Len Cariou (1939 – 2025): A brilliant life from Broadway to the Blue Bloods family md20

Boston Blue‘s midseason finale, “Collateral Damage,” felt like the biggest and most important episode yet, one that could completely shift the course of the series. Something big seemed like it was brewing all season for the rookie series, and the powder keg finally exploded. The latest episode not only delivered some big moments and reveals for the cast, but it also set up some major storylines for future episodes and likely upcoming seasons. It’s time to unpack how Boston Blue delivered its best episode so far with “Collateral Damage,” and why it’s a game-changing episode that sets the tone for the rest of the series as it moves forward.

‘Collateral Damage’ Ends With a Heartstopping Cliffhanger

Image via Michael Gibson/CBS

During the series premiere, “Faith and Family,” it was revealed that Mae Silver’s (Gloria Reuben) beloved husband, Ben Silver, a city judge, was murdered about a year before the events of the show. Later in the season, Boston Police Department Superintendent Sarah Silver (Maggie Lawson), Ben’s daughter and Mae’s stepdaughter, discloses that the corrupt ADA she sought to expose had prosecuted the conviction of Ben’s murderer, Ronan Flaherty (Jack Murray). Arresting the ADA on corruption charges allowed his prior convictions to be subject to legal review and possibly get overturned, resulting in Flaherty’s release in “Collateral Damage.”

The revelation sent the youngest member of the Silver family, Jonah Silver (Marcus Scribner), on a downward spiral, as the rookie officer struggled to cope with his father’s killer being out on the streets. Jonah’s story arc culminates in a pulse-pounding final scene, as it appears he goes rogue, seeking to find and execute Flaherty in an empty building under construction. Unfortunately, Jonah’s older sister, Detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green), Detective Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg), and Jonah’s partner Sean Reagan (Mika Amonsen) arrive at the scene too late, finding Jonah standing over Flaherty’s dead body, wearing bloody clothes and a gun in hand, in a shocking moment.

That was obviously a heart-stopping and crushing way to end the episode. Lena appears in utter shock and heartbroken, fearing that her brother may have just taken the law into his own hands and killed Flaherty. It was a powerful scene and an emotionally devastating way to leave viewers for the winter finale. However, the ending offers some interesting narrative clues. Although it appears Jonah might have executed Flaherty, the character’s death conveniently happens off-screen. Also, even though it appears Flaherty’s blood is all over Jonah’s clothes, that could be the result of Jonah discovering and checking Ronan’s body. The ending to “Collateral Damage” was intense, but something tells us that the final scene does not paint the full picture of what happened with Flaherty. The cliffhanger scene leaves enough ambiguity to potentially exonerate Jonah when the show returns from its midseason break.

‘Boston Blue’ May Have Just Set Up a Huge Overarching Storyline

Other clues emerge in “Collateral Damage,” suggesting that there might have been more to Ben Silver’s death. During the episode, Sarah discovers a connection between Ronan Flaherty and a dead member of the Irish gang, the Red Saints, named Grady Malone. Malone was killed before testifying against the gang. The Silvers originally thought Flaherty’s motive for murdering Ben Silver was revenge for his past ruling on Flaherty’s juvenile delinquency case, but it appears there was an organized crime connection, indicating that Ben Silver’s death was a mob hit. However, Sarah’s latest discovery potentially sets up a major overarching storyline and mystery that could propel Boston Blue for the rest of the season, and maybe even future seasons, depending on its narrative scope.

The reveal appears highly reminiscent of the classic first-season mystery in Blue Bloods surrounding the murder of the Reagan family’s son, Joseph Reagan. In the first season finale, it was discovered that Joseph’s death was the result of his investigation into a group of corrupt NYPD officers called the Blue Templar, and Joseph’s execution was carried out by the officer Sonny Malevsky (Michael T. Weiss). The new revelation Sarah stumbled onto could signify the start of a major conspiracy and multi-episode story arc for the mystery behind Ben Silver’s death. Boston Blue setting up its own multi-episode ongoing storyline brings a ton of intrigue and excitement for the rest of the season, and “Collateral Damage” plays like a major narrative turning point in the storyline’s progression.

Danny Reagan Makes a Huge Decision

Although “Collateral Damage” ended in a huge cliffhanger, it did provide a major resolution for a subplot involving Danny Reagan. Early in the episode, Sarah Silver offered Danny an official role with the BPD. Up until now, Danny has been working with the BPD as a contractor for the New York Police Department. Sarah wanted Danny to transfer because he could run lead as a detective, choose his own cases, and become an official employee of the BPD. However, accepting the role means Danny would have to officially retire from the NYPD. Thankfully, Boston Blue did not leave the subplot hanging for multiple episodes, and Danny made his decision after arriving at the scene of Flaherty’s murder.

Danny accepting his BPD detective’s shield is a huge, earth-shattering move since he will no longer have one foot out the door. Unfortunately, it will probably push him further away from his girlfriend, Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez), who still lives in New York City and works as a detective for the NYPD. It was clear in the sixth episode, “Code of Ethics,” that Maria wanted Danny back in New York, but something is keeping Danny in Boston, other than his desire to stay close to his son Sean. Danny’s decision is far-reaching because he’s now fully committing to his life in Boston, and he will not return to the NYPD.

Considering Boston Blue has already been renewed for a second season, and Danny’s importance in the main cast, it was an inevitable decision for the character. Although it’s sad to see that Danny is permanently parting ways and leaving his life in New York behind, it’s exciting to see him take on his new role in the BPD and his partnership with Lena. This development gives the character a fresh coat of paint with the new setting and the opportunity to continue working with fresh new characters and storylines. Between the Ben Silver mystery and Danny’s decision to permanently transfer to the BPD, Boston Blue has definitely raised the stakes for the rest of its freshman season and beyond. “Collateral Damage” sets the stage for the rest of the season, and it looks like even more intrigue is on the horizon for Boston Blue.