfriend. And the off-again, on-again relationship between Det. Baldwin Jones (Henry Simmons) and ADA Valerie Haywood (Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon) took on a new and slightly melancholy dimension when Valerie became pregnant. As usual, it was top-billed Dennis Franz as Andy Sipowicz who bore the brunt of the dramatic developments. In addition to having to adjust to the tragic loss of another partner, Dennis also found himself enmeshed in the financial intrigues surrounding wealthy old eccentric Mrs. Hornby (Elmarie Wendel), for whom he worked as a bodyguard in his off-hours. And, of more importance to future plot developments, Andy finally made a romantic decision between two of the women in his life, Connie McDowell and the very-much-younger Cynthia Bunin (Juliana Donald) -- or rather, the decision was made for him following a traumatic hostage crisis. With Steven Bochco replacing the departing David Milch as senior executive producer, NYPD Blue was poised to begin its ninth season in early October of 2001 -- thereby breaking the tradition established in the past two seasons, when the debut date had been moved up to January (or mid-season) due to backstage intrigues and scheduling conflicts. However, the tragic events of September 11 obliged both the producers and the network to delay the season opener until November 6, by which time several scripts had been rewritten to reflect the 15th precinct's reaction to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dennis Franz, Henry Simmons, (more)
- 2001
Season eight of NYPD Blue began minus the services of longtime executive producer David Milch, who left to develop a project of his own. Steven Bochco, who'd co-created the series with Milch, took full charge of the series. This was far from the only eighth-season personnel change. Andrea Thompson (Det. Jill Kirkendall) had already quit the series in order to launch a new career as a TV news anchor. Kim Delaney, who played Kirkendall's partner, Det. Diane Russell, remained on the scene, the better to develop a new plot strand involving a steamy romance between Russell and her troubled colleague Det. Danny Sorenson (Rick Schroder). But by the end of the season, Delaney was gone -- as was Schroder. One of the series' mainstays since its 1993 debut, James McDaniel, announced his intention of leaving his role as 15th precinct skipper Lt. Fancy after the first 13 episodes of the season. Fancy's initial replacement, hypersensitive feminist Lt. Susan Falto (Denise Crosby), had such a negative effect on the 15th that she herself was quickly supplanted by Lt. Tony Rodriguez (Esai Morales), a by-the-book type who (surprise, surprise) almost immediately clashed with gonzo "I make my own rules" detective Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz). Andy's private life was no less turbulent than his professional one; the moment the bone-marrow tests of his son Theo (Austin Majors) came back positive -- thereby resolving one of the unresolved subplots set up by the previous season's cliffhanger finale -- Andy began considering a reconciliation with ex-wife Kate (Debra Monk), but instead became sidetracked with a blossomed May-December relationship with Cynthia Bunin (Juliana Donald), the niece of Andy's old cop pal Gibson (John F. O'Donohue).
Along with Esai Morales and Juliana Donald, Charlotte Ross, and Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon joined the series, respectively cast as Det. Connie McDowell and new Assistant DA Valerie Haywood. Initially shunned as a possible "spy" from Internal Affairs, McDowell quickly proved her mettle and earned the right to remain at the 15th -- and in the process set the foundation for future plot complications by revealing that, 15 years earlier, she had had a daughter out of wedlock whom she had given up for adoption. As for Haywood, she almost immediately got off on the wrong foot with the extremely touchy Det. Baldwin Jones (Henry Simmons), in the tradition of the first-season flareups between Andy Sipowicz and the late ADA Sylvia Costas. But also like Andy and Sylvia, Baldwin Jones and Valerie Haywood quickly found themselves extremely attracted to one another.
