Nypd Blue

Dennis Franz of "NYPD Blue" (at right) won the Emmy for best actor in a dramatic series last night, but ABC's controversial police drama -- which went into the competition with a record number of nominations -- fell far short of capturing a record number of awards. "Picket Fences" beat out "NYPD Blue" in three major categories: best dramatic series and best supporting actor and actress in a dramatic series.The Emmy for best comedy series went to NBC's "Frasier," and the award for best actor in a comedy series went to the star of that show, Kelsey Grammer.

David who?Remember that guy who used to be on "NYPD Blue," the guy who was supposedly the big breakout star? The guy whose character, Detective John Kelly, was supposed to be the show's moral center? The guy who left the show after one season, deciding that movie marquees were calling?Maybe you don't remember David Caruso, because Jimmy Smits came on board as Bobby Simone in season two, established immediate chemistry with Dennis Franz's Detective Andy Sipowicz and promptly re-established himself as one of the most charismatic stars on TV.Tonight, ABC repeats the second-season opener of "NYPD Blue" (10 p.m.-11 p.m, WMAR, Channel 2)

We'd much rather have people think of us as Sex and the City than NYPD Blue or CSI: New York." - GEORGE FERTITTA, a longtime advertising executive who has been recruited by New York City to revamp its "brand" at home and especially abroad; a new multimillion-dollar global marketing campaign will seek to change the Big Apple's image as a dangerous, expensive and impolite city

The biggest news tonight is the premiere of an ABC series that tries its best to reflect the spirit of "Seinfeld," but doesn't come close. It's "These Friends of Mine," the first episode of which contains not one genuine laugh. Also tonight: Joe Pesci on The John Larroquette Show," and a fresh installment of "NYPD Blue."* "The John Larroquette Show" (9-9:30 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- Guest star Joe Pesci, playing himself, visiting the bus station to research a new movie role and study a really down-on-his-luck loser.

Well the Oscars are over and the NCAA basketball tournament is catching its breath, so there's only regular programming to keep viewers busy and interested. Luckily, that means fresh episodes of "Roseanne" and "NYPD Blue." Unluckily, in prime time, that's about all it means.* "The Second Half" (8:30 p.m.-9 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- Returning with a new batch of episodes, "The Second Half" begins the second half of its 1993-1994 run. John Mendoza stars, and this week his sportswriter character takes on, and out, an unexpected new date: his ex-wife (Linda Wallem)

There aren't a lot of original ideas on CBS this fall but at least the network is copying the right prototypes. "Central Park West" is from the "Melrose Park" mold; most of CBS' comedies are "Friends" knockoffs; and "Courthouse," the second drama premiering tonight at 10, attempts to bring the gritty "NYPD Blue" look and feel to legal drama."

If we had to do the holiday shopping for some of TV's most popular characters, what would we get?* Detective Andy Sipowicz of "NYPD Blue": Long-sleeved, pinpoint Oxford dress shirts from Lands End.* Detective John Kelly, "NYPD Blue": Boxer shorts -- because we're tired of seeing your backside. Well, some of us are tired of it.* Maggie O'Connell, "Northern Exposure": Although she never would admit it, Maggie would go goo-goo over Robert James Waller's "Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend."* Dr. Joel Fleischman, "Northern Exposure": Maggie, while high on Waller.

"NYPD Blue" is absolutely in the zone. Outstanding episodes seem to just keep coming this season.From the goodbye-Jimmy-Smits story arc to the hello-Rick-Schroder episodes, the consistent quality of this venerable cop drama is remarkable.And, tonight, comes another powerful and profound hour as Detective Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) and his boss, Lt. Arthur Fancy (James McDaniel), go at it over matters of race. And I mean go at -- fists flying in the men's room in a scene that will leave your heart pounding almost as hard as those of these two middle-aged cops.

Stir up a controversy, set up a "duel" between one side and another, and watch the ratings pour in when the results of the overhyped showdown finally are televised. Olympics redux? Well, I was thinking of tonight's "Roseanne," in which the "lesbian kiss" episode supposedly "censored" by ABC, leading to a brief brouhaha just as Roseanne Arnold's autobiography was released, comes to TV intact. Will we never learn? Apparently not.* "Ancient Prophecies" (8 p.m.-10 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2) -- I, too, am eagerly awaiting the millennium.

LOS ANGELES - Andy Sipowicz doesn't want to die. More precisely, Dennis Franz, who has played the ornery detective for 11 seasons on NYPD Blue, doesn't want him to die. NYPD Blue will end its ABC run this coming season. There's a slim chance it could get an 11th-hour reprieve, according to new ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson. "But right now, we're really planning on making this a fantastic season to send the show off." This is fine with Franz. "I'm ready ... for the show to end. I'm ready for Sipowicz to end."