Blue Bloods: 5 Reasons Why Donnie Wahlberg’s Danny Reagan Spin-Off Is A Bad Idea

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Initially denying plans for a spin-off, then reconsidering due to popular demand for more Reagans, CBS has now agreed to broaden the “Blue Bloods” series universe. Contrary to a previous unsuccessful attempt at a Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) spin-off named “Boston Blue”, this new venture will primarily focus on him. As a change from his close-knit family and New York City background, Danny will be relocating to San Francisco where he’ll tackle crime in the Bay Area. This might seem like a logical move for Boston native Wahlberg, but for Danny, who’s as synonymous with New York City as cheesecake, it’s quite a shift.

In this revised scenario, the alteration in location implies that Danny must navigate on his own – absent Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez) and without any family support; instead, he has only a fellow officer and new acquaintances to rely upon. This development could potentially stir up turmoil for “Blue Bloods” enthusiasts who are eager for more Reagan escapades and aren’t keen on a series focusing on a character out of their comfort zone. Below, you will find five potential explanations as to why this standalone adventure for Danny may not endure:

1. The audience is accustomed to seeing Danny in his familiar environment with Maria Baez and his family, and a sudden shift could disrupt the narrative flow and viewer engagement.
2. The dynamics between Danny and his colleagues might not be as engaging or entertaining as those he has with his family and partner, potentially leading to decreased interest from fans.
3. Without the comforting presence of Maria Baez and his family, the storyline may lack the emotional depth that has traditionally been associated with Danny’s character, leaving viewers feeling disconnected.
4. The fish-out-of-water trope can be overused and predictable, which could result in a less engaging narrative for “Blue Bloods” fans who are seeking fresh and innovative storytelling.
5. The solo outing might not resonate with the show’s core audience if it deviates too far from the established Reagan family dynamic, potentially leading to a decline in ratings and viewer satisfaction.

Boston is not New York

In the series “Blue Bloods”, New York City (often referred to as The Big Apple) is just as much a character as any member of the Reagan family. Each episode wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse into city life, the vibrant street culture, and the unique way the city and its politics interact. While Boston might offer a fresh setting for Danny to explore, it won’t replicate the same level of fascination, comfort, or delight that New York City provides for fans who are deeply invested in the world of the Reagans. Transposing the show to a new city could be intriguing, but the unique rhythm and reason behind all of Danny’s past adventures in New York might feel too jarring for viewers accustomed to this setting.

No Baez may mean no deal

As a devoted viewer of “Blue Bloods”, I must say the creators truly went the extra mile during the series finale to nudge Danny and Maria Baez towards romance – or rather, they left us with a hint of optimism that their relationship might blossom into something more. After my grandpa Henry (Len Cariou) gave me a good push to confront my solitude squarely, I finally gathered the courage to ask Baez out for pizza. Although she wasn’t present at the final Reagan family dinner, it seemed like they were preparing to take their friendship to the next level in the not-so-distant future.

It appears that Maria won’t accompany Danny in Boston during “Boston Blue,” as only Danny and Detective Lena Peters, who has yet to be cast, are mentioned in the plot summary. Similar to Danny, Lena is part of a tight-knit police family, and they will work together. However, there’s a possibility that Baez might join later (maybe after Danny and Lena develop a bond, potentially causing tension), but keeping them apart could disappoint fans anticipating a romantic moment between them. This could potentially deter viewers from the spin-off.

Danny minus the rest of the Reagans may be a hard sell

A significant aspect that draws viewers to “Blue Bloods” is the close-knit nature of the Reagan family. They collaborate, argue about what’s best for the city, and often interfere in each other’s personal lives. This dynamic is particularly evident in their regular family dinners within each episode, which have grown increasingly captivating as the series progresses. The Reagans were usually quick to support one another, but this time Danny will find himself isolated – about two hours away from backup and the comfort of home.

On “Blue Bloods,” family ties play an integral role, so it seems odd for Danny to operate independently without his kin. Moving him to Boston leaves him without a traditional family network. Although Lena’s family is brought into the story, viewers might struggle to accept this change. The creators are banking on the Peters family stepping up as the new Reagans, but will Danny be able to thrive alone? Moreover, will fans stick around to watch his solo journey each week?

Viewers might get bored of the bog-standard premise

The basic concept of “Boston Blue” goes like this: Danny transitions from New York to Boston, joins the BPD as a detective, and encounters Lena, whose family resembles his own. Despite the potential for innovation with this character, it seems that the series is following the familiar fish-out-of-water narrative pattern that has served as the base for numerous crime dramas in the past. The issue lies in its lack of originality and intrigue, making it blend into the crowd rather than stand out. This could be a cause for concern.

There’s a risk involved in having Lena symbolize order and routine in Boston because the series needs viewers to take an immediate liking to her, which could prove challenging if she’s portrayed as uptight and humorless. While “Blue Bloods” was familiar and comforting, its portrayal of a large family within a police drama was surprisingly fresh. However, the upcoming spin-off appears to be following a predictable formula for a crime show.

The spin-off wasn’t created with Danny (or Blue Bloods) in mind

It appears that Danny’s latest series, “Boston Blue,” might not be as connected to “Blue Bloods” as originally thought. Initially, the show was developed under a different title, “Jamaica Plain.” This pilot centered around the unlikely duo of Lena and an LA transplant cop. Later on, Danny’s character and the “Blue Bloods” connection were added when the script for the show had already been sold. Given that Donnie Wahlberg is from Boston and CBS has been hinting at expanding the “Blue Bloods” universe to appease disappointed fans, the emergence of “Boston Blue” seems rather convenient.

The concern lies in the potential for the series becoming disconnected from the “Blue Bloods” universe and consequently losing its hold on the character of Danny. Originally, the main character hailed from California, which is diametrically opposed to Danny Reagan’s geographical location. Life on the West Coast differs significantly, so it’s reasonable to assume that the LAPD transfer was vastly different from Danny Reagan’s experiences. Since the spin-off wasn’t designed as a continuation of “Blue Bloods,” it might find it challenging to stay true to its roots. Here’s hoping that “Boston Blue” manages to meet the expectations set by “Blue Bloods.

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2025-02-25 22:30