The premiere of Boston Blue, the highly-anticipated spinoff of the beloved CBS police procedural Blue Bloods, delivered a surprise that instantly thrilled fans of the long-running New York series: the romantic confirmation of Detective Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) and his former partner, Detective Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez).
Following the Blue Bloods finale, which left the duo’s romantic future open-ended after Danny invited Baez out for pizza, the Boston Blue pilot confirmed the pair were officially an item, shown intimately together before Danny’s eventual relocation to Boston. While the new show’s premise hinges on Danny starting a fresh professional life in a new city alongside his son, Sean (Mika Amonsen), the immediate question became: what does Danny’s permanent move mean for his relationship with Baez, who remains in New York City?
Fortunately for “Dannie Baez” shippers, the creators of Boston Blue have not only addressed the situation but have confirmed that Detective Maria Baez will be a recurring presence in the first season, with her long-distance relationship with Danny serving as a central emotional through-line for the new series.
✈️ The Confirmation: “Baez Will Return — Multiple Times”
Boston Blue co-creator and showrunner Brandon Margolis assuaged fan fears that Baez’s premiere appearance might be a one-off cameo designed purely to wrap up the Blue Bloods storyline. Instead, he painted a clear picture of an ongoing, committed presence for Marisa Ramirez’s character.
An Ongoing Emotional Story
Speaking to the press following the series premiere, Margolis confirmed the significant role Baez will play in Danny’s new life:
“Baez will return — multiple times in the first season — and it’s a story we’re going to tell,” Margolis stated. He emphasized that the challenge of moving is central to the show’s focus, and that includes the emotional ties Danny leaves behind in New York. “The struggle of moving to a new place and what you leave behind is front and center, and that includes the relationship with Baez, which continues for multiple episodes this season.”
This confirmation signals that the showrunners view the Danny and Baez romance not as a simple continuation but as a key narrative engine for the spinoff, exploring the very real complications of maintaining a serious relationship across state lines in high-pressure careers.
The Episode 3 Surprise
Following Danny’s decision in Episode 2 to remain in Boston indefinitely to be closer to his son, the distance issue was sealed. However, showrunners quickly teased that Baez was already making the necessary effort, confirming her return in Episode 3, which marked her first scenes set in Boston. Later episodes, including Episode 6, have also been confirmed to feature Baez joining Danny and his new partner, Detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green), on a case, fully integrating her into the action in a way that goes beyond a simple phone call or quick kiss.
💔 The Long-Distance Drama: A Season 1 Arc
The creators have been deliberate in stating that this long-distance romance will not be easy, ensuring that the storyline carries dramatic weight throughout the season.
The Strain of Separation
The relationship between Danny and Baez, which was forged over a decade of intense partnership, relied heavily on their professional and personal proximity. With Danny now committed to the Boston Police Department (BPD), the core challenges will include:
-
Communication: Finding time for meaningful connection when both are working dangerous, unpredictable shifts hundreds of miles apart.
-
Trust and Jealousy: Although their bond is strong, distance can breed insecurity, potentially fueled by Danny’s intense new partnership with Detective Silver or Baez’s continued work in the competitive NYPD environment.
-
The Logistical Nightmare: The episodes featuring Baez’s return will likely explore the practical challenges—last-minute flights, missed holidays, and the exhaustion that comes with commuting to see a partner.
The Actor’s Warning
Marisa Ramirez herself has offered a word of caution about the on-screen romance, acknowledging the inherent risks of the distance. Prior to the premiere, she hinted that “You should always worry about long distance. You never know what’s gonna happen. Always worry.” This statement, combined with the creator’s promise of a “story we’re going to tell,” strongly suggests that the couple will face serious friction, keeping the audience invested in their ultimate fate.
🔗 Bridging the Universe: Baez as the Reagan Connection
Baez’s role in Boston Blue is more than just Danny’s girlfriend; she is a crucial emotional and narrative bridge to the original Blue Bloods universe.
Honoring the Legacy
The producers explicitly stated that continuing the Danny and Baez storyline was about honoring “what was owed” to the audience after the conclusion of Blue Bloods. By retaining Baez, Boston Blue ensures that the spin-off feels like a continuation in “fairly real time,” rather than a complete erasure of Danny’s New York history.
-
Fan Service Done Right: For fans who invested years in the subtle evolution of their partnership, Baez’s recurring role is essential. It provides a familiar face and emotional grounding for Danny as he navigates the complex, new law enforcement family, the Silvers.
The Crossover Potential
Baez’s visits open the door for more organic crossovers. While other Reagan family members have made guest appearances (including Erin Reagan), Baez’s continued presence provides the most natural mechanism for the seamless blending of the NYPD and BPD worlds. Her involvement in Episode 6, assisting on a case, demonstrates how her character can be utilized in an action-oriented, professional context, not just a romantic one.
📈 Conclusion: The Future of the Couple is the Future of the Show
The confirmation by series creator Brandon Margolis that Detective Maria Baez will return “multiple times” in Season 1 of Boston Blue is a massive victory for fans and a shrewd narrative move for the new show.
By making the long-distance relationship between Baez and Danny Reagan a core storyline, Boston Blue not only honors the rich history of Blue Bloods but injects immediate, high-stakes emotional drama into the spin-off. This commitment ensures that Marisa Ramirez’s powerful presence will continue to anchor Donnie Wahlberg’s journey, testing the strength of their hard-earned romance and proving that while distance may complicate their future, it certainly won’t end it—at least not yet. The ultimate fate of “Dannie Baez” is now the ultimate season-long question for the newest addition to the CBS lineup.