The opening episodes of season eight resolved a dilemma left hanging during season seven, that of the 15th precinct's possible complicity in the drug-smuggling operations of Don Kirkendall, ex-husband of the beleagured Jill Kirkendall. The closing episodes established a brand-new crisis, concerning a botched undercover operation which may or may not have cost the life of the missing-in-action Danny Sorenson (Rick Schroder). Viewers would have to sweat it out until the beginning of season nine before Danny's ultimate fate would be revealed. For the second year in a row, NYPD Blue's season opener was not seen until January, due to backstage hagglings between the ABC network and the producer. Also, only 20 new episodes were produced, rather than the standard 22, reportedly an economical rather than artistic decision. The late start and diminished output did not affect the series' popularity, nor prevent it from garnering another Emmy Award nomination for series star Dennis Franz. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Along with Esai Morales and Juliana Donald, Charlotte Ross, and Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon joined the series, respectively cast as Det. Connie McDowell and new Assistant DA Valerie Haywood. Initially shunned as a possible "spy" from Internal Affairs, McDowell quickly proved her mettle and earned the right to remain at the 15th -- and in the process set the foundation for future plot complications by revealing that, 15 years earlier, she had had a daughter out of wedlock whom she had given up for adoption. As for Haywood, she almost immediately got off on the wrong foot with the extremely touchy Det. Baldwin Jones (Henry Simmons), in the tradition of the first-season flareups between Andy Sipowicz and the late ADA Sylvia Costas. But also like Andy and Sylvia, Baldwin Jones and Valerie Haywood quickly found themselves extremely attracted to one another.
The opening episodes of season eight resolved a dilemma left hanging during season seven, that of the 15th precinct's possible complicity in the drug-smuggling operations of Don Kirkendall, ex-husband of the beleagured Jill Kirkendall. The closing episodes established a brand-new crisis, concerning a botched undercover operation which may or may not have cost the life of the missing-in-action Danny Sorenson (Rick Schroder). Viewers would have to sweat it out until the beginning of season nine before Danny's ultimate fate would be revealed. For the second year in a row, NYPD Blue's season opener was not seen until January, due to backstage hagglings between the ABC network and the producer. Also, only 20 new episodes were produced, rather than the standard 22, reportedly an economical rather than artistic decision. The late start and diminished output did not affect the series' popularity, nor prevent it from garnering another Emmy Award nomination for series star Dennis Franz. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2000
In the first episode of a two-part story, it is revealed that Jill Kirkendall's (Andrea Thompson) ex-husband, drug trafficker Don Kirkendall (Erich Anderson), isn't dead after all -- and Jill knew it all the time. As Diane (Kim Delaney) tries to find out what Jill is up to, Medavoy (Gordon Clapp) and Jones (Henry Simmons) investigate the beating death of a man in a domestic dispute, which leads to a disturbing case of rape. And in his efforts to cope with his young son Theo's serious medical problem, Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) "talks" with his deceased older son, Andy. "Bats Off to Larry" and the subsequent "The Last Round Up" were originally telecast as a single, two-hour "special" episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2000
While investigating the theft of a priceless collection of masterpieces owned by art dealer Noel Beller (Stanley Kamel), Andy (Dennis Franz) and Danny (Rick Schroder) are given some possible clues by attractive journalist Nikki Cameron (Jamie Rose). Though it is no surprise that Danny is fascinated by Nikki, it does come as shock when she reveals her hidden agenda. Elsewhere, Greg (Gordon Clapp) and Baldwin (Henry Simmons) smell a rat when a man insists that his wife has disappeared. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Investigating a multiple murder in which all the victims were naked men, Andy (Dennis Franz) and Danny (Rick Schroder) are given a bum steer by a misguided police profiler (Kirk Baltz). On a more personal note, Danny is fascinated by a female paramedic at the murder scene, even though he is currently dating fellow cop Mary Franco (Sheeri Rappaport). And upon finding out that her ex-husband, Don (Erich Anderson), has been arrested Jill (Andrea Thompson) tries to help him, whereupon Don "uses" her -- and nearly costs Jill her job. