NYPD Blue (Season 1)

The following is a summary of the Season 1 episodes of "NYPD Blue". Each "NYPD Blue" episode entry includes its original airdate in the United States, the writing and directing credits, and a plot summary. [The credits and airdates are taken from the pamphlet accompanying the Region 1 Season 1 DVDs.]

Season 1 was part of the 1993-94 United States network television schedule for ABC, premiering on 21 September 1993 and concluding on 17 May 1994. The show's first seasonlead to a record 26 Emmy nominations [ [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C01E6D7153EF931A15754C0A962958260 "N.Y.P.D. Blue" Receives 26 Emmy Nominations] from "The New York Times"] and six awards:
*Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series to Dennis Franz
*Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series to Ann Biderman, for her work on "Steroid Roy"
*Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series to Daniel Sackheim, for his work on "Tempest In A C-Cup"
*Creative Arts Emmy for "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Editing for a Series - Single Camera Production" to Stanford C. Allen, for his work on "Tempest In A C-Cup"
*Creative Arts Emmy for "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Art Direction for a Series" to production designer Paul Eads and set decorator Mary Ann Biddle, for their work on "Serge, The Concierge"
*Creative Arts Emmy for "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Casting" for casting executives Junie Lowry-Johnson and Alexa L. FogelThe season also led to two People's Choice Awards for ""Favorite New TV Dramatic Series" and "Favorite TV Dramatic Series", PGA Awards for Steven Bochco, David Milch, and Gregory Hoblit, and two Viewers For Quality Television Awards. [ [http://imdb.com/title/tt0106079/awards Awards for "NYPD Blue"] from Internet Movie Database]

Quote box|source = Daniel G. Streible, writing for the Museum of Broadcast Communications [http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/N/htmlN/nypdblue/nypdblue.htm NYPD Blue ] ] | width=50% | align=right
quote=Amid controversy about Steven Bochco's intent to produce network television's first "R-rated" series, NYPD Blue premiered on ABC in September 1993. The innovative police drama survived a serious onslaught of protest to emerge as a popular and critically acclaimed series. "Blue" (as it was sometimes promoted) deliberately tested the boundaries of broadcast restrictions on partial nudity and adult language. Praise for the show's finely crafted storytelling and engaging style soon overtook initial condemnations of its occasional flashes of skin and salty dialogue. By the end of its first season, "NYPD Blue" had revived Bochco's reputation as a risk-taking producer of "quality television."

Pilot

Original airdate: September 21, 1993
*Produced and directed by: Gregory Hoblit
*Teleplay by: David Milch
*Story by: David Milch & Steven Bochco

John Kelly takes on the mob after his partner, Andy Sipowicz, is shot by a vengeful gangster. Kelly's wife wants a divorce.

Note

*Guest starring Daniel Benzali as James Sinclair and David Schwimmer as Josh '4B' Goldstein.
*A quarter of ABC's 225 member stations preempted the pilot.
*The pilot earned a DGA Award; the competition included two other episode's from the season, "True Confessions" and "From Hare To Eternity".
*A Recurring guest-star during NYPD BLUE (season 1) was actor Robert Costanza as the mafia soldier Alphonse Giardella. Costanza was also a recurring guest on FRIENDS, playing the character Joey Tribbiani Sr. Costanza and Schwimmer are two Friends actors who appeared in multiple NYPD Blue episodes in the first season.

4B Or Not 4B

Original airdate: September 28, 1993
*Produced and directed by: Gregory Hoblit
*Teleplay by: David Milch
*Story by: David Milch & Steven Bochco

As Sipowicz slowly recovers from his wounds he says that he cannot remember who shot him. Kelly appears in court on behalf of a man whose son was killed in a drive-by shooting. Laura Kelly's neighbour, Josh Goldstein, carries a concealed weapon hoping to surprise the person who mugged him.

Note

*Guest starring Daniel Benzali as James Sinclair and David Schwimmer as Josh '4B' Goldstein.
*Bochco and Milch won an Edgar Award in the category "Best Mystery Teleplay from a Series" for this episode.

Brown Appetit

Original airdate: October 5, 1993
*Produced and directed by: Gregory Hoblit
*Teleplay by: David Milch
*Story by: David Milch & Steven Bochco

Kelly and Sipowicz investigate a strangulation murder as fallout from the Marino case implicates Licalsi's father in wrongdoing. Kelly acts as a bodyguard to the wife of a millionaire and Sipowicz exacts his own unique revenge on Giardella.

Note

*This episode marks the first appearance of Gordon Clapp as Greg Medavoy.
*Guest starring Wendie Malick as Susan Wagner, Michael Rapaport as Jaime Dileo and David Schwimmer as Josh Goldstein.

True Confessions

Original airdate: October 12, 1993
*Directed by: Charles Haid
*Teleplay by: David Milch & Art Monterastelli
*Story by: Art Monterastelli and David Milch & Steven Bochco

Kelly and Sipowicz investigate a double homicide at a liquor store. Mrs. Wagner seeks revenge against her husband and Goldstein fatally ignores Kelly's warnings about confronting criminals.

