It happened. Less than one week ago today over a bowl of Panera’s brocolli and cheese soup I wondered aloud “how long will it be before ABC starts announcing how many episodes of NYPD Blue are left”. Tonight at a quarter to nine the magic number was announced…..seven. And now there are only six. Six more episodes of the one show out of all shows that I have religiously followed, year in and year out. I missed the first year or so (although Christmas brought me year one on DVD…Thanks Pat!) but have watched it faithfully since. I have found no other television show to be this compelling nor any character as fully developed as Andy Sipowicz. Dennis Franz (and the writers) have brought more than one tear to my eye over the past several years and I’m sure there will be more to come before the final March 1st episode. When that day comes I will feel like I’ve lost an old friend and Tuesday nights will never be the same.