After 14 seasons of playing the central character Frank Reagan in “Blue Bloods”, Tom Selleck has shared his thoughts on the character’s fate in the show’s final episode. Despite speculation that Frank might walk away from his job as NYPD Commissioner, the finale took a different turn.
In an interview after the finale, Selleck stated that Frank didn’t quit. He acknowledged that Frank hated the job and the heavy responsibility that came with it. Frank didn’t even audition for the position when it first became available. However, due to his strong sense of responsibility, he couldn’t simply quit. Selleck believes Frank would have had to get himself fired instead.
What Selleck’s comments reveal about Frank’s fate is that a particular scene in the finale clarified his thoughts. In the episode titled “End of Tour”, written by longtime executive producer Kevin Wade and Siobhan Byrne O’Connor and directed by Alex Zakrzewski, the story kicks off with the Mayor of New York being shot by gang members. Mayor Peter Chase gives Frank the lead in the investigation.
Rather than leading to Frank realizing he wants to quit, this final investigation gives him a renewed sense of purpose. Frank has a conversation with the father of the gang member who shot the mayor. It’s a tense exchange that eventually leads to a breakthrough. During the conversation, Frank opens up about losing his son and his willingness to do anything to have him back. His sincere admission helps solve the case and leads to the final Reagan family dinner.
Our take on Frank’s finale fate is that it was a well-executed conclusion. With rumors of a spinoff but no certainty, the final scene of the Reagans gathered around the table with Frank at peace works effectively. He may dislike the job, but he’s proud of it and the way it has brought his family together. The opportunity to do good and carry out his responsibility seems to make it all worthwhile for him.
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