This arresting six-disc boxed set contains all 22 episodes of the first, and most potent, season of Steven Bochco and David Milch's gritty and groundbreaking police series NYPD Blue, which introduced discreet nudity and not so discreet language to prime time. It is always fun and instructive to return to a long-entrenched series' origins to see how it all began. One of those rare series that grabbed viewers from minute one, NYPD Blue was more than prurient kicks: the writing, the performances from the pitch perfect ensemble, and the jittery, hand-held camerawork that lent an unflinching authenticity to the goings-on in the 15th Precinct. David Caruso's taciturn John Kelly was the heart and soul of the first year. Dennis Franz's seriously f'd-up Andy Sipowicz was the series' loose cannon (this now-iconic character has evolved over the course of a decade, but in this inaugural year is ruled by his self-destructive demons). Remember Amy Brenneman as Officer Janice Licalsi with her ties to the mob? Remember Gail O'Grady's receptionist Donna Abandando and her tentative romance with Detective Medavoy (Gordon Clapp)? Remember Sharon Lawrence as Assistant D.A. Sylvia Costas, the future Mrs. Sipowicz, but initially his nemesis? Remember David Schwimmer's brief stint as ill-fated apartment tenant "4B?" All here, and it's a pleasure to be reacquainted with them. NYPD Blue has been honored with 19 Emmys over the years (what was David Caruso thinking when he decided to quit?), and this first season was as good as television gets. DVD extras include selected audio commentaries and a trio of featurettes. Highly recommended. (K. Lee Benson)
NYPD Blue: Season 1
Fox, 6 discs, 999 min., not rated, DVD: $59.98 June 2, 2003
NYPD Blue: Season 1
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