Ep 20. In the Wind

Detective Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) is in a tough spot. His ex-wife Connie (Debrah Farentino) is making his life hell over custody of their son and the stress is starting to show in his work. In the latest episode of NYPD Blue, "In the Wind," Sipowicz is looking for a way out and thinks he's found it.

Meanwhile, Detective Diane Russell (Kim Delaney) is dealing with her own personal issues. She's been distancing herself from her boyfriend, Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits), and is struggling to come to terms with feelings she has for him. But there's no time for that when the two detectives are called to investigate the murder of a young man.

As they delve deeper into the case, they realize that this is not a typical homicide. The victim, who was a drug dealer, seems to have been targeted by a group of wealthy, privileged kids who are using drugs for fun. Russell is appalled by their lack of empathy, but Sipowicz sees an opportunity to make some quick cash. He convinces Russell to help him track down the group, hoping to turn them in for a big reward.

Their investigation takes them to some of the city's most exclusive nightclubs and high-end apartments. Sipowicz and Russell pose as partygoers and gain access to the inner circle of the group. They soon discover that these kids are not only involved in drug use, but also in prostitution and human trafficking. They are disgusted by what they see and vow to bring the perpetrators to justice.

But things take a turn for the worse when they uncover a link between the group and a powerful government official who has ties to the police department. Sipowicz is torn between doing what's right and protecting his own interests. Russell tries to keep him on track, but she too is conflicted about how to handle the situation.

"In the Wind" is a tense and emotional episode that showcases the complexities of being a cop in a city like New York. Sipowicz and Russell are both struggling with personal demons, but they put their own issues aside to investigate a heinous crime. The episode is a reminder that justice is not always easy, but it is always worth fighting for.

The acting in "In the Wind" is top-notch, particularly from Delaney and Franz. Their chemistry as partners and friends is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the strongest in the series. Smits is also excellent as Simone, who is mostly absent from this episode but still manages to make an impact.

Overall, "In the Wind" is a standout episode of NYPD Blue that captures the essence of the series. It's gritty, nuanced, and emotionally powerful, and it has some of the most memorable moments in the show's history.