Ep 9. Don We Now Our Gay Apparel

Don We Now Our Gay Apparel is the ninth episode of the second season of the American police procedural television series, NYPD Blue. The episode originally aired on December 13, 1994, and was directed by Mark Tinker and written by Steven Bochco and David Milch.

The episode revolves around the celebration of Christmas at the police station and the squad's investigation of a murdered male prostitute. The detectives are tasked with uncovering the identity of the killer while navigating the complexities of the case, which involves the victim's drug habits and the seedy underworld of male prostitution.

As the detectives delve deeper into the case, they are confronted with individuals who have information on the victim's death but refuse to come forward. The investigation takes a dramatic turn when the detectives uncover a connection between the victim and a high-profile politician, raising the stakes of the case and putting the detectives' lives in danger.

Meanwhile, the detectives' personal lives continue to intersect with their professional duties. Detectives Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) and Simone (Jimmy Smits) try to make the most of the holiday season while also dealing with their own personal issues, such as Sipowicz's struggles with alcoholism and Simone's ongoing relationship problems with his girlfriend.

The episode also features appearances from recurring characters, including Detective Medavoy (Gordon Clapp) and his wife, who are experiencing marital troubles, and District Attorney Schiff (Steven Hill), who is busy trying to secure convictions against other criminals.

Throughout the episode, the detectives' dedication to solving the case is contrasted with moments of levity and humor, such as when the entire squad participates in a Christmas gift swap and exchanges humorous ornaments.

As the case comes to a close, the detectives must grapple with the moral implications of their actions and the consequences of their investigation. The episode ends with a powerful reminder that even in the midst of holiday celebrations and cheer, the police work never stops.

Overall, Don We Now Our Gay Apparel is a masterful episode that seamlessly blends humor, drama, and suspense. It showcases the intricate plotlines and complex character development that have made NYPD Blue a television classic for decades.