The twelfth and final season of NYPD Blue premiered on ABC on September 21, 2004, and concluded on March 1, 2005.[1]

NYPD Blue
Season 12
Season 12 U.S. DVD Cover
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes20
Release
Original networkABC
Original releaseSeptember 21, 2004 (2004-09-21) 
March 1, 2005 (2005-03-01)
Season chronology
ActorCharacterMain cast
Dennis FranzAndy Sipowiczentire season
Mark-Paul GosselaarJohn Clark, Jr.entire season
Gordon ClappGreg Medavoyentire season
Henry SimmonsBaldwin Jonesentire season
Jacqueline ObradorsRita Ortizentire season
Bill BrochtrupJohn Irvinentire season
Currie GrahamThomas Baleentire season
Bonnie SomervilleLaura Murphyentire season

Note: Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Jessalyn Gilsig, and John F. O'Donohue did not return for the twelfth season. With the exception of Eddie Gibson being replaced as squad commander, their absences are not explained to the audience.

Episodes

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
2421"Dress for Success"Jesse BochcoStory by: Bill Clark & Matt Olmstead
Teleplay by: Matt Olmstead
September 21, 2004 (2004-09-21)JB01/12019.68[2]

Detective Laura Murphy joins the squad and has an uneasy start to her partnership with Ortiz. A new Lieutenant, Thomas Bale, formerly of Internal Affairs, takes command from Sergeant Gibson. Someone sends Sipowicz a dead rat and keys "PAB" ("Payback's A Bitch") into his car. Ortiz and Murphy investigate the murder of a homeless man while the rest of the squad work the murder of a doctor who is in town to research a book. Clark obviously still has not gotten over Devlin's suicide.

Notes

  • Bonnie Somerville makes her first appearance as a Detective Laura Murphy
  • Currie Graham makes his first appearance as Lieutenant Thomas Bale. Graham had appeared in a different role in Season 4's "Emission Impossible".
  • The doctor's murder storyline is based loosely on the life of David Reimer and Dr. John Money.
2432"Fish Out of Water"Jesse BochcoStory by: Bill Clark & Nicholas Wootton
Teleplay by: Nicholas Wootton
September 28, 2004 (2004-09-28)JB01/12029.73[3]

Bale announces his mandate from the department to make the "rogue" 15th squad reflect "today's policing" and insists on micromanaging the details of every case, which causes friction with the detectives. Cases include a dead 8-months pregnant woman in a dumpster and a push-in robbery. Investigation of the pregnant woman's death exposes an adoption scam. Andy and John Clark's relationship continues to deteriorate as John struggles to cope with Devlin's death and his father's suicide and takes out his anger on Andy. Andy's stalker poisons the fish in Andy's squad room tank.

Notes

2443"Great Balls of Ire"Mark TinkerStory by: Bill Clark & Tom Szentgyorgyi
Teleplay by: Tom Szentgyorgyi
October 12, 2004 (2004-10-12)JB01/12038.72[4]
Theo is briefly kidnapped, but returned unharmed. Sipowicz secretly tries to find out who is responsible while the rest of the squad works the case of a murdered rapist who had been harassed by one of his victims. Bale's latest irritating move is to mount the squad movement log next to the squad room door and put John Irvin in charge of ensuring detectives sign in and out whenever they arrive and depart. Sipowicz is barely speaking to Clark.
2454"Divorce Detective Style"Mark TinkerStory by: Bill Clark & Keith Eisner
Teleplay by: Keith Eisner
October 19, 2004 (2004-10-19)JB01/12048.43[5]

Cases involving a young woman found in a closet who has been bludgeoned to death and a man's kidnapped son dovetail into one larger situation, and Bale's stupidity during the case leads Andy to blow up at him. During the trial of Steve McClintock, who is accused of murdering a pregnant woman ("Fish Out of Water") Clark's testimony is impeached when he admits to having sex with Carly, McClintock's girlfriend and co-defendant. Andy's stalker orders child sex abuse material with Andy's credit card, which brings a visit from the FBI. A police mechanic finds a bug in Andy's police car. John Irvin traces the manufacturer, enabling Andy to hunt for his stalker, which Bale tacitly allows. Following a lead developed by Medavoy, detectives find that the kidnapping was staged by the victim, and his conspirators killed his girlfriend, who was the young woman in the closet. When Clark has a flippant attitude about ruining the murder case, Andy informs Clark he is going to request a new partner.

