Ep 8. Cold Heaters

The episode "Cold Heaters" is the eighth episode of the third season of NYPD Blue. The episode is directed by Gregory Hoblit and written by Leonard Gardner. It was first aired on November 23, 1995, on ABC. The episode is mostly centered around Detective Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) and his partner Detective Kelly (David Caruso).

The episode starts with Sipowicz and Kelly investigating the murder of a man who has been shot in the head. His identity is not known, and there are no clues that can help the detectives find out who he is. The detectives start their investigation by checking with the Missing Persons Bureau, and after several hours of digging, they find out that the victim is a homeless person who has been living on the streets for years. They also discover that he has been collecting cans and bottles to make a living.

As Sipowicz and Kelly continue their investigation, they find out that a group of homeless people have been targeted by a gang of robbers who steal their cans and bottles. The detectives investigate the gang and find out that they are using guns that have been reported stolen a year ago. The investigation takes a turn when one of the members of the gang is found murdered, and the detectives believe that the same person who killed the homeless victim is responsible for this murder too.

The episode also follows the personal lives of the detectives. Sipowicz is struggling to maintain his sobriety, and he is attending AA meetings regularly. He is also worried about his son, who has been arrested for drug possession. Kelly, on the other hand, is having issues with his girlfriend, who is pushing him to start a family. Kelly is not sure if he is ready for such a commitment, and this leads to tension in their relationship.

Another subplot in the episode is the arrival of a new detective in the precinct, Detective Martinez. Martinez is taking over the cases of Detective Medavoy, who is on medical leave. Martinez's arrival is met with resistance from some of the detectives, who feel that he is too eager and inexperienced. However, he quickly proves himself when he helps Sipowicz and Kelly crack the case.

Overall, "Cold Heaters" is a well-written and well-directed episode that showcases the strengths of NYPD Blue. The episode balances the personal lives of the detectives with the homicide investigation, and it does a great job of keeping the audience engaged. The performances by the cast are also noteworthy, particularly Dennis Franz, who continues to deliver a nuanced and compelling portrayal of Detective Sipowicz.