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Although the seventh season of NYPD Blue was supposed to begin on November 9, 1999, a variety of backstage intrigues involving the ABC network and the series' producers (some of these revolving around NYPD's temporary Tuesday-night "replacement" Once and Again) pushed the debut date forward to the unfashionably late January 11, 2000. Fans were of course a bit miffed, but not so much as to effect the series' customarily high ratings. The departure of longtime series regular Nicholas Turturro as Det. James Martinez permitted the series to introduce a new character, Det. Baldwin Jones, played by Henry Simmons. Formerly assigned to the 15th precinct's hate-crimes unit, the African-American Jones had a few expected flareups with Det. Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz), whose race-relations record was infamously spotty. As for Andy himself, he spent a goodly amount of time in the early part of the season brooding over the previous-season death of wife Sylvia Costas, but again found consolation in the love of his son Theo (Austin Majors) -- who as the season finale approached, experienced a major health crisis that would remain unresolved until the outset of season nine. Andy also adopted a paternal attitude toward his troubled young partner, Danny Sorenson (Rick Schroder), whose inner demons would ultimately cost him the love of the new lady in his life (and new NYPD Blue recurring character), Det. Mary Franco (Sheeri Rappaport). There was, however, promise held out for another romantic relationship with Det. Diane Russell (Kim Delaney), who like Andy Sipowicz was having problems reconciling herself with the loss of a loved one, namely the late and lamented Det. Bobby Simone. The seventh season's most dramatic plot development involved Det. Jill Kirkendall (Andrea Thompson), who found herself torn between professional duty and familial responsibilities in dealing with the crooked machinations of her ex-husband, Don (Erich Anderson), who in turn was somehow mixed up with Diane Russell's latest bête noire, unsavory narcotics task-force agent Denby (Scott Cohen). The series' cliffhanger finale not only took Jill Kirkendall out of the picture (actress Andrea Thompson had elected to leave the series and launch a whole new career as a TV newscaster), but also placed everyone at the 15th precinct under suspicion of complicity in a prickly drug-trafficking and cover-up operation. For the first time since its maiden 1993-1994 season, NYPD Blue went home empty-handed from the Emmy Awards ceremony, though (as usual) series regular Dennis Franz picked up an Emmy nomination. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1999
The recently demoted Dornan (Richard Gant) returns to the 15th in search of a stash of illegal weapons. This leads to a racial-political crisis, culminating in interdepartmental ill will and a gunshot wound for Lt. Fancy (James McDaniel). On another front, a mother positively identifies the body of her daughter, found in a ditch -- but this turns out to be part of an elaborate scam when the "dead" girl shows up very much alive. And, in her continuing efforts to console herself to Bobby Simone's death, Diane (Kim Delaney) pays a visit to Henry (Willie Garson), unofficial caretaker of Bobby's pigeons. Former recurring actor Bill Brochtrup becomes a regular in the role of gay Anti-Crime Unit assistant John Irvin. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Worried that Andy (Dennis Franz) may be too emotionally strung out, Sylvia (Sharon Lawrence) considers using Danny (Rick Schroder) as the main witness against Cullinen. Meanwhile, defense attorney Sinclair (Daniel Benzali) begins cataloguing the dirty tricks he intends to use on Cullinen's behalf. And back at the precinct, the case of a woman (Julie Carmen) who may have murdered her husband for his insurance dredges up unpleasant memories of an earlier, similar investigation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