Note

*Guest starring Wendie Malick as Susan Wagner, Ethan Phillips as Dwight, and David Schwimmer as Josh Goldstein.
*There is a commentary for this episode by David Milch on the DVD release.

Emission Accomplished

Original airdate: October 19, 1993
*Directed by: Michael M. Robin
*Written by: Ted Mann

Martinez discovers that his brother has lost his job and continuing to use drugs. As James plans to send him to a Detox program, the two encounter the building superintendent who according to Roberto is forcing Tenants out of the building for money. Martinez then discovers that the superintendent turns out to be an officer from another precinct named Jack Hanlon who came up through the NYPD with John Kelly's father. A gambling addicted detective spends the last of his savings staging elaborate practical jokes at the precinct much to the ire of Lt. Fancy. Following the death of another tenant in Roberto's building, a disgusted Kelly helps Martinez in bringing Hanlon to justice saving Martinez from spending the rest of his career in IAB.

Note

*Guest starring Luis Guzmán as James Martinez's father Hector
*Guest starring Mitchell Ryan as Officer Jack Hanlon.

Personal Foul

Original airdate: October 26, 1993
*Directed by: Brad Silberling
*Story by: David Milch
*Teleplay by: Burton Armus

Kelly is forced to arrest a close friend after a dispute on a basketball court results in death. Sipowicz suspects a husband may be concealing the truth in the drive-by shooting of his wife. Licalsi's quick thinking saves Kelly's life during a drugs raid.

Note

*Guest starring Tobin Bell as Jerry.
*There is a commentary for this episode by Brad Silberling on the DVD release.

NYPD Lou

Original airdate: November 2, 1993
*Directed by: Gregory Hoblit
*Written by: Ted Mann

Kelly and Sipowicz investigate the disappearance of a young boy. Sipowicz's estranged son announces his engagement to a woman that raises the father's suspicions. Laura is the sole witness when an assassin ambushes Giardella. A man who claims to be a werewolf may have witnessed a murder.

Note

*This is the first appearance of Michael DeLuise as Andy Jr., Sipowicz's son
*Guest starring Dan Hedaya as Lou the Werewolf

Tempest In A C-Cup

Original airdate: November 16, 1993
*Directed by: Daniel Sackheim
*Written by: Gardner Stern

Kelly interrogates a man suspected of committing a string of taxi robberies, one of which resulted in the shooting death of a cab driver. Sipowicz goes undercover at a topless bar. Lt. Fancy hires Donna Abandando, a civilian, as the precinct's receptionist and administrative assistant for the squad.

Note

*This is the first appearance of Gail O'Grady as Donna Abandando
*Guest starring Ginger Lynn Allen as Monique
* This episode earned director Daniel Sackheim a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series and editor Stanford C. Allen a Creative Arts Emmy Award for "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Editing for a Series - Single Camera Production".

Ice Follies

Original airdate: November 30, 1993
*Directed by: Dennis Dugan
*Written by: W.K. Scott Meyer

When Roberto, Martinez's brother, dies of a drug overdose, their father vows revenge. Licalsi receives a blackmail threat from the mob. Medavoy, seeking a distraction from his troubled marriage, accepts Donna's offer to go ice skating.

Note

*Guest starring Luis Guzmán as Hector Martinez

Oscar, Meyer, Weiner

Original airdate: December 7, 1993
*Directed by: Brad Silberling
*Written by: Ted Mann & Gardner Stern

Kelly investigates the brutal robbery-murder of a wealthy family and a Hollywood screenwriter reports that his Oscar has been stolen. Meanwhile, Licalsi ignores Kelly's advice and informs Lastarza that she is being blackmailed by the mob.

Note

*Guest starring Renée O'Connor as Rebecca Sloane
*There is a commentary for this episode by Brad Silberling on the DVD release.

From Hare To Eternity

Original airdate: December 14, 1993
*Directed by: Eric Laneuville
*Written by: David Milch & Burton Armus

Fancy is accused of mismanaging the department. Kelly and Sipowicz investigate the kidnapping of a young girl whilst a destitute mother with a questionable past agrees to testify against a man who is suspected of committing armed robbery. The precinct staff collects gifts for a Christmas party they are hosting for some needy children.

Up On A Roof

Original airdate: January 4, 1994
*Directed by: Michael M. Robin
*Written by: George D. Putnam

A manhunt ensues when Tommy Linardi's dead body is discovered inside a nightclub. A robber uses a fake ATM to rob unsuspecting customers of their savings and Fancy tries retaining temporary custody of a young boy whose mother only recently finished a drug rehabilitation program.

Abandoned Abandando

Original airdate: January 11, 1994
*Directed by: Gregory Hoblit
*Teleplay by: Ted Mann & Gardner Stern
*Story by: David Milch & Steven Bochco

Detectives investigate the shooting death of a man whose wife recently transferred to the precinct. A woman claims she wants her husband prosecuted for spousal abuse but never follows through on her threat. Elsewhere, Medavoy begins an affair with Donna.

