8. Danny Sorenson - NYPD Blue
Poor old Andy Sipowicz didn't have the best of luck with partners did he? First there was John Kelly played by David Caruso essentially Horatio Kane without the sunglasses who was forced into retirement early in the second season. Then there was Bobby Simone, probably Andy's most notable partner the two of them went through a great deal together including marriages, births and deaths of children. One of the most heart-breaking episodes in the shows history saw Bobby suffer a tragic death due to complications related to surgery. Understandably Andy was devastated by the loss of his partner and best friend, but the show must go on and as such he required a new companion. Next up was Danny Sorenson, played by former child star Ricky Schroder. Danny was a different kind of partner for Sipowicz he was young and hot headed, whereas Kelly and Simone were usually the calmer member of the team. He had his issues but was good at his job, which is how he managed to win over a Sipowicz who was still struggling to get over the death of Bobby. In time the two came to form an understanding, Danny wasn't taking Bobby's place in Andy's life, but like him had Sipowiczs back, who returned the favour. Though I believe the majority of viewers still missed Jimmy Smits's character, it is impressive how well the writers incorporated Danny into the show. Soon enough however, Andy would once again require a new partner. After three seasons on the show Schroder's time as an enforcer of the law was coming to an end, so once again a story was required to facilitate an important characters exit. So would it be something in vain of the tragedy of Bobby or perhaps more in the line of the explosive mob related exit of John Kelly? Nope, not even close. The eighth season ends with Danny involved in some rather nasty business with a stripper, we never see Rick Schroder again. In season 9 Danny's dead body is discovered, rolled up in a carpet, having been killed during his off screen investigation. His murder is solved and Andy buries a second partner. Not to worry though because John Clark, Jr. or Zack from Saved by the Bell arrives to reset the status quo, and unlike his predecessors he managed to stick around until the show reached its conclusion.