The big news attending NYPD Blue's sixth season was the imminent departure of series star Jimmy Smits, who played Det. Bobby Simone, the new husband of Det. Diane Russell (Kim Delaney). While the particulars of Simone's exit were kept secret from the public, it became obvious from the season opener onward that Bobby was not long for this world; having developed a serious illness, he needed an immediate heart transplant, and even then the doctors could guarantee nothing. It was in the season's fifth episode, "Hearts and Souls," that the saga of Bobby Simone was terminated fatally, much to the shock and dismay of millions of the series' fans. Bobby's replacement was Det. Danny Sorenson, played by former child star Rick Schroder. Although both the grieving Diane and Bobby's irascible partner, Det. Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz), initially resented Sorenson's presence, Danny quickly proved his mettle both on and off the job. But in time-honored NYPD Blue tradition, young Mr. Sorenson brought with him some heavy emotional baggage, which would be revealed bag by bag over the next three seasons, culminating in yet another "shocker" of a climactic episode. Elsewhere, the 15th precinct's gay Anti-Crime Unit assistant John Irvin (Bill Brochtrup, who was moved up from recurring-character to regular) developed a close friendship with the squad's new PAA, Dolores Mayo (Lola Glaudini), a troubled young woman who ultimately quit her job and turned to prostitution. It was Dolores' death during a weekend trip to Atlantic City with wealthy drug dealer Malcolm Cullinan (Todd Waring), coupled with the murder of Sipowicz' old nemesis, shady private eye Mike Roberts (Michael Harney), that led to the series' violent sixth-season finale, a courtroom shoot-out which claimed the life of Andy Sipowicz' wife, ADA Sylvia Costas (Sharon Lawrence). Once again, NYPD Blue copped a handful of Emmy awards. This years' recipients included series star Dennis Franz, recurring guest actress Debra Monk (as Sipowicz' ex-wife, Katie), and director Paris Barclay, the latter two earning their statuettes for their work in the pivotal episode "Hearts and Souls." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) is edgier than usual as his ailing partner, Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits), goes in for more medical tests. Back on the job, the squad investigates the murder of a Pakistani in Central Park. The sole eyewitness is distressingly inconsistent in her testimony -- not because she herself is guilty, but because she fears reprisals from the well-connected killer. Later, as his wife, Diane (Kim Delaney), waits nervously, Bobby is told that he needs a heart transplant. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Lt. Fancy (James McDaniel) has another run-in with Officer Szymanski (Christopher Stanley), the white cop who hassled Fancy over a broken taillight a few seasons back. Now, Szymanski is being investigated for his shooting of a black undercover officer. This incident rekindles old and unresolved racial issues between Fancy and Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz), culminating in a physical confrontation. Elsewhere, Andy agrees to continue aiding Sylvia (Sharon Lawrence) in her efforts to clear the name of the late Suarez, while the squad tries to help absentee PAA Dolores Mayo (Lola Glaudini), who has turned to shoplifting. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
One of the most intensely dramatic episodes in the history of NYPD Blue begins as the ex-wife (Debra Monk) of Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) prepares to defend herself against a DWI charge. As this plot strand plays itself out (with indications that the story is far from over), Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits) emerges from heart-transplant surgery. At first, his recovery seems imminent, but complications quickly ensue. Ultimately, Bobby's wife, Diane (Kim Delaney), is given the bad news: it is only a matter of time. While fans of NYPD Blue were well aware that this episode (which earned two Emmy awards) represented the final appearance of series star Jimmy Smits, few were prepared for its shattering conclusion. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Among the suspects in a nurse's murder are an actor, a mentally unbalanced man -- and, even more disturbingly, the police officer (Michael Wiseman) investigating the case. In another development, a "good samaritan" bike messenger is killed after stumbling onto a cache of drugs; this time out, it is Jill (Andrea Thompson) who cracks the case. And despite his doctor's advice, Andy (Dennis Franz) refuses to confront the seriousness of his medical condition. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
