One thing is certain. "NYPD Blue" hasn't reached that point yet. One reason audiences keep coming back is the series manages to remain topical.
That was never more evident than the first episode of the 2001-02 season. Airing less than two months after the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks on the World Trade Center, the episode featured a poignant scene in which Sipowicz somberly gazes on the spot where the twin towers once stood.
It's a moment Franz vividly remembers, and he said it makes it difficult for him to understand the protests against war with Iraq.
"Have these people (protesters) forgotten what happen on Sept. 11?" Franz wondered. "Don't they remember all those people - the women, the children - on those planes who were nondeserving of having their lives taken from them?
"Freedom - the same freedom that allows them to protest - doesn't come easy. There are times when you have to stand up and prove yourself to the rest of the world, that we will defend our way of life.
"I back our president all the way. Let's face it - there are just some evil people in the world and they have to be dealt with."
There you have Andy Sipowicz and Dennis Franz - both gunning for the bad guys.
And though Franz continued to talk at his nice-guy-next-door pace, you almost could hear Andy Sipowicz in the background: "Listen, pal. You tell 'em."
I know we really should not care what Hollywooders think, but it is worthy of notice when one actually has it right.
Franz will carry 'NYPD Blue' badge 'right to the finish'
By DOUG NYE
Television Editor
When Dennis Franz accepted the role of Detective Andy Sipowicz on "NYPD Blue" in 1993, it never occurred to him he'd be playing the character 10 years later.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think the show would be around this long," he said.
As it turns out, Franz's hard-nosed, hot-tempered Sipowicz has been the show's anchor. During its lengthy run, "NYPD Blue" has experienced many cast changes, but Sipowicz always has been there. He's the thread that links the show's present with its past.
Sipowicz will be around for at least another season. The series has been picked up for 2003-04.
"I want to be associated with it right to the finish, whenever that may be," Franz said. "I'm really proud of the work we have done. And it certainly has provided a nice living for me and my family."
As he spoke in an easygoing Midwestern accent, it was obvious Franz had left Sipowicz on the set. Not once did he say anything like: "Listen, pal."
Franz said he and Sipowicz have little in common. "He's had a lot of personal problems and has an addictive nature," Franz said. "I've been pretty fortunate in that respect. Andy and I do see eye to eye on how to deal with the bad guys. Cut out the red tape, and let's put 'em away. I'm not very forgiving."
'22 LITTLE MOVIES'
Franz had reason to be skeptical about a future for "NYPD Blue" when he began working on it. Four of his five previous TV series had lasted no more than a half-season. The only exception was his two-year stint as Lt. Norman Buntz on "Hill Street Blues."
"I thought they were all good shows," Franz said. "But I gave up a long time ago trying to figure out what the magic formula is that keeps a show on the air."
"NYPD Blue" was considered a groundbreaking network series when it premiered on ABC. It sparked a furor because of its nudity and language. Several stations around the country refused to run the premiere episode.
Among their objections was a sequence in which Sipowicz grabbed his crotch and made an obscene gesture to a female district attorney. Another was a bedroom scene between Lt. David Kelly (David Caruso) and Officer Janis Licalsi (Amy Brenneman); both appeared nude. It was the most skin ever seen on a primetime network series.
Eventually, the uproar subsided and all ABC affiliates began carrying it.
That memorable first season of "NYPD Blue" ($59.98) has just been released by Fox in a six-disc DVD collection. It contains all 22 episodes (commercial-free, of course) and numerous behind-the-scenes extras.
"I finished watching the first season not long ago," Franz said. "I was happy to see that 10 years later, they still hold up well. It's like we made 22 little movies that year."
Franz believes the controversy stirred up by that first episode turned out to be a blessing. "That got people's attention, and if for no other reason they watched it out of curiosity," Franz said. "What they discovered was, hey, this is a fine adult drama."
That didn't guarantee that the series would survive. Even when ABC announced it was picking up the show for a full season, Franz didn't celebrate. "I figured, well, OK, at least I'm going to be employed for a full year."
"NYPD Blue" finished that first season ranked 18th among all network shows.
SOLDIER AT HEART
Franz's interest in acting dates back to his high school days in his native Chicago. When Franz accompanied his girlfriend to auditions for a high school play, it didn't take him long to get hooked.
"I sat there and thought, 'I can do this,' " Franz said. He got a part in the play, but his girlfriend didn't - ending any future romance between the two.
Later, Franz graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in speech and theater. His dreams of acting temporarily were put on hold by the Vietnam War, in which he did an 11-month tour of duty.
His military background is probably why - of all the awards he has won - Franz puts at the top of the list being named Veteran of the Year for 2002 by the Academy of American Veterans Awards. (He boasts four Emmys, two Screen Actors' Guild awards, and a Golden Globe among his acting awards.)
"It's always wonderful to be recognized for your work," Franz said, "But this was not about work. It about being a part of my country. I'm very proud to be associated with all the great men and women in the service."
When he's not laboring on the show, Franz does charity work, plays golf and roots for his hometown Chicago Cubs.
And, oh yes, he watches - gasp - reality TV shows.
"Like a knucklehead, I got hooked on that 'Survivor,' " Franz said, almost scolding himself. "Then I started watching that stupid 'Bachelor' and then there was 'Joe Millionaire.' "
Hey, we thought Dennis Franz wasn't addicted to anything.
"Yeah," Franz said with a big laugh, "I told myself I had to get off these things and spend time doing something else. Those shows are getting more and more absurd, and they'll keep getting that way until the audience starts rejecting them."
One thing is certain. "NYPD Blue" hasn't reached that point yet. One reason audiences keep coming back is the series manages to remain topical.
That was never more evident than the first episode of the 2001-02 season. Airing less than two months after the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks on the World Trade Center, the episode featured a poignant scene in which Sipowicz somberly gazes on the spot where the twin towers once stood.
It's a moment Franz vividly remembers, and he said it makes it difficult for him to understand the protests against war with Iraq.
"Have these people (protesters) forgotten what happen on Sept. 11?" Franz wondered. "Don't they remember all those people - the women, the children - on those planes who were nondeserving of having their lives taken from them?
"Freedom - the same freedom that allows them to protest - doesn't come easy. There are times when you have to stand up and prove yourself to the rest of the world, that we will defend our way of life.
"I back our president all the way. Let's face it - there are just some evil people in the world and they have to be dealt with."
There you have Andy Sipowicz and Dennis Franz - both gunning for the bad guys.
And though Franz continued to talk at his nice-guy-next-door pace, you almost could hear Andy Sipowicz in the background: "Listen, pal. You tell 'em."
© 2003 The State and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.thestate.com
He a rare guy for an actor. A true act and all around American. Ladies and Gentlemen, let's hear one for Dennis Frantz! Cheers!!!!
We should have a list of conservative entertainers in order to support their work. I visited my local video store and found myself rejecting more movies than renting due to the actors in the movies being the usual lib crowd.
I stopped watching NYPD Blue years ago when the producers began making the show totally PC just as they have done to many other good shows.