![]() ![]() I think the overall theme will be sort of a new beginning — a feeling that continuity will continue at the 15th Precinct."Franz chuckles when recalling the furor that surrounded the series, even before it got on the air in the fall of 1993.Reports of the series\' profanity, partial nudity and sex scenes led to picket lines at ABC offices in Hollywood and New York and at some affiliates around the country.In the premiere episode, the alcoholic Andy, distraught over a court decision, grabbed his crotch and yelled nasty comments to Sylvia, then his adversary. He replaced Caruso, who left in a salary dispute with co-creator Steven Bochco.Regarding the show\'s finale, Franz will say only that the series will end on an optimistic note."There won\'t be a tragedy for a major character. "Filming those episodes was like dealing with a death in the family."The two actors formed a strong friendship during Smits\' four-year stint. ![]() You don\'t forget scenes like that."Franz also recalls episodes when his second partner, Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits), was dying of a heart problem. Andy was shot and near death."My partner (John Kelly, played by David Caruso) was holding my hand in the hospital. or was it the fourth?\'"However, one scene in the first season won\'t leave his memory. But then I ask myself, \'Was that season three. The major breakthrough: Andy finally agreed to let "gay John" baby-sit Andy\'s son, Theo.Such side story lines have given Andy a realism uncommon among the predictable soap-opera characters that glut prime-time drama.While Franz can easily recall specific episodes, the years tend to run together."I easily remember scenes from particularly well-done episodes. Later, Andy\'s bigotry subsided — a little.Andy also was quietly hostile to gay police clerk John Irvin (Bill Brochtrup) until he began to understand that John\'s lifestyle didn\'t mean he was a pervert. Some of the best story lines dealt with Andy\'s confrontations with his proud black superior, Lt. For example, it was Franz\'s idea that Andy should wed lawyer Sylvia Costas (Sharon Lawrence) and father a child.In the early seasons, Andy was a raging bigot. He\'s been involved in numerous decisions regarding Andy\'s life. I\'m grateful to have had the opportunity to play such a character."Franz has done much more than learn his lines. And that\'s tough to do over a 12-season run. "But the writing staff has been right on target, while keeping his basic personality intact. We want to go out while our viewers still care."Always the antithesis of his gruff, prickly TV character, Franz quickly compliments the producer, writers and his fellow actors, whom he believes have made Andy a consistent character and kept the series in focus."Andy has been through a lot of stuff physically and emotionally," Franz says. "The series has had a good run — longer than anyone expected. And Andy has gone through countless short-sleeved dress shirts — a wardrobe trademark.There\'s no doubt that after ABC\'s "NYPD Blue" airs its 262nd and final episode March 1, Andy Sipowicz will be remembered as one of television\'s most compelling characters."He\'ll always be part of me," Dennis Franz says.And Franz will remain part of TV history as the only performer to win four Emmy awards as best dramatic actor for playing the same role."But the time has come for Andy to leave the screen — except, of course, in reruns," Franz says. Andy Jr., who became a police officer after reconciling with his father, was killed in the line of duty.Andy has had three detective partners and three lieutenant supervisors (with whom he\'s bitterly quarreled), and faced innumerable internal-affairs investigators (who have tried to end Andy\'s police career).He\'s mumbled "sorry for your loss" and gruffly asked "how\'s it goin\'?" innumerable times. In his 12 years working out of New York\'s 15th Precinct, Detective Andy Sipowicz has been shot three times, survived prostate cancer and battled alcoholism.He\'s had three wives and watched in agony while one was gunned down in a courtroom.Andy has sired three children. ![]()
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