Sitting down to re-watch NYPD from the pilot episode onwards - in the knowledge that David Caruso's character will be written out, actually works to the show's and viewer's advantage.
Series 1 and 2 is an excellent long haul story arc because of Caruso's departure and Jimmy Smits joining. A seamless transition and by the end of the second series its hard to decide which character is better - John Kelly or Bobby Simone. Personally I like Caruso's portrayal of John Kelly. His facial grimace expressions and plain no-nonsense approach to nearly all aspects of his life. But Simone has that cold, businesslike New York attitude as well that makes him so watchable. Smits' Bobby Simone really grows on you during the remainder of series 2 and whilst it is disappointing to see the departure of David Caruso's character, it is not a gaping omission that harms the way the first two series develop and unfold.
Anyway, the first series in particular has some really watchable episodes in it. The first 6 episodes that feature Robert Costanzo as Mob informer Giadella are good. This is also an arc that has enough conent and draws to a staisfactory conclusion. And during this phase, other characters are introduced that become part of the show's main cast.
The middle run of series 1 brings memorable characters such as Greg Medavoy, Donna Abandando, Mike Roberts and James Martinez with their own storylines that are really good too. The character Detective Mike Roberts is possibly the most underrated inclusion from the first couple of seasons, in my opinion.
But...the best episode of series 1 is the final one called Rockin' Robin. Andy Sipowicz solves a long running, unsolved and traumatic case. In this episode it really illustrates how much of a decent person Sipowicz is and it is a pretty emotionally charged story. Certainly a memorable one - and contains possibly Dennis Franz' best acting scenes from the entire show.
Getting back to the Kelly / Simone transition. The fact that there are so many episodes in the first series, that even with this knowledge that its gonna happen, you can still sit down to watch it all unfold and not feel short changed The way Kelly's character is written out coming a few episodes in to series 2 is well handeld in a way to bring about closure for that character.
NYPD Blue in its later run had some really good actors in it that took the show to a must-see each week level (Currie Graham, Kim Delaney being two) but the first 2 series as a standalone arc is over a couple of days viewing is a satisying bit of TV. Each individual episode is excellent.
Series 1 and 2 is an excellent long haul story arc because of Caruso's departure and Jimmy Smits joining. A seamless transition and by the end of the second series its hard to decide which character is better - John Kelly or Bobby Simone. Personally I like Caruso's portrayal of John Kelly. His facial grimace expressions and plain no-nonsense approach to nearly all aspects of his life. But Simone has that cold, businesslike New York attitude as well that makes him so watchable. Smits' Bobby Simone really grows on you during the remainder of series 2 and whilst it is disappointing to see the departure of David Caruso's character, it is not a gaping omission that harms the way the first two series develop and unfold.
Anyway, the first series in particular has some really watchable episodes in it. The first 6 episodes that feature Robert Costanzo as Mob informer Giadella are good. This is also an arc that has enough conent and draws to a staisfactory conclusion. And during this phase, other characters are introduced that become part of the show's main cast.
The middle run of series 1 brings memorable characters such as Greg Medavoy, Donna Abandando, Mike Roberts and James Martinez with their own storylines that are really good too. The character Detective Mike Roberts is possibly the most underrated inclusion from the first couple of seasons, in my opinion.
But...the best episode of series 1 is the final one called Rockin' Robin. Andy Sipowicz solves a long running, unsolved and traumatic case. In this episode it really illustrates how much of a decent person Sipowicz is and it is a pretty emotionally charged story. Certainly a memorable one - and contains possibly Dennis Franz' best acting scenes from the entire show.
Getting back to the Kelly / Simone transition. The fact that there are so many episodes in the first series, that even with this knowledge that its gonna happen, you can still sit down to watch it all unfold and not feel short changed The way Kelly's character is written out coming a few episodes in to series 2 is well handeld in a way to bring about closure for that character.
NYPD Blue in its later run had some really good actors in it that took the show to a must-see each week level (Currie Graham, Kim Delaney being two) but the first 2 series as a standalone arc is over a couple of days viewing is a satisying bit of TV. Each individual episode is excellent.