‘BLUE BLOODS,’ SEASON ONE (2010)

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Concealed by the crime drama persona, at its core, this CBS drama is all about family. It centers on an NYC law-enforcement family. Led by veteran actor Tom Selleck, this freshman season gets in one or two good punches proving it deserves a spot next to shows like NCIS one of television’s top-rated dramas. blue bloods season one

Blue Bloods, Season One (2010) CBS TV Show Review

Wearing the blue of the NYC’s finest was not a requirement in the Reagan household but it has been something generations in their family have proudly wore. Today another rookie class of cops graduate from the police academy and as police commissioner, Frank Reagan (Selleck) – a job he inherits from his retired father (Len Cariou), is the featured speaker. His hot-headed son, Detective Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) is not one who takes “no” as answers to his questions easily. His current case involves a young girl snatched from outside her school while walking home. As a father of two kids, This possibility sickens Danny and he wonders if this isn’t a ransom kidnapping.

Sundays at the Reagan household has always meant dinners together. Erin (Bridget Moyahan) grew up in a household full of brothers. She’s now a single, divorced mother to a teenager (Sami Gayle) who thinks hers is the only unfair life. As a Reagan, Erin grew up opinionated and that has led her to become a successful assistant DA. Then there is Jamie (Will Estes).  

A Harvard lawyer grad turned rookie cop, Jamie feels it’s an honor to wear the NYC blue. His fiancée Sydney is proud of Jamie but has reservations about him being in the line of fire every day. Though only a rookie, Jamie is eager to learn. The family still bears the pain of loss in their family following the death of their brother and son who was killed while on duty. This entangles Jamie in an undercover case Joe was working on.  

When it comes to the usual twists and turns, suspects and cases, this show is not much different. Sure, it has a unique voice all its own, but unlike NCIS or The Closer there is really no mystery to them. Detectives often discover the face and name of the villain early on and it covers more of the good guys tracking them down than the chase to uncover an identity. It also has its share of angst through conflict in relationships like a subplot of two people falling out of love unable to overcome challenges or a wife worried over the career her husband has. Although this season does have an on-going plot, it doesn’t take over the show which I think was a good thing.  

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By these omissions I am not in any way saying that this isn’t good television, because it is. I’m surprised by how truly great the pilot is. Then about three episodes in I realize that this show isn’t just “passable” TV but great television.  

Blue Bloods really puts its heart and energies into family; and I find this a really moving, unbreakable part of the show. The Reagan family isn’t perfect. They get annoyed with each other (as any family would) but despite it all, at the end of the day, they’re family. More often than not poignancy is the focus of the conclusion to the episode; it nearly always ends in the quietness and comfort of family ties. Some might not like its tendencies and loyalty in doing so, but I love the scenes when the family gathers around the table; their easy-going banter is the best. Unlike its counter-parts, this show isn’t dripping with comedic tension breakers, so it needs those special moments to kind of balance.

Although it’s not the primary topic, it’s interesting that the shadow of 9/11 hangs over the family. It has a great deal to do with the Reagan family’s motivations. The actors all give their best performances and they constantly impress in their capabilities and attitudes. Selleck is perfect in this role as are the rest of the stars. For me, this show didn’t have to have intelligent cases because it’s so much more than just a crime drama. Fortunately it also doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger which makes my anticipation for season two easier. Another addition that writers incorporate is seeing the law on two different sides in one family. Being lawyers Jamie and Erin often have different opinions. Whereas Frank and Danny often see an alternative having been on the side of law that walks the streets everyday.

Whatever viewers thought of this show, one thing is for certain: the Reagan family dinner table is sure a lot of fun to be a part of.  

Content: Blue Bloods is TV14 for some violence – shootings, stabbings and poison; one person commits suicide [just out of camera range] and another is beaten to death. Very little swearing is a part of the equation [the occasional h*ll, da*n or SOB is about the extent of it]. One case involves a rape [we glimpse the victim beaten up in the aftermath] and later a serial rapist tortures his victims before killing them in a fire.