As expected, the opening episode of NYPD Blue's fifth season resolved the cliffhanger established at the end of season four, with 15th precinct detective Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits) returning to active duty after being cleared of all charges relating to the murder of late, unlamented mobster Jimmy Salvo. Bobby would figure prominently in the fifth season finale as well, marrying co-worker Det. Diane Russell (Kim Delaney, who'd been pregnant with Simone's baby, but had suffered a miscarriage) in a civil ceremony. Of the other regular characters, Sylvia Costas (Sharon Lawrence), wife of Det. Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) and mother of Andy's son Theo (Austin Majors), would take a leave of absence for half the season. This was because actress Sharon Lawrence had landed her own starring sitcom, Fired Up, and could not realistically continue appearing in a lesser role in a different series. But once Fired Up was canceled, Lawrence returned to NYPD Blue, where she would remain until the conclusion of season six. In a similar vein, Det. James Martinez (Nicholas Turturro), briefly went on sick leave suffering from back problems, the better to give actor Tuturro time to play real-life mobster Sammy "The Bull" Gravano in the made-for-TV movie Witness to the Mob. Key plot developments of season five included Andy Sipowicz' prostate surgery and the pregnancy of Martinez' girlfriend, PAA Gina Colon (Lourdes Benedicto). The most significant of the new characters was Gina's temporary replacement, Naomi Reynolds (Gabrielle Fitzpatrick), who like many another character on the series, turned out to have a most fascinating past. And finally, after a season's worth of recurring appearances, Andrea Thompson was promoted to regular status in the role of Det. Jill Kirkendall. In what was becoming a regular pattern, NYPD Blue closed out its fifth season with two more Emmy awards. This time around, the recipients were actor Gordon Clapp (Detective Greg Medavoy) and director Paris Barclay (who helmed the second episode of the two-parter "Lost Israel"). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Simone (Jimmy Smits) has dinner with Jill (Andrea Thompson). A million dollars' worth of diamonds turns up missing -- along with the sister of a diamond dealer. Martinez (Nicholas Turturro) is galvanized into action when Gina Colon (Lourdes Benedicto) is attacked and slashed, while the rest of the precinct tries to shield Gina from further emotional damage. And after filing her report on the Liery case, recovering alcoholic Diane (Kim Delaney) thinks seriously about crawling back into a bottle. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) and Simone (Jimmy Smits) investigate the murder of a Russian mail-order bride who wanted to divorce her husband. After losing his cool while investigating an unusual drive-by shooting, Medavoy (Gordon Clapp) wonders if he should go through with his dinner date with Abby (Paige Turco). And while moonlighting with the U.S. Marshal's office, Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) is assigned to supervise captured drug couriers at airport customs -- a duty otherwise known as "dump detail." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Back on active duty, Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits) reteams with Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) to investigate a bar shooting. The suspect, an off-duty corrections officer, turns out to be terminally ill, and may not have been responsible for his actions. In another development, the squad converges upon the hideout of a serial rapist. And although she hasn't formally announced her pregnancy, Gina (Lourdes Benedicto) accepts Martinez' (Nicholas Turturro) marriage proposal. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The fourth season of NYPD Blue saw the introduction of two important new cast members: Andrea Thompson as Detective Jill Kirkendall, fearless crime-fighter, single mother, and potential threat to the burgeoning romance between Det. Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits) and Det. Diane Russell (Kim Delaney); and Lourdes Benedicto as Gina Colon, one of several novice 15th precinct administrative assistants, and the new love interest for Det. James Martinez (Nicholas Turturro). While Andrea Thompson would ultimately be promoted to series regular, Lourdes Benedicto remained among the recurring-character ranks, albeit a prominent one. In other developments, Det. Greg Medavoy (Gordon Clapp) went on a crash diet and somewhat reluctantly volunteered to be the father of gay cop Abby Sullivan's (Paige Turco) baby; Bobby Simone inherited a shabby Brooklyn apartment building, involving him in a whole new crop of oddball characters, chief among them surly building super Henry Coffield (Willie Garson); combustible Det. Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) continued to behave in an unpredictable fashion from one day to the next, though he was considerably humanized by his newborn son Theo (the mother, of course, was Assistant DA Sylvia Costas [Sharon Lawrence]); and recovering alcoholic Diane Russell, beset by professional and personal woes, suffered a nervous breakdown.
