‘NYPD Blue’ reaches end of its beat

A television era ends as “NYPD Blue” (10 p.m., ABC) airs its final episode.

With the exception of “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “Blue” is the last scripted show from ABC’s pre-Disney era. (“Funniest” will probably still be running long after the last VCR is entombed in the Smithsonian).

When “Blue” was first broadcast in 1993, its frank sexuality and salty language made sponsors skittish. Some ABC affiliates refused to air “Blue” at all.

But viewers and critics responded to the show, and before long Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz became one of television’s most beloved cranks and most fully realized three-dimensional characters. The show was showered with accolades, and the sight of Dennis Franz walking away with a statue became a staple of the annual Emmy Awards show.

Few programs have spread quite so much talent around the dial.

David Caruso, who played Andy’s first partner, Detective John Kelly, left the series in 1994 in a career move that many likened to Shelley Long’s decision to quit “Cheers.” After several so-so movies (remember “Kiss of Death”?) and other cop series (remember “Michael Hayes”?), Caruso found a steady gig on “CSI: Miami.”

Amy Brenneman, whose early steamy “Blue” scenes with Caruso raised many an eyebrow, migrated to “Judging Amy.” Jimmy Smits (Detective Bobby Simone) is now running for president on “The West Wing.”

Gail O’Grady (Donna Abandando) became the fetching mother on “American Dreams.” And, in an unorthodox career move, Andrea Thompson (Detective Jill Kirkendall) experienced a brief tenure as a newscaster for CNN’s Headline News.

Before the final episode airs, Jimmy Smits returns to his old precinct to host the hourlong clip-show retrospective “NYPD Blue: A Final Tribute” (9 p.m., ABC).

LeAnn Rimes hosts the third season of “Nashville Star” (10 p.m., USA). Tonight’s episode opens with Rimes belting out a ballad in front of thousands of cheering fans. You won’t see “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest doing that.

“Star” differs from the “Idol” tradition of trotting out dozens of painful auditions. The show begins with 10 talented finalists already in place.

If this weren’t enough to reduce “Star” ‘s gong-show quotient, the judges, including Phill Vassar, Anastasia Brown and Bret Michaels (Poison), are invariably nice and supportive.

“The Soldier’s Heart” on “Frontline” (9 p.m., KSPS) looks at the difficulties of soldiers returning from Iraq with severe psychological and emotional problems. While the military has learned from past mistakes, “Heart” also explores how a culture of combat toughness makes it difficult for the sick to seek treatment.

A fascinating look at a once-taboo subject, “Heart” offers rich historical perspective.

One expert estimates that more than 500,000 soldiers returned from World War II with psychological disorders.

Other highlights

The top 10 women battle to survive on “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG).

Lorelai continues the silent treatment with Emily on “Gilmore Girls” (8 p.m., WB).

The Emmy-winning spectacle “The Amazing Race” (9 p.m., CBS) returns for a seventh globetrot.

A patient fears a curse on “House” (9 p.m., Fox).

Tyra Banks hosts a glance back at the third season of “America’s Next Top Model” (9 p.m., UPN) as well as a follow-up on the contestant’s lives. The fourth season of “Model” starts Wednesday.

The new series “Breaking Vegas” (9 p.m., History) looks at professional crooks who have tried to beat the odds at casinos.

A repeat offender on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (10 p.m., NBC).

“Sisters of ‘77” on “Independent Lens” (10 p.m., KSPS) looks back at a landmark women’s conference.

Series notes

Mark Harmon stars on “Navy NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS) … A DA kills a violent intruder on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m., NBC) … Remodeling madness on “My Wife and Kids” (8 p.m., ABC) … Fantasia guest-stars on “All of Us” (8 p.m., UPN).

Temporary shelter for Carmen’s beau on “George Lopez” (8:30 p.m., ABC) … A fake date turns real on “Eve” (8:30 p.m., UPN).

J.D. assesses his choices on “Scrubs” (9 p.m., NBC) … Keith and Jules’ big day on “One Tree Hill” (9 p.m., WB).

An incident at a bank machine on “Committed” (9:30 p.m., NBC).