The actress’ character didn’t even have a last name, but Tom Selleck was her savior.
There is a family that has been in the police force for three generations. The grandfather is a former commissioner, the father is the current one, the eldest son is already a detective, the only daughter in the family is the only exception and works as a lawyer. And the youngest son has just joined the police force after graduating from the academy.
Thus begins the plot of Blue Bloods, perhaps the most important police drama of the decade. The show is firmly tied to the members of the Reagan family, who seem to be involved in every crime in New York. But Blue Bloods isn’t just popular for its Reagan family members – there are many other beloved characters, including Abigail Baker.
Abigail Baker Had a Different Name in Season 1
Abigail can be described as Frank’s right hand and the voice of reason that points the elder Reagan in the right direction when he does not know what to do. Abigail has been with viewers since the very first season and has deservedly become one of the favorites, but did you know that she had a different name in the first season?
In the early episodes, Abigail was Melissa. Yes, just Melissa even without a last name. Apparently, the writers felt she was too minor a character to give any personality to. Actress Abigail Hawk shared this in an interview with Starry Mag:
“Originally, she didn’t have a last name. She didn’t have an age. She didn’t even have a gender. She didn’t have a race. She didn’t have anything. She was either detective Mel or Melissa.”
Blue Bloods Fans Should Thank Tom Selleck for Giving Abigail a Personality
Now, it’s hard to imagine that such a beloved and important Blue Bloods character didn’t even have a last name, let alone any distinguishing features. However, the situation was saved by the actor who plays Frank, Tom Selleck. It was he who first came up with the name Abigail, since he thought Melissa was too common, and then he added the surname Baker.
The actress expressed her gratitude to her colleague and admitted that the fact that she had a personality at all was only thanks to Tom Selleck.
So don’t be surprised if Abigail’s name is Melissa when you watch Blue Bloods again (and thank Tom Selleck for his big heart).
