Blue Bloods Upcoming Episode Preview #3 January 2011

Best Television Show of 2010: Tom Selleck’s ‘Blue Bloods’

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by Larry Schweikart

Given the astoundingly sudden collapse of several new television shows this season—most notably Jon Voight’s “Lone Star,” which unfortunately vanished quicker than you could chug a beer of the same name — “Blue Bloods” appears to be a keeper. And well it should be.

This police drama features a talented ensemble cast of Tom Selleck as Francis Reagan, the current New York City Police Commissioner; Donnie Wahlberg as his son, detective Daniel Reagan, Bridget Moynahan as his daughter, Erin Reagan-Boyle, Will Estes as rookie officer Jamie Reagan, and Len Cariou as the great-grandfather and former police commissioner Henry Reagan. Also providing solid and convincing roles are Jennifer Esposito (“Jackie Curatola,” Danny Reagan’s partner); Amy Carlson (“Linda,” Danny’s wife), Sami Gayle (“Nicky,” Erin’s daughter), and Nicholas Turturro (Sgt. Anthony Renzulli,” Jamie’s training officer).

Wahlberg is believable and refreshing in any role he’s in, whether it’s Lieutenant Lipton in “Band of Brothers” or Duddits in “Dreamcatcher.” Selleck, though he tends to reprise his “Jesse Stone” character (without the alcoholism), is nevertheless always a joy to watch—probably even more so for the ladies. Esposito is at home as a cop, and Cariou looks like he could still wield a police baton.

What makes “Blue Bloods” work is a well-worn interchange of a weekly action plot combined with an almost Waltonesque family life, usually including a family dinner at least once per episode and sometimes more often. At these dinners, the true moral and messages of “Blue Bloods” emerges, and it ain’t typical Hollywood liberalism. A common dinner discussion frequently turns into a debate between the (somewhat) bleeding heart Erin and the street-tough Danny, with Henry playing the role of out-of-style, head-knockin’, old-fashioned cop and Selleck moderating.

Adding to family tensions, Dylan Moore (“Sydney Davenport,” Jamie’s fiancee) got engaged to an up-and-coming big-shot attorney when Jamie felt the call of the family profession and abandoned the well-heeled life of a corporate lawyer to dodge bullets and chase drug-dealers. More often than not, the conclusion is that police are hampered by overly-protective measures for defendants; that the mayor and other politicians care only about good news instead of real results, and that there was something to be said for the “good old days” of law enforcement.

A dark, subplot involves a secret police society called the “Blue Templar” that, Jamie is told when a pair of Internal Affairs cops try to recruit him, may have had a part in the death of his brother, Joe (also a policeman). But this has unfolded throughout the first season, and wisely the creative team has not jumped the shark with this story line. Moreover, because none of the family is caricatured, their infighting carries the mark of reality. More important, however, the series seems to avoid the modern temptation to “go dark” at every opportunity, both in terms of plot and camera work. The current obsession with scenes so dim that an screech owl would have difficulty spotting a caribou at thirty paces is becoming tiresome and has detracted from story.

One other endearing character to the series is the fact that even when the Reagans disagree, they all appreciate the special sacrifices and contributions made by cops. A recurring theme of justice being done graces this series, and is welcome in an age of “Brooklyn’s Finest,” where the only honorable and successful cop is the one who has just retired. And speaking of justice, if there is any, the producers will find a way to bring in Jon Voight as a special consultant to the NYPD.

Barney: Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg shine in 'Blue Bloods'

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By Chuck Barney
Contra Costa Times

How do you explain this? In a television season woefully scarce of quality fare, one of the better new shows can be found Friday nights -- typically a TV junkyard.

I'm talking about "Blue Bloods," a CBS crime series that started off on the right foot by astutely casting Tom Selleck as New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan. In this role, Selleck is much more rigid than the loose and laid-back Thomas Magnum guy we met back in the day. But he's still very likable and handsome. Also, he's still able to rock the mustache in a way that makes it seem cool.

Of course, crime dramas are nothing new for CBS, which I've long maintained should stand for Corpses, Body bags and Stiffs. But "Blue Bloods" brings something different to the party: It's a cop show that yearns to be a family drama ... or maybe vice-versa.

Selleck's Reagan, a widower, heads up not only the police department, but a boisterous brood that features three generations of cops. His old-school dad (Len Cariou) wore a badge and now his eldest son, Danny (Donnie Wahlberg), does too.

Just recently, another son, Jamie (Will Estes) left Harvard Law School to also join the force. Callow Jamie, once considered the family's golden boy, seems somewhat out of place in this world, sort of in the way a young Michael Corleone did in his.

The best thing about "Blue Bloods," besides Selleck, is Wahlberg, who shifts between being empathetic and temperamental without

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any crunching of gears. He's a hard-nosed homicide detective who doesn't mind bending the rules, which often puts him at odds with his sister Erin (Bridget Moynahan), an assistant D.A. with a liberal bent.

When they're not out fighting crime, the Reagans spend their time around the table for Sunday dinners, where the wine flows, along with the venom. All the philosophical differences and generation gaps among them provide plenty of fuel for spirited debates about on-the-job ethics.

With a few exceptions, the cases on "Blue Bloods" don't carry much of a wow factor, and the show lacks the kind of grittiness that might make it more powerful.

Even so, the solid acting performances and the family dynamics contained in "Blue Bloods" make for an absorbing hour of television. Keep this up and Selleck and company just might get to flee Friday nights for more appealing terrain.

Blue Bloods Photo Shoot with Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg and Bridget Moynahan!

Preview for Blue Bloods

From the executive producers of “The Sopranos” comes a gripping multigenerational drama. For the Reagans, putting criminals behind bars is more than just a job—it’s the family business. This tight-knit clan of New York cops may clash over methods, internal politics and Sunday dinner, but they have one thing in common—they’ll stop at nothing to see justice served.

Donnie On the set of 'Reagan's Law'

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