Showrunner Explains Why Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods Remains Without a Romantic Partner

Warning! Spoilers ahead for the Blue Bloods series finale. The conclusion of Blue Bloods marks the end of an era for its fans. The series, featuring Donnie Wahlberg (Danny), Tom Selleck (Frank), and an impressive ensemble cast, enjoyed a 14-season run before concluding on December 13, largely due to escalating budget concerns. Despite a continued clamoring for additional seasons from dedicated viewers, this final episode encapsulated the Reagan family saga. Should a spin-off come to fruition, Frank Reagan’s appearances are expected to be sporadic, primarily due to salary considerations, leaving his journey to conclude at that last family dinner.

The Unexplored Romantic Angles in Frank Reagan’s Character

Throughout its impressive run, one critical narrative arc remained untouched: Frank’s romantic life. Following the passing of his wife, Mary, Frank Reagan did not engage in any long-term relationships. Showrunner Kevin Wade discussed this choice in an interview with TV Insider, clarifying that while attempts were made to gift Frank a romantic storyline, they ultimately lacked the necessary authenticity. The quote from Wade sheds light on the show’s perspective:

We didn’t discuss it much. The bar would be pretty high to be able to make a good Frank Reagan police commissioner story out of him dating. We tried it a couple of times with some success, but it wasn’t an area we visited a lot. He didn’t have a romance with Det. Baker [Abigail Hawk], but if this was a 1940s comedy with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy or Cary Grant, Baker would be Gal Friday.

We called [Abigail Baker, Sid Gormley, and Garrett Moore] the Dream Team—but they were anything but… [Laughs] But they were a wonderful work family for him. So we didn’t give him a wife or a girlfriend but we gave him a blood family and a work family.

The Significance of Frank’s Relationship Status

Avoiding the Mainstream Romance Trope

Following Mary Reagan’s death, Frank did develop occasional friendships with women related to his professional life, yet he never ventured into serious relationships. His unwavering dedication to both family and the police force rendered him too preoccupied for romantic pursuits. Notably, in the series finale, Frank’s last moments were spent surrounded by his family, reinforcing the idea that his focus never wavered toward personal romantic endeavors.

Interestingly, throughout the series, Mary Reagan was only featured through photographs, never portrayed on screen. Tom Selleck himself has articulated disappointment over Frank’s lack of flirtation, asserting that he envisioned a different trajectory for his character. While Frank consistently wore his wedding ring, that shouldn’t have halted him from exploring lighthearted romantic interactions, even if they were fleeting. Despite Selleck’s aspirations, the absence of romance ultimately allowed the show to subvert conventional procedural storytelling. By sidestepping a romantic arc, Frank remained devoted to his late wife, emphasizing a deeper theme of loyalty and commitment.

Our Perspective on Frank’s Romantic Absence

An Unexplored Narrative Opportunity

With only 18 episodes in the final season—four fewer than the usual count—time constraints understandably limited narrative exploration, including Frank’s romantic prospects. Central to his character is the role of patriarch for both family and the police force. Engaging in a romantic subplot could have diverted attention from this carefully crafted character. As the potential for a Blue Bloods spin-off looms, it may delve more into relationships, but Frank Reagan’s story appears to have reached its conclusion. Ultimately, the series executed Frank’s narrative effectively without the need for forced romantic influences.

For more insights and details, refer to the interview on TV Insider.

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