Ep 1. Trials & Tribulations

In the season 2 premiere episode of NYPD Blue titled "Trials & Tribulations," the detectives of the 15th precinct are thrown into a high-pressure situation when a prominent defense attorney is found dead in her office. As Detective Andy Sipowicz and his partner Detective Bobby Simone investigate the murder, they quickly discover that the victim had many enemies due to her controversial clients and tactics.

Meanwhile, Det. John Kelly is dealing with personal struggles as he's still recovering from his girlfriend's murder and his own shooting. When he's called to investigate a robbery gone wrong, he becomes emotionally entangled with the victim's wife, leading him to make some reckless choices.

As the detectives delve deeper into the murder case, they uncover a web of lies and corruption that reaches far beyond the legal world. Along the way, they face their own personal demons and professional pressures, including tension with their boss Lieutenant Fancy and internal affairs investigations.

The episode presents a compelling balance between gritty police work and character development. Sipowicz's gruff exterior softens as he confronts his dysfunctional family dynamics, while Simone begins to open up about his own personal struggles.

In addition to the primary murder investigation, the episode also features several other subplots that reveal the complex personal lives of the detectives. Kelly's emotional turmoil is at the forefront, but we also see glimpses of Det. Greg Medavoy's relationship troubles and the toll that the job is taking on Det. James Martinez.

Overall, "Trials & Tribulations" sets the tone for what promises to be another intense season of NYPD Blue. The episode sets up several ongoing plot threads while satisfyingly resolving the central murder case. Fans of the show will delight in the continued development of the characters they've grown to love (and love to hate), while new viewers will quickly become hooked on the show's raw and realistic portrayal of police work and the human drama that surrounds it.