Over the course of the show, Tim Bayliss has been a focal point for many episodes. In essence, Tim joined the Homicide Unit the same time we joined the show; he was a "rookie" of sorts, having come from the Mayor's Security Detail into Homicide. On his first case, he was handed a redball that nearly tore him apart. His frustration over never making an arrest in the Watson case was also compounded by being parterned with a man who didn't want a partner, Frank Pembleton. Bayliss has always tried very hard to please, but not in an obtrusive, ass-kissing way. He genuinely wants to solve murders, and he wants more than a business relationship with his colleagues and partner. He is not above being petty when he feels he's been slighted, however. He needed Frank over the course of an episode for forgetting what kind of sandwich he wanted. Though he never got an apology, he did get a desk full of grilled cheese sandwiches. Despite a very volatile nature, Bayliss is (and is perceived as) quite gentle. He's tried to integrate his working relationship with Pembleton into an out-of-office friendship with him, especially enjoying the connection he feels for Frank's children. Pembleton isn't always so welcoming, often asserting his dominance in the relationship with snide comments and jabs.

Bayliss: Can I come?
Frank: Come where?
Bayliss: See the baby.
Frank: You've seen the baby.
Bayliss: I know, but I love babies.
Frank: Then have one of your own.
Bayliss: Hey Frank, remember when I said that I've never been invited to your house? I wanna come to your house, Frank.
Frank: No, not tonight.
Bayliss: I'll call your wife. Your wife will let me come over. Your wife likes me.
Frank: God knows why.
Bayliss: I'll meet you in the garage.
Frank: Oh, happy day.

For a long time, Bayliss felt as though he couldn't do the job without Frank by his side. This was highlighted in great detail when Frank had a stroke, leaving Bayliss to his own devices. During that time, he questioned his ability as a murder police, but once Frank was back, he realized he had gained a confidence he'd never had before. He was less likely to defer to Frank when he felt his was right (one of the many things he'd believed he'd done wrong on the Watson case.), and after a bout of bickering, he confessed that as an abused child, he really felt the child murders, deeper than any other. Then he "dumped" his partner. In an interesting reversal of position, Frank took Bayliss' place, needing him as his partner, as Bayliss went happily on his own way. Eventually, they reconciled, their relationship stronger for it. Pembleton was shocked to discover Tim was going to go on a date with a man, even downplaying it as an experiment, but when confronted about it, he defended his partner. Timmy may be a bitch, but he's Frank's bitch.

Speaking for Tim Bayliss: Bayliss is usually very plainly spoken, to the point. He is the first to take offense, and the first to laugh when something strikes him funny. Much like a boy, his dialogue is peppered with "middle school" commentary, using words like "silly", "neat" and the like absolutely without guile. Even when he waxes dramatic, he uses common words, though eloquently. He doesn't make literary references unless they're of the most obvious kind. He speaks in long, uninterrupted sentences, tacking together several lines into one monologue.

Vital Statistics: Tim's eyes and hair are a light brown. He is taller than most everyone in the Homicide Unit, though sometimes slumps and appears smaller. He can (and frequently does) wear glasses. At any given time, he might have a moustache, goatee, beard, or shaved head. Tim seems to prefer grey or white dress shirts, with varying shades of grey for his suit. When casual, he will wear ball caps, sweats, and t-shirts.