Ep 12. Up on the Roof

In the twelfth episode of the first season of NYPD Blue, titled "Up on the Roof," the detectives of Manhattan's 15th precinct are caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a rooftop sniper who is targeting people randomly from the rooftops of the city.

The episode opens with a hooded figure taking aim at a couple enjoying a romantic evening on their balcony. The woman is hit and falls to her death while the man is left alive but critically injured. The detectives are outraged by the senseless murder and spring into action to catch the killer before he strikes again.

Detectives Andy Sipowicz and John Kelly lead the investigation and are quickly assisted by detectives Greg Medavoy, James Martinez, and Jill Kirkendall. They scour the city for any clues that might lead them to the shooter's identity, while the citizens of New York City live in fear of another attack.

Meanwhile, Sipowicz is struggling with his own personal demons. His estranged wife and son have returned to town, and he feels overwhelming guilt for the role he played in the breakup of his family. He also finds himself at odds with his own partner Kelly, who is just returning from a leave of absence following the death of his young son.

As the investigation progresses, tensions rise within the precinct as the detectives race to catch the shooter before he can cause any more damage. The killer's motives remain a mystery, and it becomes apparent that he is a skilled marksman who has been planning the attacks for some time.

The tension builds to a breaking point as the detectives get closer to the shooter's location. They find themselves in a dangerous game of cat and mouse as they try to apprehend the killer before he can escape. The rooftop becomes a battleground as the detectives engage in a thrilling shootout with the shooter, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

Ultimately, the detectives are able to capture the shooter and bring him to justice. As they reflect on the case, they are left to grapple with the senselessness of the crime and the fragility of human life. Sipowicz is left to confront his own demons as he tries to rebuild his relationship with his family and move forward in his personal life.

Overall, "Up on the Roof" is a gripping episode that showcases the talented ensemble cast of NYPD Blue. The episode is a testament to the show's ability to blend intense police procedurals with compelling character drama, leaving viewers emotionally invested in the lives of the detectives and the citizens of New York City.