
Blue Bloods‘ final eight episodes will begin airing on CBS on October 18, 2024 at 10 PM EST.
There is widespread speculation that there will be a major death before Blue Bloods ends. Behind-the-scenes photos featuring Nicky’s (Sami Gayle) return showed some cast members in dress uniform, suggesting they had come from a funeral, and a recent Blue Bloods season 14 update teased a surprise that could be a death. If this were to happen, it would make the ending of the series bittersweet. While the four main Reagans are probably safe, given that the finale will involve them working on a case together, there are several characters whose deaths would strongly impact the series finale.
11. Jackie Curatola (Jennifer Esposito)
Danny’s Former Partner
Jackie’s death would not hit as hard as a major character’s death, as Danny has not worked with her regularly for years. However, they clearly still have a connection, and the family would once again rally around Danny to support him, as they did when Linda died. That said, this death would not be the best option for a series finale, as it would end Danny’s storyline with him losing a third person to death after already struggling with grief over both Joe Reagan and Linda’s murders, and would end the series on a depressing note.
10. Luis Badillo (Ian Quinlan)
Eddie’s Current Partner
Badillo has only been a part of Blue Bloods since season 12, so he’s the perfect candidate if Blue Bloods wants to make the audience think a major character will die while instead killing off a minor one. However, his death would still be impactful because of his close and often adversarial relationship with Eddie. When Badillo and Eddie were originally put together, they couldn’t stand each other, but have come to respect and care about one another, and Eddie would likely take it hard if he were killed.
Any potential Badillo death would likely be in the line of duty, which would make it more impactful, as Eddie would have survivor’s guilt after the incident. Eddie might realize too late that despite Badillo’s attitude toward her and the Reagans in general, he cared deeply about her and considered her a friend. These revelations could contribute to an emotional and memorable finale without being depressing.
9. Sid Gormley (Robert Clohessy)
An Outspoken Member Of Frank’s Dream Team
It would hurt to lose any of Frank’s Dream Team, but Sid Gormley’s death would be especially heartbreaking. Although he’s only worked with Frank since season 5, Gormley has been part of the series from the beginning, as he was initially Danny’s commanding officer, whom Danny didn’t get along with. Frank offered him the opportunity to work with him instead after firing a corrupt member of his team, and Sid has been a thorn in his side ever since.
8. Abigail Baker (Abigail Hawk)
The Quietest Member Of Frank’s Dream Team
Abigail has shown the most growth of all of Frank’s members of his Dream Team. In the early seasons, she often was nothing more than a receptionist who kept track of Frank’s appointments and let him know when he had a visitor. However, over the years, she has become a fan favorite because she is unafraid of speaking up when she thinks Frank is on the wrong path and has demonstrated her strength in numerous episodes.
It would be devastating for Frank if something were to happen to Abigail; additionally, it would wipe out her potential as a new police commissioner to succeed Frank at the end of Blue Bloods if she were to die. This all-around tragic result is unlikely since she usually works in Frank’s office, but Abigail is a detective who occasionally goes out in the field. Thus, it is not as improbable as Sid’s death would be, though it would be a depressing end to the series.
7. Garrett Moore (Gregory Jbara)
The Deputy Commissioner And Frank’s PR Expert
Garrett has the most adversarial relationship with Frank of all of his staff. Although they respect one another, the two men have opposite perspectives. Garrett often sees issues from the perspective of public relations and emphasizes optics and political considerations when giving his opinion, while Frank usually doesn’t care what anyone thinks and is focused on following his own moral compass.
Frank’s stubbornness and commitment to his values have often strained his relationship with Garrett, which would make it even more difficult for him to deal with if something happened to Garrett. Fortunately, it’s not likely that Garrett will suffer a tragic fate, although he could get caught in the crossfire if a protest turns violent or someone attacks the staff during a press conference. He will hopefully avoid this fate and will be there to support Frank during the series finale.
6. Joe Hill (Will Hochman)
Frank’s Grandson Who Didn’t Grow Up With The Reagans
Joe has a dangerous job, so it’s possible that he will die before the end of the series despite the cruel irony of both he and his father being killed in the line of duty. He often works undercover with agencies such as the FBI or DEA to catch violent and dangerous criminals such as sex traffickers and drug dealers. Thus, he could easily follow the same tragic path as his father. This tragic ending would not only mar Blue Bloods‘ legacy, but would also cut off any chance of a Joe Hill-centered spinoff.
5. Jack Boyle (Peter Hermann)
Erin’s Ex-Husband And Adversary In Court
Jack is not on the series often enough for the ending to be completely depressing if he were to die, making him a strong possibility.
Erin and Jack’s relationship is complicated. She’s gone back and forth between love and hate since their divorce before the series began, and whenever she gets close to Jack, he inevitably disappoints her with unethical behavior in the courtroom. However, Jack is not on the series often enough for the ending to be completely depressing if he were to die, making him a strong possibility.
4. Anthony Abetemarco (Steve Schirripa)
Erin’s Lead Investigator At The DA’s Office
Anthony often rushes headfirst into a case and occasionally digs into things without consulting Erin first. These qualities make it possible that he could end up dead. That would be a heartbreaking end to his friendship with Erin, and it could also lead to high drama if he was working a case with or for one of her brothers. This ending would be overly depressing, however; hopefully, Anthony survives and joins the Reagans at their last family dinner during the series finale.
3. Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez)
Danny’s Current Partner
Baez has faced death at least three times in the past couple of seasons. She and Danny were trapped together in a serial killer’s basement, and on two occasions a serial killer went after her and Danny did his best to protect her and her infant daughter. These stories were some of Blue Bloods’ best episodes, but they could also foreshadow a tragic death for Baez that would be especially painful for Danny to deal with.
2. Eddie Janko (Vanessa Ray)
Jamie’s Wife
Eddie and Jamie are the only married couple in Blue Bloods now that Linda has died, so it would send a negative and depressing message if something happened to Eddie. Jamie and Danny would be able to bond over losing their wives prematurely, but it would still end the series on a depressing note that would tarnish its legacy. Thus, hopefully, nothing will happen to Eddie, though it’s possible something could.
Eddie is a beat cop, which means she faces danger on a regular basis. She could easily get shot, trampled, or otherwise fatally injured while on the job. This would likely send Jamie into a tailspin and would not be a satisfying ending, especially considering how long it took Blue Bloods‘ Eddie and Jamie to get together. However, the family would rally around Jamie if something happened to Eddie, which could help solidify the series’ commitment to family values despite the negative ending.
1. Henry Reagan (Len Cariou)
The Only Surviving Member Of His Generation Of Reagans
While Henry’s death would be a heartbreaking end to Blue Bloods, it would also make sense as part of the series’ wrap-up. Henry’s death would suggest the end of an era, but doesn’t have to be depressing if the Reagan family also welcomes a new member while mourning Henry’s forever-empty seat at the family dinner table. However, the series would have to make sure that Henry’s impending death didn’t overshadow other stories in the final eight episodes so that it would be impactful without being overwhelming.