Notes

2465"You’re Buggin’ Me"John HyamsStory by: Bill Clark & Greg Plageman
Teleplay by: Greg Plageman
October 26, 2004 (2004-10-26)JB01/12059.27[6]

Andy attempts to pull a drunken John Clark from a bar and is shot by an unseen assailant. When he returns to the squad the next day, three AA "friends" confront him based on an anonymous tip they received and Andy has difficulty making them believe he had not been drinking. The bar's bouncer provides Ortiz and Murphy information about John's behavior at the bar, which does not concur with John's version. Medavoy finds out Hatcher's detective agency did a credit check on Andy. Andy confronts Stan and threatens to kill him if he does not stop stalking Andy. Hatcher recorded the conversation and reports the threats to the police department. Bale reluctantly brokers a deal with Hatcher's uncle, the deputy chief for personnel, who agrees that Andy will not be charged with any crimes in exchange for Hatcher's banishment to a private security job in Miami. Clark receives a verbal reprimand from Bale. Bale also tears into Andy because of the influence Bale had to expend to save Andy's career. Clark quietly asks Andy if they can stay partners and Andy agrees.

Notes

2476"The Vision Thing"Tawnia McKiernanStory by: Bill Clark & William Finkelstein
Teleplay by: William Finkelstein
November 9, 2004 (2004-11-09)JB01/120610.76[7]

After being brought up short by both Bale and Baldwin, Clark reassesses his recent behavior and makes a tentative move to mend fences with Sipowicz. A man is stabbed while riding the bus with his family. A video store clerk is stabbed by a robber. A wealthy antiques dealer reports a suspicious burglary. Medavoy takes a part-time job as bouncer at a bar. Andy has a surprise visitor who helps him gain perspective.

Notes

2487"My Dinner With Andy"Kevin HooksStory by: Bill Clark & Tom Szentgyorgyi
Teleplay by: Tom Szentgyorgyi
November 16, 2004 (2004-11-16)JB01/12079.05[8]

John and Andy begin to put their relationship back together. A material witness in a murder case is beaten in an alley. John Clark volunteers to protect the witness, enabling him to begin repairing his relationship with Munson. Clark and Andy continue to deal with Bale's interference and micromanagement. Greg is caught moonlighting as a bouncer, placing his job at risk. Baldwin Jones wants custody of Michael — but so does Michael's criminal father.

Notes

2498"I Like Ike"Jesse BochcoStory by: Bill Clark & Keith Eisner
Teleplay by: Keith Eisner
November 23, 2004 (2004-11-23)JB01/120810.22[9]
Lucy, the murder case witness Clark is voluntarily protecting, is fired at from a passing car. The shooting persuades Bale to authorize overtime so Ortiz and Murphy can take over the detail. Lucy reveals a name that enables detectives to identify other witnesses and solve the alley murder ("My Dinner With Andy"). Jones appears at a family court hearing, but Michael is missing and his father accuses Baldwin of hiding him. Greg pleads with Bale to informally handle the discipline for Greg's violation of department rules by working as a bar bouncer, but Bale insists he face a formal internal affairs hearing. Greg consults a department lawyer, who barely listens to him and says Greg's best move would be to have an unnecessary heart procedure so he can retire with 75 percent benefits. Andy prepares for the sergeant's exam and Bale volunteers to loan his study aids to Andy, who begrudgingly accepts.
2509"The 3-H Club"Mark TinkerStory by: Bill Clark, Greg Ball & Steve Blackman
Teleplay by: Greg Ball & Steve Blackman
November 30, 2004 (2004-11-30)JB01/12099.52[10]

Michael's father Craig is shot and killed. Both Michael and Baldwin's off-duty gun are missing. Sipowicz and Clark investigate Baldwin and Michael as suspects. Greg's hearing officer orders him to forfeit five days' pay, but subjects him to no other discipline. Greg upbraids Bale for not handling his violation of the rules informally, and carries himself with more confidence afterwards. A boy is molested by someone driving a church van and Ortiz and Murphy have to deal with a cop whose personal experiences impact his behavior on the case. Michael and Baldwin's gun are found. Craig's murderer confesses.

Notes

25110"The Dead Donald"Carol BankerStory by: Bill Clark & Tom Szentgyorgyi
Teleplay by: Tom Szentgyorgyi
December 7, 2004 (2004-12-07)JB01/12109.81[11]

The brother of a mentally disabled man is found dead. A conman rents the same apartment to multiple parties. Greg makes a connection with one of the conman's victims, realtor Bridgid Scofield. Andy and John Clark clash with Bale when Bale decides to conduct a sting on an upset father who offers a bribe to drop drug charges against his son, rather than simply warning the father not to follow through. Sipowicz takes the sergeant's exam. Bale is enraged when the father who offered the bribe returns and tells Bale he has no idea what Bale is talking about. Bale blames Andy, but Andy's response makes Bale into a joke to the squad and he backs off. Rita later reveals to Andy that she warned the father, and does not regret it.

