Ep 15. Love Hurts

Set in the gritty streets of New York City, NYPD Blue follows the professional and personal lives of the men and women of the 15th Precinct Detective Squad. In season 8 episode 15, titled Love Hurts, the detectives are faced with a complicated case involving a beloved member of the precinct.

The episode begins with Detective Diane Russell (Kim Delaney) and Detective Connie McDowell (Charlotte Ross) investigating a case involving a young woman who was found dead in her apartment, seemingly the victim of a violent attack. As they dive deeper into the case, they discover that the victim was involved in a complicated love triangle with two men, one of whom is a fellow police officer.

Meanwhile, Detective Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) is dealing with his own relationship issues. After a string of failed marriages, Sipowicz is hesitant to dive into a new romance with fellow Detective Connie McDowell. However, after spending more time together on the case, their bond deepens and Sipowicz starts to reconsider his stance on love.

As the case unfolds, the detectives must navigate through a maze of secrets and lies to uncover the truth behind the young woman's death. Along the way, they are faced with ethical dilemmas and must confront their own personal biases and prejudices.

In addition to the main case, the episode also touches on the ongoing struggles of Detective Greg Medavoy (Gordon Clapp) who is dealing with the aftermath of his divorce. He turns to alcohol to cope, but finds little solace in his addiction.

As the detectives close in on the killer, they are forced to confront the reality that sometimes love can be a dangerous thing. The episode ends on a somber note, highlighting the toll that these types of cases can take on those who dedicate their lives to solving them.

Overall, Love Hurts is a compelling and emotional episode that tackles themes of love, loss, and betrayal. The writing is sharp and the performances are top-notch, making it a standout episode in a series that consistently delivered gripping and thought-provoking storylines.