Ep 16. What a Dump!

Detectives Andy Sipowicz and Bobby Simone investigate a murder case in the New York City borough of Queens. The victim is a man named Jules Riffkind, who is found dead in a deserted building. As they explore the crime scene, they find clues that lead them to a strip club in the vicinity.

At the club, they meet with Sandy Benveniste, the owner, who tells them that Jules was a regular customer. He informs the detectives that Jules had been in the club the night before but left in a hurry when he received a phone call. Sandy gives them a description of the woman who made the call and the detectives leave to follow up on the lead.

Their investigations lead them to a dumpsite where they discover the charred remnants of Jules' car. Bobby observes that the scrape marks suggest that the vehicle was pushed down the steep slope, indicating that the killer was trying to hide the evidence.

As the investigation deepens, there are several twists and turns. Sipowicz and Simone discover that Jules had been in trouble with a loan shark, and his girlfriend, Zoe, had been avoiding his calls. They also find out that a rival strip club owner might have had a motive to get rid of Jules.

In the meantime, Andy is dealing with personal problems. His ex-wife, who is a recovering alcoholic and now married to someone else, wants to resume a relationship with him. He is conflicted about the situation and struggling to stay sober.

The detectives eventually catch a break in the case when they track down the woman who made the phone call to Jules. She reveals that she was the girlfriend of a man who owed Jules money. The man, in turn, had hired a hitman to kill Jules and had paid them with money loaned from the loan shark.

Armed with this information, Sipowicz and Simone confront the loan shark, who eventually confesses to his role in the murder. He also reveals that he had disposed of Jules' phone and personal belongings at a landfill, hoping to cover his tracks.

As the detectives wrap up the case, Bobby shares some news with Andy. He has been diagnosed with a heart condition that may require surgery. The news leaves Andy shaken, and he is forced to confront his own mortality. The episode ends with him struggling to come to terms with his fear and uncertainty.

In conclusion, NYPD Blue season 4 episode 16- What a Dump! is a riveting crime drama that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. With a complex plot, nuanced characters, and a gripping storyline, the episode is a standout example of the excellence that the show achieved during its long run.