Notes

  • Mary Page Keller guest stars in a recurring role as Realtor Brigid Scofield
  • Corey Stoll guest stars as Martin Schweiss
  • Nikita Ager guest stars as Alyssa Pelikan
25211"Bale Out"Jake PaltrowStory by: Bill Clark & Keith Eisner
Teleplay by: Keith Eisner
December 14, 2004 (2004-12-14)JB01/121110.32[12]

While investigating closeted gay men who have been beaten and robbed, Andy finds Bale's credit card in the suspect's home. Andy returns the card to Bale and says he has no intention of looking into the matter any further, prompting a change in Bale's demeanor toward the detectives. A respected attorney is shot to death in his car. Ortiz and Murphy investigate a drive-by shooting at a basketball court. Clark accompanies A.D.A. Munson to a party honoring a lecherous judge. Greg and Bridgid have a lunch date.

Notes

25312"I Love My Wives, But Oh You Kid"Alan RosenbergStory by: Bill Clark & William Finkelstein
Teleplay by: William Finkelstein
December 21, 2004 (2004-12-21)JB01/121210.38[13]

A young pregnant woman is murdered, and the detectives find that the father is a bigamist whose two families hold the key to solving the case. Attractive young women who had just begun attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are being killed. Andy leads the squad in an undercover investigation to find the killer. Greg helps Bridgid close a sale.

Notes

25413"Stoli With a Twist"Jesse BochcoStory by: Bill Clark & Tom Szentgyorgyi
Teleplay by: Tom Szentgyorgyi
January 11, 2005 (2005-01-11)JB01/12139.61[14]

Ortiz and Murphy go undercover to catch the AA killer. Steve McClintock is found stabbed to death in his apartment, which is full of steroids. The investigation leads Clark to Steve's girlfriend Carly, the witness with whom Clark previously had sex. Steve's killer claims Carly set up Steve to be robbed, but that Steve was not supposed to be home. Clark believes Carly arranged things so that Steve would be killed, but is unable to prove it, though Carly confesses to setting up the robbery and will face major prison time anyway. ADA Munson is initially angry at Clark over Carly's return but apologizes when she notices the change in his demeanor. Bale informs Andy unofficially that he has passed the sergeant's exam.

Notes

25514"Stratis Fear"Bob DohertyStory by: Bill Clark & Keith Eisner
Teleplay by: Keith Eisner
January 18, 2005 (2005-01-18)JB01/12149.00[15]

Andy and John Clark investigate the murder of a successful immigrant restaurateur with a taste for young girls. Ortiz learns the Joint Narcotics Task Force is after the boyfriend of Rita's cousin Paula, and that Paula may be involved. Greg and Baldwin probe the murder of a public relations consultant whose clients included a famous, paralyzed former cop. Ortiz and Murphy arrange to arrest Paula with a small amount of drugs, preserving the federal investigation into Paula's boyfriend while removing Paula from involvement.

Notes

25615"La Bomba"Mark TinkerStory by: Bill Clark & Greg Plageman
Teleplay by: Greg Plageman
January 25, 2005 (2005-01-25)JB01/12159.41[16]

Sipowicz and Clark investigate when a wealthy businessman is killed in a car explosion. They pursue the victim's business dealings in Colombia and an Israeli ex-security guard, but find that the victim's cold-hearted daughter holds the key to solving the case. Ortiz and Murphy investigate the death of a teenager who was beaten to death in an alley.

Notes

25716"Old Man Quiver"Ed Begley, Jr.Story by: Bill Clark & William Finkelstein
Teleplay by: William Finkelstein
February 1, 2005 (2005-02-01)JB01/121610.63[17]

Sipowicz and Clark investigate when an elderly millionaire whose wife is more than 50 years younger is found smothered to death. Medavoy and Jones look into the murder of a State Supreme Court judge's elderly mother at a retirement home. Munson introduces Clark to her arrogant and powerful father. Sipowicz is promoted to sergeant.

Notes

25817"Sergeant Sipowicz' Lonely Hearts Club Band"John HyamsStory by: Bill Clark & Tom Szentgyorgyi
Teleplay by: Tom Szentgyorgyi
February 8, 2005 (2005-02-08)JB01/12179.74[18]

A U.S. Army recruiter is shot to death and Clark suspects the brother of a soldier killed in Iraq. Medavoy and Jones investigate the death of a homeless man whose body was found dead in a dumpster and find a connection to Murphy's first case after being assigned to the 15th precinct. Bridgid makes Greg an offer he cannot refuse and Greg tells Baldwin he intends to retire from the police force to join Bridgid's real estate business.

