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[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Blue Bloods Season 14 Episode 13 “Bad to Worse.”]
In the latest episode of Blue Bloods, Henry Reagan, portrayed by Len Cariou, surprises his granddaughter Erin, played by Bridget Moynahan, in unexpected ways. First, she learns that Henry will testify for the defense regarding the NYPD’s chokehold policy as part of her case against a former police officer involved in a neighborly dispute. When Erin confronts him, Henry insists that expert testimony is crucial, declaring his capability to assess character. However, in court, he reveals that the defendant was among those responsible for the chokehold’s prohibition, a fact he chose to keep from Erin to preserve the surprise.
Following the episode, Cariou shared his thoughts on the courtroom scene and his experience filming his final days on set. “It was great fun for Henry to playfully deceive Erin,” he remarked, reflecting on the enjoyment he found in the moment.
Discussing a memorable scene in Erin’s office, Cariou noted, “The writers intended to give us more screen time together because of the exceptional bond the characters share. Throughout the series, Henry has often referred to her as his ‘favorite granddaughter,’ to which Erin playfully responds that she is his only granddaughter.”
When asked about his last day on set, Cariou described it as bittersweet. He recalled that their final scene together took place at a funeral, which shifted the atmosphere of their goodbye. Most cast members, including Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan, and Steve Schirripa, wrapped up on the same day, leading to a sense of finality that felt normal yet poignant. “We had all gotten used to saying our goodbyes, but coming together for the wrap-up of the final episodes after a couple of weeks made it more emotional,” he shared.
Reflecting on filming the last family dinner scene, he expressed, “It was quite emotional. Though it wasn’t the final scene we shot, it held significance. The first scene filmed for the pilot was also a dinner scene, underscoring its importance throughout the series.” He noted that not all cast members could be present for that filming, adding to the complexity of the moment.
Familial dinners have served as a cornerstone of the series, showcasing the loving yet sometimes contentious dynamic typical of family interactions. “Leonard Goldberg wanted these dinners to be a staple in every episode, highlighting the family’s life outside their roles as law enforcement. It was a risk that ultimately paid off, as he realized it was pivotal to the show’s identity,” Cariou explained.
As the series concludes, saying goodbye to the show and the character of Henry has proven challenging for Cariou. He recounted bittersweet moments from the wrap party, coinciding with his birthday, which added a layer of personal significance to the occasion.
Despite the show’s impending end, Cariou expressed excitement about how it will all wrap up while also lamenting its cancellation. “Even though the show remains popular on Friday nights, it’s unfortunate it can’t continue,” he shared.
Blue Bloods has consistently drawn a large audience on Friday nights, which is notable,” he added, noting the show’s surprising success in a time slot that was initially not viewed favorably.
Reflecting on its origins, he remarked, “When we started airing on Fridays 14 or 15 years ago, we were uncertain about that time slot. Yet, Tom’s following on CBS helped solidify our success. The network initially considered moving us to another day, but Mr. Goldberg insisted we would dominate Friday nights, and it turned out he was right.”
Blue Bloods airs Fridays at 10/9c on CBS.
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