Austin360 blogs > TV Blog > Archives > 2004 > September > 21
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Still lovin’ Sipowicz!
I’m one of those people network programmers love.
If I like a show, I’m loyal to it. I’m what they call an “appointment viewer.”
For example, I loved ABC’s “NYPD Blue” when it debuted in 1993, and I still love it today. Steven Bochco’s butt-baring, foul language-hurling cop show enters its 12th and (likely) final season tonight at 9, and I don’t think I’ve missed a single episode in that time.
Which is not to say my appointment viewing habit can’t be broken. If a show loses its quality — or fails to grow — I’m outta there. “Friends” fell into that category, although I never exactly loved it to begin with. I’m definitely over “ER,” which was once a must-see for me.
“NYPD Blue” has changed and evolved over the years, but Dennis Franz’ deeply flawed Everyman, Andy Sipowicz, has remained the heart and soul of the show. Andy is raw and real and soft in the middle (figuratively and literally). He was a raging alcoholic riddled with bullets in the pilot. Now he’s recovered but riddled with emotional scars.
In ‘93, “NYPD Blue” was shocking and groundbreaking. Several ABC stations around the country refused to air it, mostly because of the language. Some words (none of which can be mentioned, even in an online blog) had never been heard on broadcast TV before. It was an adult drama, pure and simple.
By today’s cable standards, however, the show is relatively mild. And yet it still stands out on the broadcast networks. The conservative backlash to things like Janet Jackson’s infamous “nipplegate” have forced even “NYPD Blue” to ease up a bit. Gordon Clapp’s Detective Medavoy was supposed to have flashed his rear end last season, but the scene was killed at the last minute.
I hope the show goes out with a bang. Sipowicz and the 15th Squad deserve no less. I’ve seen tonight’s episode, and it seems to be on the right track.
Charlotte Ross, who played Sipowicz’ lover and new wife, Detective Connie McDowell, has left the show. Connie will be mentioned but not seen, after deciding to stay home with the new baby.
Currie Graham joins the cast as Lt. Thomas Bale, the squad’s new commanding officer. And Bonnie Somerville has been added as a flirtatious detective.
All characters, however, revolve around Sipowicz, who just might go down in television history as the most complex, interesting character ever to stalk the small screen. It has been a stunning blend of writing and acting, and I’ll definitely miss him when he’s gone.
“NYPD Blue” could return next season, but none of the cast is counting on it. The plan now is to go on with 20 new episodes, uninterrupted by reruns, and depart in January. There’ll be a big hole in the schedule — and my heart — when it’s gone.
David Caruso: I can’t take him anymore!
While Dennis Franz commands our attention with subtlety, carrot-topped Caruso struts like a rooster and shouts for attention on “CSI: Miami.” Like a preschooler with an empty sippy cup, he stands in the middle of a scene and squawks.
“CSI: Miami” returned for its new season last night, and Caruso’s character, with the appropriately overblown name of Horatio, pushed his way into almost every scene. He even managed to take over the scene in which regular cast member Speedle (Rory Cochrane) was killed. Caruso gives new meaning to “chewing the scenery.” Even when Horatio has nothing to say, Caruso makes sure the camera zooms in on his grinding jaw and tragic, tortured gaze.
I find myself liking this show when Caruso isn’t gnawing away at it, but that rarely happens, so I’m not going to waste my time on it any more. Too much Caruso is just too hard to take.
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