The first season of NYPD Blue, an American television police drama set in New York City, aired as part of the 1993–94 United States network television schedule for ABC, premiering on September 21, 1993, and concluding on May 17, 1994. The show explores the internal and external struggles of the fictional 15th precinct of Manhattan. Each episode typically intertwines several plots involving an ensemble cast. The season led to a record 26 Emmy nominations N.Y.P.D. Blue Receives 26 Emmy Nominations from The New York Times and six awards.
Plot John Kelly and Andy Sipowicz are detectives in the NYPD's 15th precinct. Sipowicz is a gifted detective but also an alcoholic, a racist, and a homophobe. Kelly has a genuine affection for his partner but becomes increasingly exasperated by Sipowicz's behavior. In the pilot, Sipowicz is ambushed and shot multiple times by Alphonse Giardella, a mobster whom Sipowicz, while drunk, insulted badly in public. This leads to his decision to stay sober (after involuntarily drying out while in a coma) and save his job. While his partner is recuperating, Kelly is teamed up by the squad's Lieutenant, Arthur Fancy, with a young cop from Anti-Crime, James Martinez.
Kelly's personal life is no less complicated, as he is reluctantly going through a divorce from his wife, Laura, and is embarking on an affair with a uniformed cop, Janice Licalsi. He is unaware that Licalsi is connected to Giardella's former boss, Angelo Marino, who asks her to do a hit on Kelly. After he makes an additional threat against her father, Licalsi impulsively guns him down, the repercussions of which come back to haunt both her and Kelly.
Sipowicz begins a relationship with A.D.A. Sylvia Costas while another detective in the squad, Greg Medavoy, embarks on an affair of his own with the squad's new police administrative aide (P.A.A.), Donna Abandando.
Cast Main Actor Character Title Main cast Recurring cast David Caruso John Kelly Senior Detective entire season Dennis Franz Andy Sipowicz Junior Detective entire season James McDaniel Arthur Fancy Commanding Officer entire season Sherry Stringfield ADA Laura Michaels Assistant District Attorney entire season Amy Brenneman Janice Licalsi Patrol Officer entire season Nicholas Turturro James MartinezPatrol Officer entire season Sharon Lawrence ADA Sylvia Costas Assistant District Attorney episodes 1, 4, 6–9, 11, 13–16, 18–22 Gordon Clapp Greg Medavoy Senior Detective episodes 3, 5–6, 8–19, 21–22 Gail O'Grady PAA Donna Abandando Police Administrative Aide episodes 8–22
Recurring guest roles Season 1's recurring guest roles include:
David Schwimmer as Josh '4B' Goldstein (Episodes 1–4), Laura Michaels' neighbor, whose stint as a vigilante ends badly. Dies in episode 4. Robert Costanzo as Alphonse Giardella (Episodes 1–3, 5–7), a caporegime in Marino's family who, after shooting and nearly killing Sipowicz in the pilot, turns state's evidence. Assassinated in episode 7. Joe Santos as Angelo Marino (Episodes 1–2), head mobster who wants Kelly dead for continued "business" interference. Murdered in episode 2. Larry Romano as Richie Catina (Episodes 2, 9–12), a mob enforcer working for Marino's rivals. Daniel Benzali as James Sinclair, Esq. (Episodes 1, 2, 22), Giardella's crooked lawyer. Luis Guzman as Hector Martinez (Episodes 5, 9), Detective Martinez' father. Michael Harney as Detective Mike Roberts (Episodes 6, 8–9, 15, 18), a veteran investigator in the 15th. Michael DeLuise as Andy Sipowicz, Jr. (Episode 7, 19, 22), Andy's estranged eldest son. Bradley Whitford as Norman Gardner (Episodes 13, 21), a crusading reporter.
Episodes
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.
References