Ep 21. The Bank Dick

Detective Andy Sipowicz continues to juggle the challenges of being a recovering alcoholic, a detective, and a father. Sipowicz's son Theo faces surgery, adding even more stress to his already complicated life. Meanwhile, Detective Bobby Simone is struggling with his own health issues and must make some tough decisions about his future with the NYPD.

In "The Bank Dick," a bank robbery goes wrong when one of the suspects is shot and killed by the police. The surviving robber, a man named Danny, manages to escape but leaves behind a list of other bank robberies he and his partner had planned. Determined to stop the other robberies before they happen, Sipowicz and Simone begin investigating the list and interrogating potential suspects.

As they work the case, they encounter a group of highly organized criminals who have been pulling off successful bank robberies for years. The detectives must use all their skills and resources to bring the criminals to justice before they strike again.

Meanwhile, Sipowicz is dealing with personal issues as well. His relationship with Sylvia, the mother of his son, is strained due to his drinking and past infidelities. He also struggles with his jealousy as Sylvia begins spending time with another man. As Theo's surgery approaches, Sipowicz becomes increasingly anxious about his son's health and future.

Simone's health issues come to a head as he collapses on the job. The episode follows him as he undergoes tests at the hospital and debates whether or not to continue working as a detective. He wrestles with the fact that he may not be physically up to the job anymore and worries about letting down his partner and his colleagues.

"The Bank Dick" is a tense and emotional episode of NYPD Blue that showcases the show's strong writing and skilled ensemble cast. As Sipowicz and Simone struggle to solve the bank robbery case, they confront their own personal demons and vulnerabilities, making for a gripping and poignant hour of television.