Ep 20. Good Time Charlie

As the twentieth episode of the first season of the police drama series NYPD Blue, "Good Time Charlie" deploys its usual knack for maintaining a completely gripping and nerve-wracking story from start to finish. Set in the bustling city of New York, the show takes viewers on a ride-along with the men and women of the NYPD's 15th Precinct. In this episode, they investigate the murder of a young woman. This particular case had been dubbed "The Manhattan subway killer" as the murderer had a pattern of preying on women riding the subway.

The story commences with the detectives latching onto a suspect believed to be responsible for the series of gruesome murders, a charming and gregarious 30-something Charlie Hollman, who is eventually placed under arrest. Over the course of the episode, viewers watch in suspense as the detectives on the case - Andy Sipowicz, John Kelly, Bobby Simone, and Detective Robinetti - build their case against the suspect while still uncovering new leads.

As the investigation progresses, Detective John Kelly begins to develop a soft spot for Hollman, and spends a considerable amount of time interrogating him and trying to get him to confess to the murder. However, as a seasoned detective, he is careful not to let his emotions cloud his judgment. Meanwhile, Andy Sipowicz, his partner, is extremely skeptical of Hollman's story, and is convinced he has something to do with the subway killings, despite Hollman's alibi for the night of the murder.

To gather evidence, the detectives obtain a search warrant to search Hollman's apartment, which turns out to be a treasure trove of evidence regarding the murder and other criminal activities. A notepad found in the apartment leading them to a woman in Atlanta, who confirms the Hollman relationship with the victim.

Meanwhile, Bobby Simone has found himself a new love interest in the form of Officer Janice Licalsi, a fellow cop with whom he shares a passionate night but after their moment of passion, Janice reveals to him that she was responsible for the murder of a Mafioso and asks him for help to cover up the crime.

The clock is ticking as the detectives try to extract a confession from Hollman. The police commissioner wants a resolution to the case to restore the public's faith in the NYPD, which has taken a hit due to the recent string of murders.

"Good Time Charlie" is an episode that culminates in a thrilling climax. The pacing is solid, characterization is expertly rendered, and the interactions between all of the characters are always interesting to watch. The interrogation scene of Hollman is especially intense, with a great performance from guest star Timothy Busfield. As viewers, we are also drawn in by the interactions and dialogue between the detectives, who feel like real people trying to solve a puzzle.

In conclusion, the episode "Good Time Charlie" serves as another impressive entry in the NYPD Blue series and showcases the brilliant writing and acting that makes this show so captivating. With a fantastic showcasing of the police procedural aspects, as viewers, we are sucked into the gritty and unrelenting world of police work in New York. The case that becomes a hallmark of this episode is dealt with satisfying conclusion, with loose ends tied up in a way that keeps us anticipating the next episode.