
Blue Bloods was a hugely successful procedural because it focused on a strong ensemble of characters, and built the narrative on a foundation of family themes. The Reagan family were the perfect protagonists, as a flawed but close and loyal family unit who all looked out for and helped one another through the dangerous world of New York law enforcement.
Across Blue Bloods’ 14-season run, the show received critical acclaim for its accurate portrayal of city police work, corruption, the political machinations of policing, and interpersonal relationships forged and hardened in the corridors of New York law enforcement. Family was always at the core of the story, and the Reagans were a formidable family unit.
Since Blue Bloods ended with season 14, CBS has greenlit spinoff show Boston Blue, which follows the eldest Reagan son, Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) as he leaves his life in New York for a new start with the Boston Police Department. However, I believe Danny’s move is a mistake that undermines the very theme of the franchise.
Danny Moves To Boston In His Spinoff To Accompany Sean
It’s An Important Move For Both Characters
One of the principal reasons Danny moves to Boston is to accompany his son Sean, who is moving there, in order to (per Variety) enjoy a fresh start as a Boston PD patrolman. How much time Danny and Sean will spend crossing paths is not clear at this point, but they will certainly have a big impact on one another’s lives.
Danny is a highly experienced and skilled police officer, with decades on the job. He was awarded the NYPD Medal for Valor and has made the rank of Detective 1st Grade. There’s no doubt he will be a prominent figure in the Boston PD, although his arrival might not be welcomed by all, and this could present issues for Sean as well.
The move is bound to be an important one for both men, and the fact that Boston Blue has recast the character of Sean, suggests he will have an exciting new chapter. Taking the character forward in a new way is essential, and it will have to play out alongside Danny’s new journey, which should make for interesting viewing.
Sean Decided To Leave New York To Start On His Own Without The Influence Of The Reagans
Breaking Free From The Shackles Of The Reagan Name Will Be Essential For Sean
Blue Bloods’ Reagan family is such a prominent name in the world of law enforcement that, even in Boston, there’s a good chance they will be well-known. Sean has a good relationship with his family, but has always wanted to plow his own furrow, and spreading his wings as his own man will be essential for his growth and character arc.
The problem with Danny following Sean to Boston is that it doesn’t allow Sean to break free from his family name and create his own success. Sean should be a more driven and complex character in Boston Blue, and his desire to start on his own, without relying on his family, has led him to move out of New York.
In fact, there is a chance Sean could even look to change his name professionally so as not to have an association with his family. There’s the chance that, if colleagues at Boston PD know he is a Reagan, he might get a hard time from other patrolmen, or he may get preferential treatment from higher-ups.
Neither of these options present a good outcome for Sean if he is trying to get on with his life away from the Reagan name. This is why I believe that it is a mistake on Danny’s part to follow his son to Boston, even if his heart is in the right place.
Danny Not Listening To Sean’s Wishes Can Create A Rift In Their Relationship In Boston Blue
Frank Should Have Talked Danny Out Of It
I believe that Danny following Sean to Boston is only going to cause issues for the two men. Danny is not respecting his son’s wishes, and should have learned from his own childhood and upbringing, as the eldest son of Frank Reagan, the importance of being able to be independent and “go your own way.”
By not respecting Sean’s wishes and wanting to be around to, perhaps, keep an eye on him, Danny may only succeed in driving Sean away. This is likely to create a wedge between father and son and result in conflict between them. As such, it’s something Frank could (and should) have talked Danny out of.
The Blue Bloods series finale poses many of questions that Boston Blue could answer, but at its core, the show will likely also choose to focus on family. The Reagans will be pushed by the move to Boston, but that very move could strain things between Sean and Danny. The hope is that they can both find their own paths, organically.