NYPD BLUE REDUX

[samhexum]

After an extensive search, young British actor Fabien Frankel has landed the lead role of Theo Sipowicz in ABC’s pilot “NYPD Blue,” a new iteration of the iconic cop drama.

 

The sequel centers on Theo, the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series, who tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder. Theo seems to have taken after his father as he too is a hard-drinking, hard-headed and quick-witted cop.

 

Like the original 1993-2005 ABC series, the follow-up revolves around a core group of 15th Precinct police officers/detectives. Frankel’s Theo leads the quartet, which includes Detective Nicole Lazarus (Alona Tal). Additionally, two cast members from the original series, Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup, will reprise their roles as Diane Russell and John Irvin, respectively.

 

The reboot hails from “NYPD Blue” alums Matt Olmstead, Nick Wootton and Jesse Bochco. The pilot, a co-production between 20th Century Fox TV — which was behind the original series — and ABC Studios, was written by Olmstead and Wootton. Bochco, son of “NYPD Blue” co-creator Steven Bochco, who helmed 10 episodes of the original series, is set to direct. All three executive produce, while Steven Bochco’s widow, Dayna Bochco, serves as a producer.

 

Frankel was cast as Theo after a three-month search and multiple tests as the producers cast a wide net for the role of the son of an iconic TV character.

 

Frankel, a recent LAMDA graduate, earned solid reviews for his role in West End play “The Knowledge.” He currently is shooting the feature “Last Christmas” for director Paul Feig, playing a lover of Emilia Clarke’s character Kate. Frankel is repped by Luber Roklin, the UK’s Curtis Brown and attorney Jeff Bernstein.

 

[Nvr2Thick]

James McDaniel was one of my favorites on that show, and he has aged so nicely.

 

Nicholas Turturro was also a favorite in the early seasons, but he put on so much weight and looked so haggard by the time he left. Turturro started out as a key character -- the "good cop" and lighter-hearted foil to David Caruso's character. While he stayed around for a while he was more of a secondary character, overshadowed by Dennis Franz and Jimmy Smits. I always thought Nicholas Turturro could have been a bigger star if he had taken care of himself.