For the popular CBS drama “Blue Bloods,” the “End of Tour” as the final episode is dubbed promises an emotional farewell.
After 14 seasons and nearly 300 episodes, the series about a multigenerational family of New York City cops reaches its conclusion Friday night.
“The Reagan family races to stop deadly mayhem in the city when the gangs of New York unite to demand amnesty for the release of their imprisoned members and those awaiting trial,” teases a summary of the finale.
Fans of the show and I’ve seen all 292 episodes so far, so count me among them hate to see it end.
“Not sure how many times I have watched it through from start to finish,” said Trent Wheeler, an American missionary in Panama. “Best show in decades.”
Mike “Pawdad” Sublett, who lives in Texas, calls “Blue Bloods” his “very favorite show.” It “teaches all the right stuff,” Sublett said.
Another big fan, Virginia resident Juanita Wheeler, said: “We enjoyed the focus on morality and always trying to do the right thing, which wasn’t always the easiest thing.”
Why all the high praise for what is at its core a formulaic drama about police and politics in the big city?
To be sure, “Blue Bloods” shares certain similarities with gritty crime series such as “Law & Order” and “FBI,” both of which I also enjoy, by the way.But two big f-words family and faith take the story of the Reagans to a higher level.
For those unfamiliar with it, “Blue Bloods” features Tom Selleck as Frank Reagan, an Irish American widower who serves as the New York City police commissioner and lost one son, Detective Joe Reagan, in the line of duty.
Other main characters include Detective Danny Reagan, played by New Kids on the Block founding member Donnie Wahlberg. Danny is Frank’s oldest son and a widower himself after losing his wife, Linda Reagan (actress Amy Carlson). At the beginning of Season 8, the show explained Carlson’s departure by indicatin that Linda died in a helicopter crash ordered by a cartel member.
Will Estes stars as Sgt. Jamie Reagan, Frank’s other surviving son. Bridget Moynahan stars as prosecutor Erin Reagan, Frank’s daughter. And Len Cariou stars as Henry Reagan, Frank’s father and the retired police commissioner.
A variety of other Reagan colleagues and family members play major roles in the fast-paced series, including:
• Vanessa Ray as Officer Eddie Janko-Reagan, Jamie’s wife and Frank’s daughter-in-law.
• Maria Ramirez as Detective Maria Baez, Danny’s partner.
• Steve Schirripa as Detective Anthony Abetemarco, an investigator for Erin in the district attorney’s office.
Even after listing all those names, I’m leaving out important characters.
Each 43-minute episode typically involves at least three concurrent, unrelated storylines.
But a hallmark of “Blue Bloods” is that the Reagans — in every episode — make it a point to gather together as an extended family for Sunday dinner. Sometimes, all the Reagans are getting along as they sit down to eat. Other times, they’re feuding. But always, they refuse to let conflicts or busyness disrupt their familial bond.
Frequently, the dinner scene contains a prayer — a traditional Catholic one, given that the Reagans are Mass-attending people of faith.
“Their faith is one of the best parts of their family,” said Teresa Kerr Lewis, an Oklahoman.
That’s not to suggest that “Blue Bloods” is preachy. It’s generally not.
In his nuanced (read: not cookie cutter) approach to his Catholic faith, Commissioner Frank Reagan reminds me of President Jed Barlet, Martin Sheen’s character on NBC’s “The West Wing” from 1999 to 2006. And like “The Waltons” — the long-running CBS drama (1972 to 1981) that portrayed a close-knit family in the Great Depression era — “Blue Bloods” delves into controversial religious topics, from clergy sexual abuse to the Catholic leadership’s position on same-sex issues.
Stacy Keach has appeared in nearly a dozen “Blue Bloods” episodes as Cardinal Kevin Kearns. The fictional archbishop of New York enjoys both a confidant level of friendship with Frank Reagan and a sometimes contentious relationship with the commissioner over matters such as the church hierarchy’s opposition to the death penalty.
Whether related to faith or not, the Reagans face a constant barrage of personal trials, moral questions and ethical dilemmas. They don’t always choose the right path. But they learn from mistakes and rely on each other.
“The writers put them in some morally tense situations but always find a plausible way for them to remain true to their core beliefs,” said Danny Dodd, a preacher in Arkansas. “It’s refreshing.”
“The writers put them in some morally tense situations but always find a plausible way for them to remain true to their core beliefs. It’s refreshing.”
And sadly, now the successful series is ending — for reasons that don’t seem entirely clear. Cue a million tears for “Blue Bloods.” And please don’t don’t share any spoilers.
