With all of the rainy weather we had after all of the snow we had, I got the opportunity to take in some new shows this Winter / early Spring. One of the shows that really struck me as a stand out is Blue Bloods, a unique law enforcement / family drama starring Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan,Will Estes and Len Cariou. In addition to the fine acting, interesting plot twists, and complex relationships, the show takes risks that are both admirable and thought-provoking.
Strong male characters deeply invested in the their families
Len Cariou plays the grandfather of the Reagan family and the retired Police Commissioner. Tom Selleck is his son and the current Commissioner who carries himself with grace and dignity, both in his role as Commissioner and as the head of the family who deeply loves his children and grandchildren. Both of their wives have passed, leaving them as widowers to care for their family. Donnie Walhberg plays a veteran-turned-detective and family man, equally passionate about both of these roles. It’s refreshing and inspiring to see men taking such a nurturing role in their families that in no way compromises their serious commitments to their careers. The writers could have taken an easier route and written out-of-balance male characters who were so entrenched in their jobs that their family lives suffered. Instead, they wanted their male characters to be good role models for how difficult and how gratifying it is to have balance.
Religion is not taboo
The family is deeply Catholic. Religion is too often a taboo subject, in the world and on the screen. The show makes a decided decision to talk about religion and illustrate how people can reconcile very old traditions with a very modern world. It provides an interesting depth of character and storyline.
4 generations explore the changing times of law enforcement
Law enforcement in New York City is a complicated, multi-limb system. Blue Bloods gives us the opportunity to see a single case and the whole system from a variety of angles, within the police force and from the DA’s office, through the eyes of someone retired from the force, someone who now heads the force, a seasoned detective, a newly-minted officer, and a top-notch attorney. Their opinions and roles often put them in conflict professionally, which forces reconciliation personally around the dinner table. We get the chance to see just how difficult it is to secure justice in this city, and show up every day to try again no matter what happened in the last case. I also enjoy the dimension of the youngest generation who may likely enter careers in public service as adults due to the influence of their family.
A different side of New York City
New Yorkers take pride in knowing their city. Staten Island is the borough people are most unfamiliar with, myself included. I’ve never even set foot on Staten Island. The Reagan family lives there in a beautiful old home, reminding me that there is always another side to New York that I have yet to explore.
This season has two more episodes you can catch (thanks to Kelly for that info and comment!) and some of the previous shows are on the CBS site. I’m sure the full season will soon hit Netflix and Hulu. When it does, you’ll want to make sure to catch up before next Fall. The show airs on Friday nights at 10pm EST / 9pm Central on CBS.
Christa Avampato 