Rating: 
Summary: Easily the Best Season
Review: Vastly overrated as a drama and police procedural--"Barney Miller" did much of the same thing in half an hour, even with the laughs--"NYPD Blue" nonetheless benefits from a hard-edged first season that is never eclipsed in the run of the entire series. Say what you will about David Caruso, he is simply magnificent as Detective John Kelly, a hotheaded but oft-restrained boy scout who is the anchor point around which everything in the show's galaxy swirls, including the self-destructive efforts of his angry partner, Sipowicz (Dennis Franz). The show would become slower and more maudlin and soap-operatic once Caruso left, shifting attention to Sipowicz, perhaps the unluckiest stereotype of a Polish-American ever to blot the screen, but there are more than a few gripping and effective moments throughout this season. Of course, Sipowicz isn't the only stereotype, as there are the standard Jewish neurotics, Irish blowhards, Italian mobsters, and others that Hollywood so frequently counts on, even if "NYPD Blue" (and the various "Law and Order" incarnations) continues the bizarre trend of making New York seem a lot less racially diverse than it really is. Nonetheless, the location shooting adds to a flavor of verisimilitude that is satisfying for a small-screen venture, and Mike Post's minimalist score is right on target.
Rating: 
Summary: Season One of the show that changed television now on DVD
Review: WARNING: This review of a police drama may contain adult language and partial nudity. Reader's discretion is advised.The first twenty-two episodes make up the first season of this ground-breaking police drama. Anyone who is a fan of the show, anyone who likes drama, anyone looking for heroes, this is where to start. They may have flaws, but they are as real and true-to-life as characters on television are. Die-hard fans will enjoy the extra features, plus seeing just how far Detective Andy Sipowicz (played by four-time Emmy winner Dennis Franz) has come with his character. Those that have recently found the show will enjoy this trip through time to the beginning. Watch closely, see if you can spot all the guest stars from the first season who launched and/or enhanced their careers from appearing on the show. Ask anyone that is or was a member of the real NYPD, and they will tell you it is by far the most realistic show about cops ever. As James McDaniel, who plays Lt. Arthur Fancy, said on his last episode in season seven about America's true heroes, "...because when you're a cop in New York City, you're somebody."
Rating:
Summary: Yorkshire Reg
Review: Well I received my season one NYPD DVD's this morning, watched 2 episodes already, I'm in TV heaven, it does'nt come any better than this(thats TV of course!).I thought Hill Street was the best but I think Bochco & co surpassed themselves with this, like other reveiwers I think the departure of David Caruso as the King of cool John Kelly was a big blow, (but to be fair Jimmy Smits as Bobby Simone in series 2 was a great replacement)
Dennis Franz is brilliant as Andy Sipowicz, but the shows greatess asset is its humanity, you care about the characters because you know they care, something clearly lacking in many movies and TV shows today, anyway starting to get a bit deep so better say goodbye to our American cousins,keep making great shows!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Series
Review: What a great series! NYPD is part Police Procedural, part soap opera, which focuses on the rocky partnership between the older more experienced detective Sipowicz and the younger and more idealistic detective Kelly.
In particular I liked the character of Kelly, and the character of Janice. I thought Janice was quite a tough gal, and Detective Kelly was your average straight arrow. Martinez was okay, but needed a wardrobe change and a shave. (His shirts were just awful!) My only peeve was the sex. Do we really need to see Sipowicz naked getting it on with a prostitute? I'm not a prude, but I really prefer to leave that to my imagination. Thank you very much. I also thought Kelly was a bit of a jerk to Janice. She was going through enough without him giving her the third degree and the cold shoulder. And what's with all the women? He divorces his wife and then has more dates than captain Kirk. I wish the writers toned it down. Kelly just isn't THAT good looking. Some of the other character's love life's might've been more interesting to see fleshed out.
Overall, this is an excellent series for fans of police drama. A+++
Rating:
Summary: Yes. It's that good.
Review: What a joy to be able and revisit this show. I clearly recall the uproar it caused when it premiered, and it's still pretty provocative lo these ten years on.
If you follow the show, Dennis Franz has created one of the greatest characters in the history of television. Sipowicz is one for the ages, and seeing the tortured man in the initial episode, unable to know what we know...he calls his (unbeknownst to him) future wife a "p***y little b***h" within the first minutes of the first episode, for example...it's a bit like going back in time.
Again, looking at that first episode. The cast includes, of course, the outstanding David Caruso (you can't take your eyes off him when he's onscreen...now he's on CSI: Miami), Amy Brennemann (Judging Amy), Sherrie Stringfield (ER), Nicholas Turturro, James McDaniel, Daniel Benzali, even David Schwimmer (Ross from Friends)...is a delight. The video transfer is eye-popping. The crisp yellows of the NY taxis, the cool blues in the station, Caruso's hair...all delivered vividly, with killer sound as well.
Oh yeah...this is great stuff.
