Reaching fourteen seasons is no small achievement, and Blue Bloods has managed it in part because of its rich roster of characters and the emotional investment fans have in them. The series has always put its characters first, exploring their personal stories alongside their professional responsibilities. Over the years, audiences have celebrated their triumphs and mourned their losses.
With such a long run, the show has also seen many characters depart—some suddenly, others tragically. As the final season approaches, it’s worth looking back at a few characters who, for very definitive reasons, will not be returning in Season 14.
1. Linda Reagan
Linda Reagan, portrayed by Amy Carlson, was a beloved member of the Reagan family and one of the few not directly involved in law enforcement. As a nurse, though, she often found herself connected to the same dangers her husband Danny faced as a detective.
Linda first survived a shooting while treating a witness involved in the killing of Police Chief Donald Kent. While she recovered from that incident, her luck ran out between seasons 7 and 8, when she died off screen in a helicopter crash. The loss devastated Danny and shaped much of his emotional arc in the seasons that followed.
Because her death is a major turning point for Danny and the Reagan family, bringing Linda back in any form would undermine the character development built since her passing. For that reason, she will not be returning in Season 14.
2. Vinny Cruz
Officer Vinny Cruz, played by Sebastian Sozzi, became an instant fan favorite during his time in Season 3. As Jamie Reagan’s partner, Cruz brought humor, charm, and a contrasting personality that made their dynamic compelling to watch.
His time on the show, however, was cut short in dramatic fashion. During the pursuit of a criminal, Cruz was shot in the neck and later died from his injuries. The Reagan family and NYPD honored him by promoting him posthumously to detective first grade.
Given that Cruz’s death occurred on screen and served as a significant emotional moment for Jamie and the department, it is clear that his story has already reached its conclusion. Blue Bloods rarely uses flashbacks or resurrects characters for fan service, making his return in Season 14 impossible.
3. Javier Baez
Of the characters on this list, Javier Baez may be the one whose loss resonated most strongly with fans. Despite appearing in only two episodes, Javier, played by Kirk Acevedo, left a lasting impression. He was not only a compelling character but also the brother of series regular Maria Baez, Danny’s longtime partner.
Javier was killed during an undercover operation, a moment that stunned viewers and became one of the most emotional deaths depicted in the entire series. His death also served to deepen Maria Baez’s character, reinforcing the personal toll of police work and the risks officers face.
Given the impact of his death and the narrative purpose it served, bringing Javier back would diminish the storytelling weight of that moment. His absence will continue to shape Maria’s character, but he will not return in Season 14.
Final Thoughts
As Blue Bloods enters its final season, fans can expect closure, surprises, and emotional endings—but not the return of these three characters whose stories have already reached their definitive conclusions. Their losses helped shape the characters who remain and contributed to the emotional depth that has kept viewers connected to the Reagan family for so many years.
