Ep 1. Daveless in New York

In NYPD Blue season 8 episode 1, entitled "Daveless in New York," the detectives of the 15th precinct are back in action, but things are not quite the same as they were before. Sipowicz is still mourning the loss of his son, and it's clear that the grief is weighing heavily on him. Meanwhile, the rest of the team are all dealing with their own personal struggles, as they navigate the high-pressure world of New York City law enforcement.

The episode opens with Sipowicz and his partner Danny Sorenson investigating a murder at a local restaurant. As they try to piece together the events that led to the victim's death, they become increasingly frustrated by the lack of cooperation they receive from the restaurant staff. It's clear that they are more concerned with protecting their image than helping the police solve the crime.

Meanwhile, Detective Greg Medavoy is struggling with personal demons of his own. He's just been through a painful divorce and is having difficulty adjusting to life as a single father. As he tries to balance his work with his responsibilities at home, he finds himself making mistakes on the job. It's clear that he is not quite at the top of his game, and he's worried that his colleagues will start to notice.

As the investigation into the restaurant murder continues, Sipowicz and Sorenson begin to suspect that the victim may have been involved in some kind of organized crime. They follow up on several leads and eventually come face-to-face with some dangerous individuals who are not happy about the detectives' interference.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Fancy is dealing with his own problems back at the precinct. The department is facing budget cuts, and he's struggling to figure out how to keep the team functioning with less resources. He's also dealing with personal issues of his own, as his wife is pregnant and due to give birth at any moment. It's a stressful time for him, and he's not sure if he can handle it all.

As the episode comes to a close, the team is faced with a difficult decision. They've uncovered evidence that could lead to a major arrest, but it will require them to take some risks and potentially put themselves in harm's way. It's a tense moment, as each character weighs the potential consequences of their actions. In the end, they decide to go ahead with the plan, and the episode ends on a cliffhanger as they prepare to make their move.

Overall, "Daveless in New York" is a tense and gritty episode that explores the emotional toll that working in law enforcement can take on individuals and their families. It's a reminder that, behind the tough exteriors and gruff attitudes, these detectives are human beings who are doing their best to navigate a world of violence and uncertainty. With strong performances from the cast and a powerful storyline, this episode sets the stage for what promises to be another compelling season of NYPD Blue.