Note

*Guest starring Bradley Whitford as Norman Gardner

Jumpin' Jack Fleishman

Original airdate: January 18, 1994
*Directed by: Rick Wallace
*Teleplay by: Ted Mann & Gardner Stern & Burton Armus
*Story by: David Milch & Steven Bochco

The detectives search for a cross-dressing killer, while a sexual assault victim fears her husband will blame the attack on her provocative style of dress. Sipowicz's dental appointment is interrupted when a doctor threatens to commit suicide.

teroid Roy

Original airdate: February 8, 1994
*Directed by: Felix Alcala
*Written by: Ann Biderman

A detective becomes the prime suspect in the suspicious suicide of a police informant. Laura believes Kelly may have overlooked evidence in a homicide investigation and a detective obsessed with his physique is tested for substance abuse.

Note

* This episode earned Ann Biderman a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.
*There is a commentary for this episode by Sharon Lawrence on the DVD release; she notes that her role as a district attorney was originally written for a man; after she was cast and exhibited a behind-the-scenes rapport with Franz, her character was expanded to meet Franz's request for Sipowicz to have a romantic interest.

A Sudden Fish

Original airdate: February 15, 1994
*Directed by: Lesli Linka Glatter
*Teleplay by: Gardner Stern & Burton Armus
*Story by: David Milch & Steven Bochco

The girlfriend of a terminally ill millionaire is blackmailed by her ex-lover and Sipowicz investigates the robbery of a disabled Vietnam veteran.

Black Men Can Jump

Original airdate: March 1, 1994
*Directed by: Jesús S. Treviño
*Story by: David Milch & Steven Bochco
*Teleplay by: Ted Mann

The detectives investigate the slaying of a young black teenager whose father takes matters in his own hands when a likely suspect escapes. Sipowicz suspects a private investigator is taking advantage of a man whose daughter disappeared 2½ years earlier.

Note

*There is a commentary for this episode by Bill Clark on the DVD release. Clark notes that the only roles that were initially cast were Francz as Sipowicz and McDaniel as Fancy. After Clark saw "Mad Dog and Glory" he suggested to the show's creators that David Caruso play Sipowicz's partner; Clark then found out that Caruso was already under consideration.

Zeppo Marks Brothers

Original airdate: March 22, 1994
*Directed by: Michael M. Robin
*Story by: David Milch & Steven Bochco
*Teleplay by: Ann Biderman

After a witness is gunned down in the street, the detectives scramble to save their case against the two brothers who have also planned a hit on Laura.

Note

*Guest starring Leland Orser as Zeppo
*The episode marked the final appearance of Sherry Stringfield as Laura Michaels.

erge, The Concierge

Original airdate: March 29, 1994
*Directed by: Lesli Linka Glatter
*Story by: Bill Clark
*Teleplay by: David Milch & Gardner Stern & Burton Armus

Kelly, Medavoy, and Martinez lead a search for a girl's body in a Staten Island landfill, finding another body in the process. Sipowicz attempts to clear Andy Jr.'s name after his son is arrested for selling drugs.

Note

* The episode earned production designer Paul Eads and set decorator Mary Ann Biddle a Creative Arts Emmy Award for ["Outstanding Individual Achievement in Art Direction for a Series".

Good Time Charlie

Original airdate: May 3, 1994
*Directed by: Gregory Hoblit
*Story by: David Milch & Steven Bochco
*Teleplay by: Ted Mann & Ann Biderman

Kelly and Sipowicz investigate the death of Charlie Lear's many mistresses. Licalsi receives an unexpected promotion. Sipowicz has a rough night after meeting Costas' family at a birthday party. Fancy's wife tells her husband that she is pregnant.

Note

*Guest starring Charles Haid as Charlie Lear.

Guns 'N Rosaries

Original airdate: May 10, 1994
*Directed by: Michael M. Robin
*Teleplay by: Gardner Stern & Burton Armus
*Story by: David Milch & Steven Bochco

Medavoy and Martinez narrowly escape injury when a disgruntled driver tries to shoot them, then face the wrath of angry African Americans who believe that they have killed a black man without reason. Licalsi confesses to murdering Marino and his driver and Andy attends an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Meanwhile, Medavoy moves out once again after he discovers his wife has been cheating on him.

Note

*There is a commentary by Michael Robin on the DVD release.

Rockin' Robin (season finale)

Original airdate: May 17, 1994
*Directed by: Gregory Hoblit
*Teleplay by: Jody Worth & Ted Mann
*Story by: Jody Worth

Detectives investigate the murder of a priest whose body was discovered in a park frequented by male prostitutes. Sipowicz reopens an investigation into the disappearance of a friend's daughter. While Kelly and Robin become lovers, Licalsi wins release on bail.

Note

*Guest starring Daniel Benzali as James Sinclair and Bradley Whitford as Norman Gardner.

References