Ep 19. Judas Priest

In NYPD Blue season 6 episode 19, entitled "Judas Priest," the detectives of the 15th precinct are confronted with two distinct crimes. The episode opens with the shooting of a cab driver, which leads to the discovery of a stash of cash hidden in the trunk of his car. While investigating the theft of the money, the detectives begin to track down a group of criminals who are using counterfeit money to buy drugs.

As the investigation unfolds, the detectives are led to a church where they suspect the counterfeiting operation is based. While searching the premises, they discover a hidden room containing a printing press and stacks of counterfeit bills. The discovery of the press and the arrest of the counterfeiting operation's mastermind, a priest whose cunning and charisma belies his criminal organization, would be cause for celebration, except for the second crime that they are investigating: the murder of a young woman.

The victim, a prostitute with a history of drug abuse, was found strangled in her apartment. The detectives trace her last movements and are led to the door of a wealthy businessman who had been her client. When confronted with the evidence against him, the businessman becomes erratic and unpredictable. Meanwhile, the priest is also causing trouble by manipulating his parishioners, including one who becomes unhinged and puts the detectives in danger.

As the detectives try to solve both crimes, they face personal challenges as well. Sipowicz is struggling with his sobriety and is tempted when he discovers a bottle of liquor hidden in his desk. Simone is dealing with his guilt over the death of a suspect in a previous case, and is haunted by the spectre of his own mortality. Meanwhile, Martinez is having trouble with his girlfriend who is getting too close to one of his colleagues.

The episode is a tense and gripping installment in the NYPD Blue series, with a storyline that interweaves multiple plotlines and keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat. Through the investigations and the personal struggles of the detectives, the episode explores themes of temptation, redemption, and mortality.

Ultimately, the detectives are able to solve both crimes, but not without facing the hard truths of their own lives. Sipowicz is able to resist the temptation of alcohol, Simone is able to confront his guilt and his mortality, and Martinez is able to reconcile with his girlfriend. The resolution of the crimes provides a satisfying conclusion to the episode, but the personal journeys of the detectives resonate with the viewer long after the episode ends.

"Judas Priest" is a standout episode in the NYPD Blue series, showcasing the talents of its stellar cast and the complex storytelling that defined the show. With compelling characters, intricate plotlines, and thought-provoking themes, the episode is a testament to the timeless appeal of the police procedural genre.