Rating:
Summary: Paving The Way to Greatness
Review: When Boccho introduced "Hill Street Blues" to TV audiences, I thought that nothing could surpass the brilliance of that show. I must say that even with the creation of NYPD Blue, nothing has in my mind. However, this does not mean that Blue is not as compelling as Hill Street in its storytelling, cinematography, ensemble acting, brilliant writing and plot characterization. The core of the show rests in the way cases are intertwined with the personalities of the characters. What facinates me is the varied and complex range of each character, especially Andy Sipowitz. He above all the other characters personafies the struggle of finding ones true self through the personal demons within. With that said you can't help but love the guy because through the rough and tough surface appearance, he is a dedicated cop and a good person that can see the best in others more readily than he can see in himself. The first two seasons are classic in the way the characters are brought to life so that each is identifiable to the audience in such a way that you feel their expierence personally. Add to this the superb storytelling and camera work and you have TV worth watching which says a lot considering there is very little to see these days. Although recent seasons are not as compelling as the first two (what shows are?), I still find myself glued to channel seven (NY) partly based on those first two seasons. Accordingly, it is my feeling that season one and two are a must for anyone who appreciates great acting, brilliant writing, and exceptional storytelling. These are the ingredients that make for excellent TV
Rating:
Summary: Paving The Way to Greatness
Review: When Boccho introduced "Hill Street Blues" to TV audiences, I thought that nothing could surpass the brilliance of that show. I must say that even with the creation of NYPD Blue, nothing has in my mind. However, this does not mean that Blue is not as compelling as Hill Street in its storytelling, cinematography, ensemble acting, brilliant writing and plot characterization. The core of the show rests in the way cases are intertwined with the personalities of the characters. What facinates me is the varied and complex range of each character, especially Andy Sipowitz. He above all the other characters personafies the struggle of finding ones true self through the personal demons within. With that said you can't help but love the guy because through the rough and tough surface appearance, he is a dedicated cop and a good person that can see the best in others more readily than he can see in himself. The first two seasons are classic in the way the characters are brought to life so that each is identifiable to the audience in such a way that you feel their expierence personally. Add to this the superb storytelling and camera work and you have TV worth watching which says a lot considering there is very little to see these days. Although recent seasons are not as compelling as the first two (what shows are?), I still find myself glued to channel seven (NY) partly based on those first two seasons. Accordingly, it is my feeling that season one and two are a must for anyone who appreciates great acting, brilliant writing, and exceptional storytelling. These are the ingredients that make for excellent TV
Rating:
Summary: Quite possibly the best season of any Drama
Review: When I heard the first season of NYPD Blue was coming to DVD, I was very excited. Not only is it still the best season in the history of the show, but it may just be the best season of any show on television. NYPD Blue helped revitalize the Drama genre on prime-time television. It set a new precedence for quality, combining realistic compelling storylines with brilliantly developed characters. David Caruso and Dennis Franz gave absolutely stellar performances throughout the entire season. Despite the older seasons still being played heavily in syndication, this high-quality commercial-less DVD is a must for fans of the show.
Rating:
Summary: Behind The Blue Wall
Review: With the fact that the show has been on for ten seasons and the proliferation of gritty and realistic programming now on TV (especially on HBO which has no restrictions), one can forget the power and shock of NYPD Blue when it premiered in 1993. David Bochco insisted that ABC allow him to use minor profanities and brief nudity to create a more realistic portrayal of the lives of New York City cops. While several stations balked at the show and refused to carry it, the show was an instant success. What really made the show so interesting was not the language or nudity, but the well written shows and first rate acting. Bochco veteran Dennis Franz plays alcoholic detective Andy Sipowicz, who was only supposed to be in the first episode, whose character is gunned down and nearly dies. Mr. Franz is superb as the volcanic Sipowicz and was rewarded with the first of his four Best Actor Emmys for the season, but the real star of the season is David Caruso. Mr. Caruso is simply magnetic as Sipowicz's partner John Kelly. Whereas Sipowicz is a hot head, Kelly exudes cool and calm. He is passionate about what he does, but his anger boils beneath the surface where Sipowicz's explodes. It is this dynamic between the two that makes the pairing work as one of the best in TV cop show history. Other cast members include Sherry Stringfield as Assistant D.A. Laura Michaels who is also Kelly's ex-wife, Amy Brenneman as Janice Licalsi who is a police desk officer that is tangled up with the mob and carrying on an affair with Kelly, James McDaniel as Lt. Arthur Fancy who heads the department and is black. Sipowicz is also a racist which causes much tension between him and Fancy. Nicholas Turturro is Dt. James Martinez who is a new detective who struggles for acceptance on the job. Future series regulars, Gordon Clapp as Greg Medavoy, Sharon Lawrence as Assistant D.A. Sylvia Costas and Gail O'Grady as receptionist Donna Abandando all appear as recurring characters before all were made full time cast members in the season two. Actors like David Schwimmer, Michael Rappaport, Wendie Malik, Daniel Benzali, John Wesley Shipp and Bradley Whitford have guest roles. Season one of the show almost seems like a separate show all together due to the massive cast changes that occurred after the season. Mr. Caruso believed all the hype about him and made the mistake many actors who achieve success on a TV show, that they can become movie stars. Mr. Caruso left the show after four brief appearances in season two and never achieved the stardom that he seemed slated for. Sherry Stringfield left the show after the season to go to another show that would be even more popular, ER and Amy Brenneman also left the cast. For the one season that he was on the show though, Mr. Caruso created an indelible image and the show would continue on through the rest of the decade as one the most popular and well made shows on television.
|
