‘Blue’s‘ Sipowicz bonded strongly with detective partners
Although gritty drama has been the specialty of “NYPD Blue,” the show is a love story at heart.
There has always been a strong platonic bond between Detective Andy Sipowicz (the superb Dennis Franz) and each of the four cops who’ve served as his on-the-job partner. Sipowicz was a friend, a brother and sometimes a surrogate father.
Here’s a look at the men who watched Andy’s back over the course of 12 seasons:
Detective John Kelly (David Caruso)
Who was he? A red-haired Irish cop, Kelly was the emotional core of “Blue’s” first season (back then, Sipowicz was the cranky second banana). The son of an officer killed in the line of duty, Kelly was compassionate yet intense, with a temper that flared whenever he confronted injustice. He was a loyal pal during Sipowicz’s battles with alcohol.
Where’d he go? The character was written out in Season Two. Caruso, who’d become an overnight star, was eager to launch a movie career, an ambition that never panned out. After a long dry spell, he got a second chance at success with “CSI: Miami.”
Grade: A. Caruso may have been temperamental off-camera, but his nuanced performance made Kelly a fascinating foil for the early, rougher-edged Sipowicz.
Detective Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits)
Who was he? A tall, handsome widower, Simone was initially leery of Sipowicz’s bluster and political incorrectness. But it didn’t take long for the two to warm to each other and for Simone’s sensitivity to rub off on his crustier partner. Eventually Simone became like a brother to Sipowicz.
Where’d he go? In a heartbreaking story arc, Simone died after undergoing a heart transplant. Smits, who was ready to move on after a long run with the series, currently has a juicy part as a presidential candidate on “The West Wing.”
Grade: A-minus. Simone helped Sipowicz become a kinder, gentler cop. Smits helped Franz become a true leading man, not a co-star.
Detective Danny Sorenson (Rick Schroder)
Who was he? Fresh-faced but full of private torment, Sorenson worked hard to earn Andy’s respect. He was haunted by a secret from his childhood that gave him bad dreams and increased his workplace tensions. And then there was his failed romance with Simone’s grieving wife, Diane Russell.
Sorenson was a surrogate son to Sipowicz, and a doomed one. On a happier note, the character gave Schroder, former child star of “Silver Spoons,” a chance to prove his grown-up acting chops.
Where’d he go? When Schroder decided he wanted to spend more time with his family, Sorenson was murdered while working on an undercover operation involving a strip club.
Grade: B. Schroder was compelling, but his character’s angst was never fully explained.
Detective John Clark Jr. (Mark-Paul Gosselaar)
Who is he? Clark started out as a textbook young, idealistic cop. Sipowicz called him Junior, condescendingly at first, fondly later. Clark’s father harbored a grudge against Sipowicz that kept causing problems. Things went from bad to worse when Clark’s dad killed himself; so did Clark’s bipolar doctor girlfriend. Thank goodness he had a father figure waiting in the wings.
Where’d he go? Nowhere, although Clark did spiral into drinking and womanizing after the dual tragedies. But Sipowicz has guided him back to the straight and narrow.
Grade: C+. As played by “Saved by the Bell” alum Gosselaar, Clark isn’t the most colorful guy. But his saved-by-the-Sipowicz story line has given viewers a happy ending.