Notes

25918"Lenny Scissorhands"Rick WallaceStory by: Bill Clark & Keith Eisner
Teleplay by: Keith Eisner
February 15, 2005 (2005-02-15)JB01/12189.78[19]

Sipowicz, Murphy and Ortiz investigate the shooting of a fellow police officer. Clark and Jones become partners and investigate the beating death of a woman whose newly religious husband owns a jewelry store. Bale is shot during the course of a murder investigation. Medavoy makes his retirement official.

Notes

26019"Bale to the Chief"Jesse BochcoStory by: Bill Clark, Tom Szentgyorgyi & Keith Eisner
Teleplay by: Tom Szentgyorgyi & Keith Eisner
February 22, 2005 (2005-02-22)JB01/121910.60[20]

Bale is hospitalized and his temporary replacement is more interested in playing golf than running the detective squad. When a young Muslim bride is found stabbed to death, Ortiz and Murphy suspect her husband. Sipowicz, Clark, and Jones arrest the man who shot Bale. Bale reveals he is permanently disabled and recommends to the chief of detectives that Sipowicz take over as the commander of the detective squad. At the celebration that includes Medavoy's retirement, the chief of detectives gives Andy the chance to make the case for why he should be the new squad commander and agrees to give him the job.

Notes

26120"Moving Day"Mark TinkerStory by: Steven Bochco, Bill Clark & William Finkelstein
Teleplay by: William Finkelstein
March 1, 2005 (2005-03-01)JB01/122016.08[21]

Ray Quinn and Joe Slovak join the detective squad. Andy questions his decision to take over as detective squad commander after top brass try to stop the investigation of a rich and powerful murder suspect. Medavoy stops by while on a sales call and realizes that organizations continue to function even after one person leaves. Bale commends Andy for continuing to search for the truth and defending the detectives from the bosses, even though the chief of detectives had ordered him not to pursue the case.

Notes

References

  1. Bochco, Jesse (September 21, 2004), Dress for Success, NYPD Blue, Dennis Franz, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gordon Clapp, retrieved May 18, 2023
  2. "Weekly Program Rankings (Sept. 20-26)". ABC Medianet. September 29, 2004. Archived from the original on July 18, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  3. "Weekly Program Rankings (Sept. 27-Oct. 3)". ABC Medianet. October 5, 2004. Archived from the original on December 27, 2008. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  4. "Weekly Program Rankings (Oct. 11-17)". ABC Medianet. October 19, 2004. Archived from the original on June 1, 2009. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  5. "Weekly Program Rankings (Oct. 18-24)". ABC Medianet. October 26, 2004. Archived from the original on August 11, 2014. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  6. "Weekly Program Rankings (Oct. 25-31)". ABC Medianet. November 2, 2004. Archived from the original on April 28, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  7. "Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 8-14)". ABC Medianet. November 16, 2004. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  8. "Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 15-21)". ABC Medianet. November 23, 2004. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  9. "Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 22-28)". ABC Medianet. November 30, 2004. Archived from the original on December 27, 2008. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  10. "Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 29-Dec. 5)". ABC Medianet. November 30, 2004. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  11. "Weekly Program Rankings (Dec. 6-12)". ABC Medianet. December 14, 2004. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  12. "Weekly Program Rankings (Dec. 13-19)". ABC Medianet. December 21, 2004. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  13. "Weekly Program Rankings (Dec. 20-26)". ABC Medianet. December 18, 2004. Archived from the original on April 5, 2012. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  14. "Weekly Program Rankings Report (Jan. 10-16)". ABC Medianet. January 19, 2005. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  15. "Weekly Program Rankings (Jan. 17-23)". ABC Medianet. January 25, 2005. Archived from the original on February 23, 2009. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  16. "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. February 1, 2005. Archived from the original on March 4, 2009. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  17. "Weekly Program Rankings (Jan. 31-Feb. 6)". ABC Medianet. February 8, 2005. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  18. "Weekly Program Rankings (Feb. 7-13)". ABC Medianet. February 15, 2005. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  19. "Weekly Program Rankings (Feb. 14-20)". ABC Medianet. February 23, 2005. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  20. "Weekly Program Rankings (Feb. 21-27)". ABC Medianet. March 1, 2005. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  21. "Weekly Program Rankings (Feb. 28-Mar. 6)". ABC Medianet. March 8, 2005. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
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