Boston Blue officially brings back the Blue Bloods franchise, but it’s premiere delivers a lackluster update regarding Frank Reagan. Donnie Wahlberg makes his return to television as Danny Reagan, who unexpectedly embarks on a fresh chapter in Boston. Undoubtedly, relocating to Beantown after spending his entire life in New York is a significant shift, yet fortunately, Boston Blue manages to provide a solid rationale for it.
The solid premiere of Boston Blue begins with Sean’s harrowing near-death experience in Boston. Danny’s quest for answers regarding the case that nearly claimed his sons’ lives leads him to the Silvers — the spinoff’s alternative to the Reagan family.
By the conclusion of “Family & Faith,” Sean regains consciousness, and Danny reassures him that he will always be by his side. It comes as no surprise that he will be partnering with Lena as they move ahead. Even though Boston Blue presents a completely fresh narrative away from New York, it still provides delightful nods for fans longing for the Reagan family.
Erin visits to see her brother and nephew in Beantown, but beyond that, the series unveils new insights into Tom Selleck’s cherished character, Frank. Regrettably, his circumstances are far from perfect.
Boston Blue Affirms That Frank Reagan Remains The NYPD Commissioner
In contrast to Bridget Moynahan, Boston Blue does not showcase a physical appearance from Tom Selleck. However, he is mentioned multiple times in “Family & Faith,” particularly when Danny reveals his past and ties to the New York Police Department to Lena.
Interestingly, he recommended that Sean consider beginning his career in law enforcement up north due to the hiring freeze in New York. In the Boston Blue pilot, Danny is seen having a phone conversation with his father, providing an update on his and Sean’s well-being.
Although Selleck’s character is not heard, it is evident that family holds significant value in his life. Additionally, the most intriguing insight into Frank’s future following the cancellation of Blue Bloods comes from Lena’s sister, Sarah.
Given the circumstances, she reached out to Commissioner Reagan, who advocated for his son. This enables Danny to seek guidance from the Boston Police Department during this period. Even though he doesn’t show up, Frank’s impact is undeniably present in Boston Blue.
Naturally, there’s a chance that Tom Selleck might make an appearance in the spinoff. After all, Boston is just a short distance from New York. Alternatively, Danny and Sean can conveniently take a drive down south to participate in the legendary Reagan family dinners.
Tom Selleck Openly Expressed That Frank Never Truly Aspired To Be Commissioner
From a technical standpoint, Frank remaining the NYPD commissioner is not a negative situation. It signifies his safety and indicates that New York is more secure with him leading it’s police department. However, the troubling aspect is that Frank never truly desired this position initially.
He appreciates the opportunity to serve his community, yet it is not his true passion. Tom Selleck himself acknowledged this following the conclusion of the Blue Bloods series.
According to Tom Selleck, “I’m not sure. I’ve never faced that situation. There seems to be a story behind it. I’m aware that he despised the job. He loathed the burden, the pressure on his shoulders. It wasn’t something he desired. He didn’t even audition for it when it was first offered. So, it would have been fascinating. He couldn’t just walk away. I believe he would have had to find a way to get himself dismissed. One thing he was either fortunate or unfortunate to have was this intense sense of responsibility that he attempted to instill in everyone around that dinner table.”
To provide some context, there were whispers suggesting that the conclusion of Blue Bloods would revolve around Frank finally stepping down from his position. This seemed like an ideal way to conclude the character’s personal arc in the series and would serve as a fitting farewell for the show.
However, that scenario did not unfold, and now, more than a year and a half later, he remains unable to leave the job behind. Unfortunately, that’s not the situation. It appears that Frank has no plans to retire at this time, preferring instead to spend his days unwinding at home while caring for his family outside of the NYPD.
If he weren’t so busy with his job, Frank might have taken the opportunity to visit Boston and see Sean and Danny personally. This could still be a possibility as Boston Blue progresses. However, for the moment, Frank is still committed to his work.