It seems like every year, there is at least one new police-themed television show to hit the airwaves. In some cases, they are even reboots of old shows. However, the new shows that promise action and drama rarely last more than a few years, and sometimes only a single season of episodes. It truly takes something great to make any show last, cop shows included.
And, with the current polarizing vibe around policing, it has become even more complex in the last couple of years.
If you are a fan of the show “Blue Bloods” then you already know how incredible this program is. If not, let me explain some of the reasons it has been a top show in its time slot, on its night and has been on the air for 14 seasons and counting.
Before you read any more, please note that if you are new to this series, there may be a few spoilers ahead.
While many cop shows come across as featuring poor writing and minimal character development. Some also struggle to find the right balance between action, drama and even a little comedy. And many of them take a one-sided stand on complex issues or even worse avoid them altogether.
“Blue Bloods" addresses modern policing and social issues head-on and explores both sides and all considerations on those issues. It is not a “woke” program simply catering to leftist ideology like some shows (“FBI” comes to mind) have done. At the same time, it calls out things that may be wrong with the current system and explores the nuances of each case. This is one reason why it is relatable to so many viewers.
The show has a strong emphasis on family. Each week, the family gathers around the table for a good old-fashioned Sunday dinner. During this scene, police commissioner Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck) comes together with his adult children, daughter-in-law and his father, all of whom are affiliated with law enforcement or the legal system. There is also his grandson and an occasional surprise guest. They discuss various topics including current cases or situations that may be weighing on them. And, as an Irish Catholic family, they make sure to say a blessing before the meal, something that is very rare on TV these days.
The characters are all well-developed, from the aforementioned Frank to his eldest son Danny (Donny Wahlberg), who is a bit of a hard head and struggles with boundaries, to his daughter Erin (Bridget Moynahan), who is at the top of the district attorney’s office and tries to balance the letter of the law with the spirit of it. Then there are the additional roles of Garrett Moore (Gregory Jbara) his press secretary, Sid Gormley (Robert Clohessy) his “voice of the rank and file” and Abigail Baker (Abigail Hawk) his personal secretary, who engage in the tough topics within the confines of the commissioner's office.
The family has also endured its share of painful loss and experiences. From the very beginning, we find out that the eldest son Joe was killed on duty. We later meet his son, who grew up to be a cop as well. Danny’s wife was killed in a house bombing perpetuated by one of the criminals he had been fighting. Frank’s daughter-in-law, Eddie (Vanessa Ray), has a convict as a father, and Erin is divorced from her attorney ex-husband, Jack Boyle (Peter Hermann).
The bottom line is that the stories themselves are engaging and captivate the audience, which makes them really think and evaluate serious issues. The characters are relatable and flawed human beings, just like the rest of us.
In a world of watered-down entertainment, “Blue Bloods” is a refreshing 14-year breath of fresh air for all of us.
About the Creator
Jason A
Writer, photographer and graphic design enthusiast with a professional background in journalism, poetry, e-books, model photography, portrait photography, arts education and more.
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Comments (2)
Thanks for the review. I do not have any way to view this show but I have been a fan of police shows. With one of my favorites being NYPD Blue since NYC is my hometown. Where does this show take place?
You're absolutely right!! I began watching this show because it's filmed in the neighborhood where I grew up. In fact, many scenes are shot in the park across from my old apartment building. After two episodes, I was hooked. The plots are intriiguing, and the characters are real-to-life. Oh, and many church scenes are in St. Cecilia's where I went to school.