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Newsletter # 6
What Made NYPD BLUE So Successful?
By
Laurie H. Hutzler
A New Kind of Protagonist Took Center Stage
When NYPD BLUE debuted critics seized on issues of language and nudity to laud or condemn the show as groundbreaking. For me, the real innovation was featuring a Power of Will character as a protagonist rather than as a villain or nemesis. Audiences had never seen that kind of lead character in a crime drama.
Over the course of twelve seasons Andy was always one of the most fascinating “heroes” on television. His unorthodox character was as much a departure as the show’s gritty realism. To audiences more accustomed to the kind of protagonists featured in MATLOCK, COLUMBO or MURDER SHE WROTE or even Captain Furillo on HILL STREET BLUES, Andy was a shock and a revelation.
The Power of Will Drives the Series Forward
Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) began life as the binging out-of-control partner of the sober and reliable John Kelly (David Caruso). Andy was always on the verge of violent explosion. After Caruso left, we watched Andy inch his way from being a foul-mouthed brute toward becoming a loving father and good leader.
Audiences were riveted by this complex emotional journey long after the show’s nudity and language were over-shadowed by offerings on cable. Andy’s progress toward hard won redemption and painful self-discovery was compulsively watch-able and created an enduring emotional bond with the audience. As he struggled with inner demons of rage, violence and impulse control we felt the loss and fear behind his bombast and racism.
Andy Sipowicz Breaks New Ground
Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) on THE SOPRANOS and Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) on THE SHIELD owe a great debt to Andy for opening the way for this intriguing character type as a leading man. Each of these protagonists shares common traits, weaknesses, and inner demons. They all struggle with issues of control, power and how to use their strength.
The final challenge is how to complete this character’s emotional journey. The finale of NYPD BLUE pushed Andy to complete his personal transformation by stepping into position as a wise and courageous leader—a far cry from the bully and bigot who roared through the 15th Precinct homicide division in 1993.
Tony Soprano once told Dr. Malfi: “There are two ways guys like me end up—in jail or dead.” I suspect that Tony’s story will end in tragedy. For Vic Mackey it’s too soon to tell. Andy shows the way to transformation and personal salvation. Perhaps Vic will find the strength to grow as Andy did. I hope he does.
Always Staying True to Character Type
The best of NYPD BLUE was never found in its plots but always in its characters. As the heart and soul of the show Andy’s character was clearly and consistency driven by the Power of Will. Because he was always so true to type he was, as David Thompson wrote in Esquire, “One of the few people you can smell on TV.”
When characters are drawn true to type, remain true to type and explore all the complexities within their type they become so real the audience can literally “smell” them.
Consulting Services
If you need help finding your story’s emotional focus let
Laurie Hutzler’s unique interactive problem-solving sessions
center the power of your story and clarify your character’s
inner truth. Whether working on a television program or feature film
production, Laurie helps writers, producers, story editors, and creative
teams get to the heart of a story. She offers a set of practical
methods to create the emotionally satisfying programs audiences love.
Contact: Laurie@EmotionalToolbox.com
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