Ep 3. One Big Happy Family

Detective Andy Sipowicz and Detective Bobby Simone are investigating the mysterious death of an elderly woman named Greta Heisley. She was found dead in her apartment by her friend and neighbor, Muriel. Greta's husband died a year ago, and she has no children or close relatives. However, she did have a close group of friends who all belonged to a caregiving support group.

The detectives begin their investigation by questioning Muriel, who discovered Greta's body. Muriel informs them that Greta was a bit of a hoarder, and her apartment was cluttered with boxes and junk. Muriel also tells them about Greta's friends in the support group and how they visited regularly to check up on her.

The next person the detectives speak to is Ellen, one of Greta's closest friends from the caregiving group. Ellen tells them about Greta's past, including her marriage to a businessman named Harold and how he left her for another woman. Greta never remarried and instead focused on her art and volunteer work.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives learn that Greta's artwork was quite valuable. They suspect that the motive for her murder may be related to her art collection. They also discover that Greta had an estranged brother, who had been in and out of jail. They decide to visit him in prison to see if he has any information pertaining to her death.

Meanwhile, Detective Diane Russell is dealing with personal issues at home. Her boyfriend, Bobby Simone, has been acting distant and avoiding her. She tries to talk to him about it, but he shuts her down every time. She confides in her friend, Jill Kirkendall, who advises her to give Bobby some space.

The detectives continue to work the case, interviewing Greta's friends and acquaintances, including her dermatologist, who reveals that Greta had recently been diagnosed with cancer. The detectives begin to suspect that Greta's death may have been a mercy killing. They confront one of her friends, John, who had been with her the night she died. John reveals that Greta had been in a lot of pain and had begged him to help her end her life.

After all the evidence has been collected and the suspects have been questioned, the detectives manage to piece together the events leading up to Greta's death. They discover that John had given Greta a lethal dose of morphine, and he is arrested for her murder.

As the episode comes to a close, Diane and Bobby finally have a heart-to-heart conversation about their relationship, and they decide to work through their issues. The episode ends with the detectives reflecting on the case and the difficulties of dealing with death and end-of-life issues.

Overall, "One Big Happy Family" is a gripping episode of NYPD Blue that tackles complex issues related to death, family, and relationships. The murder investigation is just one aspect of the episode, with the personal stories of the detectives adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. Fans of the series will appreciate the thoughtful and nuanced approach to these themes, as well as the outstanding performances from the cast.