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A spinoff of Blue Bloods is officially in development, yet it diverges significantly from what many fans had anticipated.
The yearning for an extension of the original series remains strong; however, CBS has already decided against that direction.
Nevertheless, there’s a glimmer of hope surrounding the upcoming spinoff titled Boston Blue, set to premiere next year, despite some notable continuity concerns.
Donnie Wahlberg’s Involvement Is Promising
While I have always preferred Jamie as a character, I am excited to see that Donnie Wahlberg will reprise his role in this new spinoff.
Wahlberg’s commitment to the original series is commendable; he has consistently advocated for its continued presence on air and expressed his regret for not being able to secure its longevity for the fans.
Crucially, Wahlberg has indicated he will only be part of the spinoff if it maintains the core family values that defined the original series. His involvement suggests that those values will likely remain integral.
However, it appears that the familiar Reagan family won’t play a central role in this new narrative.
The spinoff’s storyline reveals that Danny will be relocating to Boston, where he will partner with a detective from a well-known family of law enforcement officers.
Boston Blue’s Concept Contrasts with the Blue Bloods Series Finale
The final episode of Blue Bloods concluded on a high note, introducing fresh storylines that could have easily transitioned into a reunion special.
Jamie and Eddie are expecting their first child, set to arrive in June, which could still be incorporated into the narrative of Boston Blue through video calls or occasional visits from Danny.
Nonetheless, Danny’s last arc raises questions, as it seems incompatible with his move to a different city, particularly since he expressed a desire for companionship in the series finale.
He confessed feelings of loneliness and subsequently asked Baez for a casual outing. This moment, while not a seal on their future together, certainly suggests a connection that conflicts with his decision to leave for Boston.
If he’s seeking a clean break, it raises the question of whether he and Baez have separated. Such a development would dishearten fans of the Danny/Baez pairing, especially given his new partnership is with a character from a similar family background, hinting at potential romantic tension.
Additionally, Danny has not typically been characterized as someone to flee from his troubles, so a move under the pretense of escaping bad memories would seem out of character.
However, there may be grounds for his departure, as Danny exhibited signs of burnout towards the series’ conclusion, suggesting he could indeed benefit from a fresh start. Yet, for Boston Blue to resonate, this transition must be effectively communicated.
Danny Is Likely to Transition to a New City
Throughout Blue Bloods, Danny engaged in various storylines involving different characters, including episodes where he operated outside his jurisdiction.
This flexibility makes the idea of him moving to Boston more plausible than for Jamie and Eddie, who are settled with an impending family addition, ruling out any significant relocation.
Personally, I would have favored a spinoff focused on Jamie and Eddie moving to Long Island to enjoy a quieter life with their child.
There’s also a sense of uncertainty regarding Boston Blue’s original intention, which appears to revolve around a generic officer’s challenges in Boston, with Danny being added later to capitalize on his established connection to the franchise.
This shift potentially sacrifices the unique qualities tied to the Reagan family’s experiences, traded for a cop family dynamic that does not seem as resonant.
Boston Blue Faces the Challenge of Distinction
A significant hurdle for Boston Blue is the new creative team that distinguishes it from Blue Bloods, raising questions about their ability to capture the original’s essence.
Simply reproducing familiar elements, like family dinners or introducing Danny’s partner’s connections, won’t suffice.
At its core, Blue Bloods functioned as a portrait of a close-knit family united by shared heritage and values rather than merely a police procedural. The Reagans embodied strong family ties, bolstered by their faith and commitment to one another, making the series stand out in the crowded television landscape.
The series also aimed to present the NYPD in a realistic yet positive light, a portrayal valued by many current and former officers, particularly during turbulent times for law enforcement.
In contrast, Boston Blue won’t be set in New York and is likely to be filmed on a less costly studio set in Los Angeles, which might further dilute its connection to its predecessor.
There’s uncertainty if it can encapsulate the essence of the Boston Police Department in the same way Blue Bloods did for the NYPD while navigating contemporary societal issues sensitively.
Given the shifts in writing, location, and central themes, it remains to be seen how closely Boston Blue will mirror the original.
Even so, there remains an openness to the potential of the new series.
Any spinoff can carve out its footprint, and fans can hope for occasional appearances from the beloved Reagan family.
While spinoffs may evolve into unique entities, they don’t necessarily need to replicate the original to find success. Like other unexpected hits, Boston Blue might just prove to be a pleasant surprise.
All 14 seasons of Blue Bloods are available for streaming on Paramount+.
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Source
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