Of the major story arcs, two involved delicate and potentially deadly undercover operations. Diane Russell was assigned to get "close" to handsome, hair-triggered mob functionary Jimmy Liery (Christopher Meloni); it was the grim outcome of this case that nearly pushed Diane over the edge and back into a bottle. And, prodded by the Feds, who were anxious to build a case against hoodlum Joey Salvo (Peter Onorati), Bobby Simone infiltrated Salvo's circle of friends and performed a few conspicuous "favors" for Joey. The fact that Bobby's covert activities aroused the suspicions of Internal Affairs very nearly lost Simone his badge -- and also set the stage for season four's cliffhanger finale. As was the case in the three previous years, NYPD Blue collected quite a few statuettes at the annual Emmy awards presentation. Dennis Franz copped his third Emmy as Outstanding Lead Actor; Kim Delaney was honored as Outstanding Supporting Actress; and David Milch, Stephen Gaghan, and Michael R. Perry shared an award for their scripting of the episode "Where's 'Swaldo?" ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Of the major story arcs, two involved delicate and potentially deadly undercover operations. Diane Russell was assigned to get "close" to handsome, hair-triggered mob functionary Jimmy Liery (Christopher Meloni); it was the grim outcome of this case that nearly pushed Diane over the edge and back into a bottle. And, prodded by the Feds, who were anxious to build a case against hoodlum Joey Salvo (Peter Onorati), Bobby Simone infiltrated Salvo's circle of friends and performed a few conspicuous "favors" for Joey. The fact that Bobby's covert activities aroused the suspicions of Internal Affairs very nearly lost Simone his badge -- and also set the stage for season four's cliffhanger finale. As was the case in the three previous years, NYPD Blue collected quite a few statuettes at the annual Emmy awards presentation. Dennis Franz copped his third Emmy as Outstanding Lead Actor; Kim Delaney was honored as Outstanding Supporting Actress; and David Milch, Stephen Gaghan, and Michael R. Perry shared an award for their scripting of the episode "Where's 'Swaldo?" ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Investigating the murder of a young woman who was burned to death, leaving only a tattoo as identification, Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) receives unexpectedly helpful input from veteran cop Vince Gotelli (Carmine Caridi). Meanwhile, Medavoy (Gordon Clapp), endeavoring to steer clear of his marital problems, pulls a double shift, volunteering to protect a numbers runner who's been targeted for extermination. As Medavoy and his charge get to know each other, a friendly game of poker develops -- with not-so-friendly results. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Working with the FBI to plant a bug in a mob hideout, Simone (Jimmy Smits) and Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) are obliged to commit a burglary -- with startling "consequences" for Diane (Kim Delaney) and Medavoy (Gordon Clapp). Martinez (Nicholas Turturro) again incurs the wrath of Adrianne (Justine Miceli) when he follows up a tip about an upcoming robbery provided by a sexy hairdresser. And rookie cop Andy Sipowicz Jr. (Michael DeLuise) learns a few more valuable on-the-job lessons. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
When Simone (Jimmy Smits) and Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) reopen a old case in which a man may have wrongly been sent to prison, the detective who originally worked the case isn't too happy. Martinez (Nicholas Turturro) runs against Gotelli (Carmine Caridi) in the union-delegate election. Simone probes further into the murder committed in the building he inherited, and again contends with the resentment of Henry Coffield (Willie Garson). And it looks like Medavoy (Gordon Clapp) has a slight edge over Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) in the "battle of the bulge." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
As Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) and Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits) try to determine the motive for an Indian matron's murder, Andy has problems with the new temporary PAA. Now back on the force, Martinez (Nicholas Turturro) teams with Medavoy (Gordon Clapp) to connect a bizarre robbery with a widespread credit-card scam. And, in her efforts to nail an illegal-weapons dealer, Diane Russell (Kim Delaney) insists on going it virtually alone -- and reacts violently when Bobby offers to provide backup. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) has problems on several fronts. First off, he and Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits) are investigating the disturbing murders of two children; second, his pregnant wife, Sylvia (Sharon Lawrence), is going through big-time bouts of morning sickness; and third, he doesn't like the fact that Diane (Kim Delaney) has gone off the wagon -- and has turned to Bobby instead of Andy for support. Elsewhere, Lesniak's (Justine Miceli) "private" revelation of her homosexuality is the talk of the precinct. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
A young Puerto Rican graffiti artist signs his own death warrant when he tags a building in Little Italy. Medavoy (Gordon Clapp) and Donna (Gail O'Grady) come to a roadblock in their relationship when he meets her former boyfriend, who has shown up at the precinct to report a crime. And after being mugged, a traumatized Sylvia (Sharon Lawrence) reveals a disturbing secret to her fiancé Sipowicz (Dennis Franz). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
