NYPD Blue season 9 episode 21 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Sipowicz and McDowell grapple with the implications of taking a vacation together, mindful of their son Theo's expectations and workplace gossip. Meanwhile, a tense hostage situation unfolds at the precinct. The investigation of a robbery and shooting at Napoli Deli leads them to Gary Montaneri, the victim's nephew. Initially, Terence Cates is incorrectly identified as the shooter, influenced by Detective Hughes. However, inconsistencies in Gary's story reveal the true perpetrator, Daron Hodges. Concurrently, Luisa Lopez, a young woman in danger, is found working in a massage parlor, trapped in a cycle of exploitation. The episode closes with Sipowicz and McDowell preparing for their Disney World trip, marking a new chapter in their relationship.

Full Episode S09E21 Recap

### Scene: Vacation Plans and Work Tensions - **Sipowicz and McDowell** discuss taking a vacation together but worry about people finding out. - **Theo**, Sipowicz's son, is mentioned as being disappointed if the trip is canceled. - They decide the vacation is off, but their tone suggests regret and unresolved feelings. ### Scene: Hostage Crisis at the Precinct - A tense situation unfolds with a man named **Dave** holding someone hostage. - **Sipowicz** tries to de-escalate, empathizing with Dave's plight. - The situation intensifies with threats of violence, but Sipowicz reassures Dave they are in this together. ### Scene: Investigation at Napoli Deli - **Detectives Clark and Sipowicz** arrive at Napoli Deli, where a robbery and shooting occurred. - They interview **Gary Montaneri**, the nephew of the victim, who provides details of the crime. - Gary is visibly angry and eager to identify the perpetrators. ### Scene: McDowell's Decision and Sipowicz's Invitation - **McDowell** contemplates joining Sipowicz and Theo for their vacation. - She reflects on her feelings for Sipowicz and the possibility of a deeper relationship. - Sipowicz officially invites her, and she accepts, setting aside concerns about workplace gossip. ### Scene: Further Investigation and Witness Identification - **Detective Hughes from Robbery** provides information on a suspect, Terence Cates, linked to similar crimes. - A discrepancy arises as Hughes receives a call, hinting at personal distractions affecting his work. - **Gary Montaneri** identifies Cates in a lineup as the shooter, influenced by Hughes's insistence. ### Scene: Interrogation of Terence Cates - Cates denies involvement in the deli robbery and shooting. - He is confronted with the witness identification but remains adamant about his innocence. - Cates is threatened with a lineup and potential murder charges, leading to a heated exchange. ### Scene: Sipowicz and McDowell's Departure Plans - Sipowicz announces his vacation plans with McDowell to the squad, addressing any potential gossip head-on. - McDowell shares her excitement and apprehensions about the trip with another detective. ### Scene: Gary's Inconsistencies and New Evidence - **Detectives Clark and Sipowicz** discover inconsistencies in Gary's story and a new suspect, **Daron Hodges**. - They confront Gary, who admits to fleeing the scene and misidentifying Cates under Hughes's influence. - Gary then correctly identifies Hodges as the shooter. ### Scene: Rescue of Luisa Lopez - Detectives investigate a case involving Luisa Lopez, believed to be in danger and possibly exploited. - They find her working at a massage parlor and learn she was coerced into sex work to repay a debt. - Luisa is fearful for her family's safety and reluctant to provide information about her captors. ### Scene: Hodges' Arrest and Confession - **Hodges** is arrested at his home, initially denying involvement in the deli robbery. - Faced with the prospect of his brother being implicated, Hodges confesses to the crime to protect him. - He admits to the robbery and shooting, stating it was a spontaneous decision. ### Scene: Resolution and Departure - **Sipowicz and McDowell** finalize their vacation plans, expressing mutual affection and hope for the future. - The episode concludes with them preparing to leave for Disney World with Theo, marking a new chapter in their relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Sipowicz and McDowell discussing their vacation plans with?

They are discussing with each other.

Why is the vacation a sensitive topic for Sipowicz and McDowell?

They are concerned about people figuring out they are going together.

What is Theo's role in Sipowicz and McDowell's conversation?

Theo is Sipowicz's son, and they are worried he would be disappointed if the trip is canceled.

Who is involved in the hostage situation at the precinct?

A man named Dave is holding someone hostage, and Sipowicz tries to de-escalate.

What happened at Napoli Deli?

There was a robbery and a shooting, investigated by Detectives Clark and Sipowicz.

Who is Gary Montaneri?

Gary is the nephew of the victim in the Napoli Deli shooting.

Who is Terence Cates?

Cates is a suspect in the Napoli Deli case, identified by Gary Montaneri.

What leads to the misidentification of Terence Cates as the shooter?

Gary Montaneri is influenced by Detective Hughes to identify Cates incorrectly.

How does McDowell feel about joining Sipowicz for the vacation?

She is excited but apprehensive about workplace gossip.

What new suspect emerges in the Napoli Deli case?

Daron Hodges emerges as a new suspect.

Why does Gary Montaneri change his statement about the shooter?

He admits to fleeing the scene and misidentifying Cates under Hughes's influence.

Who is Luisa Lopez?

Luisa Lopez is a young woman found working at a massage parlor, coerced into sex work.

What is Daron Hodges' role in the Napoli Deli crime?

Hodges confesses to the robbery and shooting at the deli.

What future plans do Sipowicz and McDowell make?

They plan to go on vacation to Disney World with Theo.

How does the episode conclude for Sipowicz and McDowell?

They express mutual affection and hope for the future, preparing for their vacation.

Watch NYPD Blue season 9 episode 21 Online

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