The final, emotional curtain has closed on the long-running CBS hit, Blue Bloods, but the Reagan family saga is far from over. As fans prepare to follow Detective Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) to the new spin-off, Boston Blue, the burning question remains: which other beloved characters will make the trip from the New York City P.D. to the streets of Boston?
One of the most anticipated potential returns is that of Officer-turned-Sergeant Eddie Janko-Reagan, played with fire and heart by Vanessa Ray. Eddie, who married into the Reagan clan and was last seen embarking on a new chapter as a mother-to-be, holds a special place in the hearts of viewers. So, what has Ray said about donning the blue uniform again and potentially joining the “universe expansion” that is Boston Blue? The star has been very open about her willingness to return and her excitement for the continuation of the Reagan legacy.
The Next Chapter: What is Boston Blue?
Before diving into Eddie’s potential journey, it’s essential to understand the premise of the new show. Boston Blue is set to center on Detective Danny Reagan as he relocates to Boston and joins the Boston Police Department. The series promises to maintain the family-centric drama that made its predecessor a Friday night fixture, introducing a new “blue blood” family, the Silvers, while still providing “connective tissue” to the Reagans.
Donnie Wahlberg has repeatedly hinted that the New York side of the family is only a “phone call away,” fueling speculation about cameos. Confirmed to reprise her role is Bridget Moynahan as Erin Reagan, who is set for a guest star appearance and will also direct an episode, proving that the door is wide open for other familiar faces. This exciting setup creates a perfect avenue for characters like Eddie, whose life in New York is deeply tied to Jamie Reagan (Will Estes), Danny’s brother.
Vanessa Ray on Reprising Her Role as Eddie Reagan
For fans who spent years watching Eddie Janko evolve from Jamie’s sassy and hot-headed partner to the passionate, fully-integrated member of the Reagan family, the idea of her story ending is simply unacceptable. Fortunately, Vanessa Ray is fully on board with keeping Eddie’s spirit alive.
In previous interviews, following the announcement of the Blue Bloods finale and the Boston Blue spin-off, Ray expressed an undeniable loyalty to the character and the cast. When asked about the possibility of returning, Ray has not only said she would “jump at the chance to reunite with the cast” but also indicated her deep affection for the Reagan universe.
While no official announcement has confirmed her as a cast member or even a guest star for the premiere season of Boston Blue, her public statements align with the overall excitement from the original cast. Ray’s willingness to step back into Eddie’s shoes suggests that a cameo is not just a fan fantasy, but a distinct possibility that simply requires the right storyline.
Eddie and Jamie: The Family Connection
A major thread that links Eddie to the new spin-off is her marriage to Jamie. The “Jamko” dynamic was a cornerstone of Blue Bloods for many seasons, culminating in their wedding and, in the series finale, the announcement that they were expecting their first child.
If Jamie Reagan (Will Estes) were to make a guest appearance—a prospect Donnie Wahlberg has openly teased, saying Jamie “had better come visit his big brother”—it stands to reason that Eddie would be right alongside him. A pregnant Eddie, or Eddie as a new mother, making a trip to Boston for a Reagan-Silver family dinner, would be a high-wattage cameo that fans would surely tune in for.
Eddie’s unique relationship with the extended family also makes her a prime candidate for a guest spot. Despite her initial struggles to fit in, Eddie became one of the most fervent defenders of the Reagan family bond. A visit to Danny in Boston could offer a crucial emotional grounding for him as he adjusts to a new city and a new police family.
The Future: Will There Be More Blue Bloods Spinoffs?
Beyond Boston Blue, the conversation has naturally shifted to whether this “universe expansion” means more new shows are on the horizon. While Blue Bloods showrunner Kevin Wade had previously noted that a simple New Orleans or other-city spin-off was never the plan, the success of launching Boston Blue suggests that the appetite for the franchise is enormous.
Vanessa Ray, along with other cast members like Marisa Ramirez (Baez), has voiced an interest in continuing their characters’ stories. This enthusiasm from the actors, combined with the proven viewership power of the police procedural genre, makes the prospect of additional spin-offs a lucrative proposition for the network.
A key point to remember is where Eddie’s story ended: expecting a child and still working as a dedicated NYPD sergeant. The Jamie and Eddie dynamic, now intertwined with the challenges of parenthood and navigating their differing roles within the NYPD, could easily serve as the basis for a future limited series or new show back in New York. A spin-off focusing on the younger generation of Reagans, including Jamie and Eddie’s child and Danny’s sons, would be a natural progression of the story.
Why an Eddie Reagan Cameo is Crucial for Fans
An appearance by Vanessa Ray in Boston Blue would be more than just fan service; it would be a symbolic passing of the torch and a reaffirmation that the New York Reagans are still the bedrock of this expanding universe. Eddie’s journey resonated deeply with audiences because she was the outsider who earned her seat at the family dinner table. Her presence is synonymous with the evolution of the Reagan family.
While the new series focuses on the Silver family in Boston, the occasional intersection with the beloved New York crew will be essential for retaining the original show’s massive following. Vanessa Ray has made it clear: the love for her character and the show is still strong, and if the writers call, she will answer.
For now, fans can rest assured knowing that the story continues, and an Eddie Reagan sighting is a distinct and hopeful possibility in the new chapter of the Blue Bloods saga. Keep your eyes peeled and your phones ready—Danny might just call his sister-in-law for some familial backup.
