Here again we have another great series on TV that just gets
better with each passing year. As a longtime fan I find myself glued to the set
each Friday night to see what happens next with the Reagan family, a family dedicating
their lives to the protection of the citizens of New York City. And each week I
find myself drawn into their story from start to finish.
Background for those just tuning in. The Reagan family is
one that believes in duty to your community. Father Frank (Tom Selleck) is the
current police commissioner following in the footsteps of his father Henry (Len
Cariou). Son Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) is a hot headed detective who is one of
the best on the force. Daughter Erin (Bridget Moynahan) serves as an assistant
district attorney. And youngest son Jamie (Will Estes) walks a beat as a
uniform patrolman.
What makes the family special is that they are just that, a
family. This show isn’t about dynasty building but about a family that cares
deeply about one another as well as their community. The bonds of family and
affection between them all are on display each week, never in an over way but
there beneath the surface as well as during the weekly get meal they share
together each episode. Think the Waltons in blue uniforms.
Episodes are never tied into one another though on occasion
references to past shows occur. Instead new topics are brought into the fold
each week. Some are controversial but most are police procedural. With Selleck
making his right leaning politics be known the show could have taken the route
of pushing those viewpoints, but it doesn’t. Instead if offers a balanced look
at all issues presented when they come up. For me that’s a major selling point.
The show doesn’t push one agenda or the other. It tells the story the same way
life is, with more than one viewpoint involved.
What topics are discussed this year? A possible terrorist
attack. A serial killer in episode two who returns at the end of the season to
plague Danny. Targeting police. Civilian cell phone footage that doesn’t depict
things quite accurately. Free speech. Erin’s daughter Nicky (Sami Gayle)
involved in a drug bust. A member of the city council disagreeing with a policy
Frank fees helps the community more than harms it. The shooting of a youngster
by police. And the ongoing battle of wills between a liberal leaning mayor and
right leaning Frank, one of respect but contention at the same time.
All of these stories, with the one about the serial killer,
are well told, well written and wrapped up in each short of 60 minutes episode.
Not only are the stories being told from start to finish, the family dinner I
mentioned gives each family member to discuss the items of the show from
various perspectives, just like families do in real life.
It is the family aspect of this show that really gives it
life. Couple that with the danger that each person is placed in the moment they
pin on the badge or parade themselves before a gluttonous press ready to pounce
on the first misspoken word and you have a drama that holds your interest start
to finish. And in addition to the direct family we witness there is the
extended family as well with Frank’s press secretary Garrett Moore (Gregory
Jbara) and head of detectives Sid Gormley (Robert Clohessy) providing both
insight and comic relief at times as well as Det. Abigail Baker (Abigail Hawk)
as Frank’s secretary taking on a slightly larger role than in the past. Then we
have Marisa Ramirez as Det. Maria Baez, Danny’s partner who is given an episode
to deal with her past and Vanessa Ray as Officer Eddie Janko, Jamie’s partner
who has the potential of becoming a romantic interest for Jamie.
The series works on so many levels to single out one is
difficult. All in all it makes for an interesting and enjoyable show that I for
one look forward to each week. Having the series available on disc to enjoy
over and over again is just one more great thing to happen.
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