NYPD Blue: Season 06

Rick Schroder joins the cast for the 1998–99 sixth season as Danny Sorenson, new partner of Andy Sipowicz (Emmy-winner Dennis Franz), after Jimmy Smits leaves following the death of his character, Detective Bobby Simone, from illness. The crisis reverberates through the lives of both Bobby's widow, Detective Diane Russell (Kim Delaney), and Sipowicz, leading Andy to an unexpected reunion with ex-spouse Katie (Debra Monk, who won an Emmy for her appearance). Bobby is not the only major figure to depart: Sipowicz's wife, ADA Sylvia Costas (Sharon Lawrence), is killed in a courtroom shooting. Other memorable stories and cases include the death of former cop Mike Roberts (Michael Harney) and a high-profile trial featuring Daniel Benzali as a manipulative lawyer who knows how to rile up Sipowicz on the stand. Detectives James Martinez (Nicholas Turturro), Greg Medavoy (Gordon Clapp), and Jill Kirkendall (Andrea Thompson) fill out the squad room, where Lt. Arthur Fancy (James McDaniel) is in command, helped by administrative aide John Irvin (Bill Brochtrup). In its day, NYPD Blue pushed the envelope with its coarse language and nudity, but also drew attention for addressing race issues (especially in the episode “Raging Bulls,” centering on a white officer who mistakenly kills a black undercover policeman) and for presenting a gritty portrait of the Big Apple. Compiling all 22 episodes from season six, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)