For over a decade, the relationship between Detective Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) and Detective Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez) was the ultimate “will-they-or-won’t-they” storyline in CBS’s Blue Bloods. Fans watched their professional partnership evolve from guarded colleagues to an unbreakable, co-dependent friendship, especially after the tragic death of Danny’s wife, Linda.
The original series ended with the tantalizing hint of romance: Danny finally asked Baez out for pizza. However, the true answer to the decade-long question was revealed not in the Blue Bloods finale, but in the **series premiere of the spin-off, BOSTON BLUE.
The new series, which follows Danny’s move to the Boston Police Department (BPD), not only confirmed the romantic relationship between the two fan favorites but also secured Marisa Ramirez (Maria Baez) for a recurring guest role, ensuring the slow-burn romance will continue to be a central, complex thread as Danny starts his new life in Beantown. This move is a direct, grateful nod to the devoted fanbase who long championed the “Danez” pairing.
💍 From Partner to Partner: The Romantic Confirmation
The chemistry between Danny and Baez was undeniable. They shared trauma, laughter, and a profound mutual respect, forging a bond that went beyond the badge. The progression into romance was a necessity for the narrative to give Danny a chance at happiness and for Baez to finally be recognized as more than just his work confidante.
The Blue Bloods Cliffhanger
In the final moments of Blue Bloods, Danny, encouraged by his family, made a move: he asked Baez out for pizza. This scene, though brief, served as the ultimate romantic cliffhanger, leaving their future ambiguous but hopeful.
The BOSTON BLUE Revelation
The BOSTON BLUE premiere wasted no time in answering the question. The opening moments of the spin-off reveal Danny in his New York home, receiving an urgent phone call. Beside him in bed is Maria Baez.
- Relationship Status: This single, powerful scene confirmed that the pizza date was successful. Danny and Baez are officially a romantic couple, having progressed their relationship into a serious commitment during the time between the two series.
- A New Dynamic: The showrunners recognized that the romantic progression was “owed” to the audience after years of subtext. Co-creator Brandon Margolis noted that the show needed to continue the story in “fairly real time,” demonstrating where the couple stood roughly a year after the Blue Bloods finale. The relationship is now one of a long-distance couple, adding a layer of contemporary complexity.
This decisive confirmation was a celebratory moment for fans, validating their investment in the characters’ emotional journeys.
✈️ Baez’s Guest Role: Navigating Long-Distance Love
Danny’s decision to relocate to Boston was prompted by a family crisis: his son, Sean, was injured while working as a rookie BPD officer. His move, while necessary, immediately introduced a challenge to his new relationship: distance.
Marisa Ramirez as a Recurring Guest
The creators of BOSTON BLUE made the strategic decision to secure Marisa Ramirez for a recurring guest role throughout the first season. This allows the show to realistically explore the struggles and triumphs of a long-distance relationship between two committed law enforcement officers.
- The Premiere Visit: Baez’s presence in the premiere was a brief, powerful signal of her commitment. Bridget Moynahan (Erin Reagan) even confirmed Baez’s devotion, mentioning that Baez was “worried sick” about Danny and Sean.
- The Follow-Up Visit (Episode 3): Baez appeared again in a later episode, making the four-hour journey from New York to visit Danny in Boston. Their reunion in the BPD precinct, followed by a shared kiss as an elevator door closed, affirmed their effort to make the relationship work.
- Returning to the Case (Episode 6): The most significant guest appearance is slated for Episode 6 (“Code of Ethics”), where Baez returns not just for romance, but for work. She provides an assist from the NYPD as Danny and his new BPD partner, Lena Silver, hunt down a serial home invader. This reunion allows fans to see their classic detective partnership revived, now filtered through the lens of their romantic relationship.
Showrunners have confirmed that Baez will “return multiple times” in Season 1, ensuring her continued presence remains a vital thread connecting Danny to his New York past and his personal future.
💔 The Tension of Long-Distance: The New Conflict
While the romance is exciting, the long-distance relationship is not without its dramatic tension. Showrunners have emphasized that this is a storyline they intend to “tell honestly,” acknowledging the difficulty of the situation.
Challenges for the Couple
- The Strain of Travel: Both Danny and Baez have demanding careers, and Baez is also raising a young daughter, Elena. The frequent trips between New York and Boston will inevitably put a strain on their time and energy.
- The New Partners: Danny is partnered with Detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green) in Boston, and Baez is back with a new partner in New York. While the show has stressed that the Danny-Lena partnership is strictly professional, the necessity of working closely with others while in a long-distance relationship is a source of subtle, realistic tension.
- The “Endgame” Question: The recurring appearances fuel the ultimate fan question: Will Baez eventually move to Boston or seek a transfer to the BPD? This possibility—allowing the relationship to evolve beyond weekend visits—is the dramatic climax that the recurring guest role is building toward.
By maintaining Baez’s presence, the show ensures that Danny’s personal life is not forgotten, and the struggle of choosing between family legacy in New York and the needs of his son in Boston is constantly underscored by the distance from his new love.
🔑 Conclusion: A Gift to the Fans
The revelation and continuation of the romantic relationship between Danny Reagan and Maria Baez in BOSTON BLUE is a thoughtful reward for the dedicated Blue Bloods fanbase.
By securing Marisa Ramirez for multiple guest appearances, the spin-off honors the decade-long subtext, allowing the romance to progress naturally into the long-distance territory. This dynamic not only gives Danny the romantic fulfillment he deserves but also provides BOSTON BLUE with a deeply engaging emotional plotline that serves as the heart of Danny’s new life in Boston. The future of “Danez” is uncertain, but for the first time, it is officially a shared one.
