Ep 1. Inside NYPD Blue: A Decade on the Job

Inside NYPD Blue: A Decade on the Job is a special episode of the American police procedural drama series NYPD Blue. This episode aired on September 24, 2002, as a part of the show’s tenth season.

The episode provides a retrospective on the series, highlighting its 10-year run and showcasing some of the most memorable moments and characters from previous seasons. It features interviews with the cast and crew of the show, such as Dennis Franz, who played Detective Andy Sipowicz, and Gordon Clapp, who played Detective Greg Medavoy. Viewers also get a chance to hear from the writers and producers that brought the show to life.

Throughout the episode, the audience is taken on a journey filled with flashbacks, starting from the very first episode of the series, which aired on September 21, 1993. The episode dives into the creation and development of some of the show’s most iconic characters, such as Detective Sipowicz and Detective Bobby Simone (played by Jimmy Smits). It also sheds light on some of the controversies and challenges the show faced during its run, such as its depiction of nudity and violence.

The show’s creators highlight the importance of authenticity in the series, discussing how they aimed to present a realistic portrayal of police work. They discuss how they consulted with real-life detectives and police officers to ensure the show had genuine characters, storylines and dialogue. The episode reveals interesting behind-the-scenes information as to how the crew filmed on location throughout New York City, giving the show an authentic feeling of really being there.

As the episode progresses, viewers are given a glimpse into the personal lives of some of the characters on the show, including Sipowicz's battles with alcoholism and Simone's battle with his heart condition. The episode also showcases some of the show’s most memorable scenes, such as Sipowicz's famous "butt speech" from Season 2 and Simone's tragic death in Season 6, where viewers are reminded of the emotional impact of the show on its audience.

The staff producers reflect on how they were able to balance the darkness with good humour and light moments throughout the show's 10 years, and how their "creative sandbox" allowed them to explore their storytelling potential like never before. As the episode approaches its climax, there is a sense of nostalgia and appreciation in the air as the show's cast and crew share their experiences and what it has meant for them to be a part of the iconic show.

Ultimately, Inside NYPD Blue: A Decade on the Job is a must-watch episode for fans of the show, and it may even pique the interest of those who have never seen the series before. The episode perfectly sums up the heart and soul of the show, showcasing the talented cast and crew and their dedication to producing one of the most memorable police dramas in television history.