SYNOPSIS

This gritty police drama received notoriety at its premiere for its strong content - nudity and language - not normally heard on prime time TV. It is a well-crafted melodrama in the same style as Hill Street Blues (from the same producers), mixing cops' tough private lives and police action.

Kelly was a 15-year veteran of the force who somehow managed to retain his compassion in the face of all the ugliness he saw. His partner, Sipowicz, reacted much differently - turning to alcohol and prostitutes until he almost got killed - then slowly turning his life back around. Laura was Kelly's ex-wife, a lawyer who still loved him and Officer Licalsi was his new, tentative love interest. Martinez was an earnest rookie learning the ropes. Lt. Fancy was the hard-nosed precinct boss.

By the second season, Sipowicz was involved with Sylvia from the D.A.'s office, while Medavoy, whose marriage was falling apart, was zeroing in on the precinct's voluptuous administrative assistant, Donna. David Caruso had left the series in a much-publicized bid for big-screen success, thus departing the character of Kelly. He was replaced by Bobby Simone, who was mourning the death of his wife.