Ep 1. Top Gum

Detective Andy Sipowicz begins the sixth season of NYPD Blue dealing with the loss of his wife Sylvia, trying to adjust to being a single father to his young son Theo. Meanwhile, Detective Bobby Simone returns to work at the 15th precinct after several months recovering from heart surgery. In the episode "Top Gum," Simone and Sipowicz investigate the murder of a young man who was selling bootleg copies of a movie called "Top Gum," a parody of the hit film "Top Gun."

As they delve deeper into the case, they discover that the victim had ties to a notorious gangster named Giardella, who is known for his propensity for violence and drug trafficking. To complicate matters further, Simone begins experiencing chest pains and may have to undergo another heart surgery, and Sipowicz struggles to balance his duties as a detective with his responsibilities as a father.

This episode of NYPD Blue is particularly notable for its nuanced portrayal of the two main characters' personal lives, as well as for its exploration of the seedy underbelly of New York's criminal underworld. Fans of the series will no doubt be drawn in by the captivating performances of actors Jimmy Smits and Dennis Franz, who bring their characters to life with depth and authenticity.

Overall, "Top Gum" is an excellent example of NYPD Blue's ability to weave together compelling crime procedural elements with rich character development. It's a must-watch for fans of the series and a great introduction for newcomers to the world of Detective Sipowicz and company.