Remote patrol

Finally, it's time for the season premiere of "NYPD Blue" at 9 tonight on Channel 9. While the main story turns on (surprise!) a case being investigated by Sipowicz (Dennis Franz, left) and Simone (Jimmy Smits, who is exiting the show soon), the secondary story is the real winner, with powerful performances from Russell (Kim Delaney) and Kirkendall (Andrea Thompson) as they handle the rape of a teen-ager. Sharon Lawrence rejoins the cast.