'Blue' light special

All too often, quality television shows either don't make it to the network airwaves or get canceled shortly after they do. NYPD Blue was one of the rare survivors, and it came to an end Tuesday night with an episode that felt a lot like the previous 260 but also left you with the satisfying feeling that the show tied up all of the loose ends before saying goodbye.

NYPD Blue's 12-year run was especially impressive if you consider that, with the exception of Gordon Clapp (Greg Medavoy) and Dennis Franz (Andy Sipowicz), everyone on the original cast left the show during its run. If anything, I think the turnover made the show even stronger, particularly when David Caruso's departure after the first season opened the door for Jimmy Smits to introduce us to Bobby Simone, who, for my money, remains Sipowicz's most compelling and natural partner on the beat.

NYPD Blue blazed the trail for many of the edgy dramas that have since copied its gritty, intense, rapid-fire style. I bid happy trails to one of the last truly good shows left on television.