Before ‘Blue Bloods’ Ends, We Need Resolution for This Character

The big picture

• Erin Reagan's campaign for district attorney was a major subplot in season 13 of
  Blue blood
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• The show lost an opportunity for character progression when Erin decided not to run for district attorney at the end of season 13.
• There's still time for the writers to resolve the situation and for Erin to take on the role of district attorney before the series finale.

How Blue blood is heading into its grand finale, it's time to revisit a subplot that ended in an anticlimactic way in season 13. At the end of season 12, Assistant District Attorney Erin Reagan (Bridget Moynahan) announced his plan to run for the New York County District Attorney's office to his family of police officers. The potential campaign became a major subplot during Season 13 as Erin tried to navigate the political minefield to land the role. It seemed like a natural choice and progression for the character.

Unfortunately, the season 13 finale, “Forgive Us Our Trespasses,” saw Erin throw in the towel when she decided not to run for district attorney after all. Blue blood missed a major opportunity to not have Erin Reagan follow through on her decision, which felt out of character and counterintuitive for the show, especially now that it's winding down to its finale. There needs to be a stronger resolution for Erin Regan first Blue blood ends with the second half of Season 14 coming later this fall.

Why Erin Reagan's Decision Hurts 'Blue Bloods'

When Erin announced her decision to run for district attorney in Season 12, it seemed like she had already thought long and hard about the idea. Obviously, Erin is not a natural politician, but as the Chief of the Trial Bureau in the District Attorney's Office, she understands how to navigate legal red tape. Not only that, but his father, New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck), gave her private support to run for office in the season 13 episode, “First Blush”.

That episode cemented Erin's advancement with her choice to run for New York District Attorney. So it was emotionally deflating to experience so much build up to the DA election, only to see Erin change her mind and give up on the DA race. It felt like the writers were giving the audience a giant bait and switch. While Erin's decision to accomplish more in her current role is understandable, why does she think she couldn't do more and affect greater change in the DA's office? His logic is indeed nonsensical and it seems a safe decision that was made so as not to upset the show's status quo for the last season.

It's not like Blue Blood has avoided making big changes in the past. Changes to the status quo, both small and large, have been happening for years. Vanessa Ray joined the cast as Edit Janko, who would marry Jamie Reagan (Will Estes) and become a permanent cast member. Joe Hill (Will Hochman) was later revealed to be the long-lost son of the deceased Joseph Reagan, and became a recurring cast member in future seasons of the show, beginning in season 10. In season 7, Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) lady Linda (Amy Carlson) was killed off, ending her role in the series. The show has also seen Jamie rise through the ranks, eventually being promoted to sergeant and taking a role in the Field Intelligence Unit. In comparison, Erin is looking for a top law office a natural progression of his character arc throughout the long series.

Erin Reagan Is Set For 'Blue Bloods' Top Office

Since the first season of Blue Bloods, Erin Reagan seemed destined for a higher role or position, such as the district attorney. In fact, such a role would only seem like a stepping stone on the way to an even higher position, such as a congressional representative or state senator. Erin has always had the legal pragmatism desired in a district attorney. He possesses a strong sense of justice in putting dangerous criminals behind bars and shows compassion for victims and their families, as well as less dangerous criminals looking for a fresh start.

Fortunately, there is still time for the writers of Blue blood to resolve the situation and find a way for Erin to somehow take on the role of district attorney. This could still happen due to a time jump before the finale, or perhaps an event that forces him into office. For Blue Blood to end up never seeing Erin Reagan rise from her current role, be it the district attorney's office, the mayor's office, or the chief justice, would be an absolute travesty. Erin has always been destined for more, and the aforementioned ending would bring her character full circle. An equally strong emotional ending for Frank Reagan would be his resignation as police commissioner, handing it over to his successor, knowing the position would be in good hands. He can leave his role with his head held high and the respect of his officers. If the show doesn't get those moments for the eventual series finale, will likely leave longtime viewers with a bad taste in their mouths.

What is the future of the 'Blue Bloods'?

Blue Blood recently finished the first half of its abbreviated fourteenth season in May with a midseason finale. The good news is that the series will return for another half-season later this fall on CBS. Season 14.5 will consist of eight episodes, Tom Selleck confirmed during a recent interview with Country Living. That's good news, since Season 14 Episode 10, “Saturday Night Heart,” didn't quite have the emotional resonance or impact of a season finale, let alone a series finale.

Also, while season 14 appears to be the show's final season on CBS, Paramount and CBS Entertainment plan to continue the franchise in the near future. As Deadline reported, Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins revealed during Paramount Global's annual shareholder meeting that a “franchise extension” is planned for Blue Blood. Whether that means a new season exclusive to Paramount's streaming service Paramount+, a new series spin-off, an episodic continuation, or some other kind of event remains to be seen. So, there is still time for the show's creatives to come up with something an appropriate and deserved emotional resolution in Erin Reagan's character arc.

Every episode of Blue Blood is available to stream now on Paramount+.

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