ABC has asked that TV critics not reveal how Jimmy Smits makes his exit from "NYPD Blue" in a special 90-minute episode (tonight at 9 on Ch. 4). And I wouldn't dream of giving any secrets away.
But, if you've been watching the show this season, chances are you've already figured it out.Smits' character, Bobby Simone, has been stricken with a disease that has destroyed his heart. Let's just say that Smits and Simone get a proper send-off. This is a well-written, touching episode.
And the episode also points up that neither Smits (whose departure is amicable) nor his predecessor, David Caruso (whose departure wasn't) is the heart of this show. Multiple Emmy-winner Dennis Franz and his character, Det. Andy Sipowicz, fill that role.
Tonight, Sipowicz carries a storyline in the 90-minute episode that's independent of what's going on with Bobby. Andy's ex-wife asks him for help after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. And her reappearance sparks painful memories.
"NYPD Blue" survived Caruso's departure. It's going to survive Smits' departure, too.
And while we're at it, Rick Schroder - who will play Andy's new partner - deserves a better break than he's gotten from many members of the media who seem incapable of remembering anything about him other than "The Champ" and "Silver Spoons." The nay-sayers have yet to see him on "Blue," and Schroder has turned in some fine performances when he's had decent writing. Anybody remember "Lonesome Dove"?