Ep 10. Remembrance of Humps Past

In NYPD Blue season 5 episode 10, titled "Remembrance of Humps Past", the audience is taken on a journey of remembrance as Detective John Kelly is forced to confront his painful past. The episode starts with Kelly answering a call from his old friend, a retired detective named Jack Humps, who has been shot and is in critical condition. Kelly rushes to the hospital, where he is informed that Humps is not expected to survive the night.

As Kelly sits by Humps' bedside, he recalls the times they spent working together and the impact Humps had on his life. The episode then flashes back to Kelly's early years in the force when Humps was his partner. The flashback scenes show the audience a younger Kelly, eager to prove himself and struggling to cope with the challenges of being a detective. Humps takes Kelly under his wing and becomes a mentor, teaching him the ropes of the job and pushing him to be a better cop.

Through a series of cases they work on together, the audience sees how Kelly and Humps' relationship develops from a professional one to a friendship that goes beyond the precinct. Humps becomes a father figure to Kelly and teaches him important life lessons, such as the value of honesty and sticking by your convictions.

The flashback scenes are interspersed with present-day scenes of Kelly struggling to come to terms with Humps' impending death. He is haunted by memories of a case they worked on together where a man they were convinced was guilty walked free due to a technicality. Kelly blames himself for not finding a way to get justice for the victim and is tormented by the thought that he and Humps let the killer get away.

As Kelly wrestles with his guilt and grief, his current partner, Detective Martinez, attempts to distract him by immersing him in a high-profile case involving a wealthy socialite who has been murdered. However, Kelly is unable to focus on the case and continues to be consumed by his memories of Humps and the case that got away.

The episode culminates in a heartbreaking scene where Kelly is forced to say goodbye to Humps. As he leaves the hospital, Kelly is reminded of the important lessons Humps taught him and gains a newfound determination to live up to his mentor's legacy.

Overall, "Remembrance of Humps Past" is a poignant and reflective episode that delves into the complexities of grief, guilt, and the bond between partners in the NYPD. The flashback scenes add depth to Kelly's character, showing the audience the formative experiences that shaped his career and his relationships. The episode serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that police officers make every day, and the profound impact they can have on one another's lives.