Ep 5. Hearts and Souls

In the NYPD Blue season 6 episode 5 entitled Hearts and Souls, the audience is taken on an emotional ride through a number of different subplots. The episode opens with Andy Sipowicz (played by Dennis Franz) in the hospital with his wife Sylvia (played by Sharon Lawrence) and their newborn baby Theo. The audience is immediately reminded of the emotional turmoil that the couple has been through in the past few seasons, following Sylvia's miscarriage and Andy's struggle with alcoholism.

As they settle into their new roles as parents, however, the couple faces a new challenge: they discover that their son has a heart murmur and will need surgery. The news sends Sylvia into a tailspin, and Andy is left trying to hold it all together. The storyline is a testament to the strength of their relationship, and the bond that has been forged between them through their struggles.

Meanwhile, back at the precinct, the detectives are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found in a dumpster. The investigation leads them to an unusual suspect: a man who claims to have been raised by wolves in the wilderness. The storyline is a fascinating exploration of the psychology of someone who has experienced extreme isolation, and the impact it has on the way they view the world. The detectives struggle to find evidence to convict the suspect, while also grappling with the ethical implications of putting someone on trial who may not have the same understanding of right and wrong as the rest of society.

In another subplot, Bobby Simone (played by Jimmy Smits) and Diane Russell (played by Kim Delaney) are trying to negotiate the tricky waters of their new relationship. The two detectives have been growing closer ever since Bobby's divorce from his wife, and they are both trying to figure out where their relationship is heading. The scene where they sit down to discuss their future together is a touching moment of vulnerability, as they both reveal their fears and insecurities about taking the next step.

Finally, the episode also features a heart-wrenching storyline involving one of the detectives, Greg Medavoy (played by Gordon Clapp). Medavoy is struggling to come to terms with the death of his father, who passed away suddenly a few days earlier. The storyline is a moving exploration of the grief process, and the different ways people cope with loss. Clapp turns in a devastating performance as a man who is trying to hold it together for the sake of his family, despite feeling like his world is falling apart.

Overall, NYPD Blue season 6 episode 5 is a masterclass in ensemble storytelling. The different subplots are all expertly woven together, creating a tapestry of emotion and drama that is impossible to look away from. The episode is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and the power of love and connection to help us through even the darkest of times. Anyone who has ever struggled with loss, love, or the complexities of the human experience will find something to relate to in this powerful and moving episode.