Blue Bloods Season 14, Episode 17 Review: A Subtle Build-Up to the Series Finale

Blue Bloods Season 14, Episode 17, “Entitlement,” would be a perfectly average episode in any other season. As the second-to-last installment of the entire show, though, it’s a disappointment. None of the multiple storylines generate any real suspense for viewers, and while there isn’t anything terrible about the proceedings, it’s impossible not to want something more.

“Entitlement” has the majority of its plots connect to that concept in obvious ways. The Governor of New York wants Frank to use his power as police commissioner to do him a favor. The detectives investigate a “mean girl” suspected of killing her classmate at an all-girls school. And on the ground level, one of Jamie Reagan’s informants decides to take full advantage of that title. Without any big moments or major character developments, this is a fine episode but one that’s just going through the motions.

Frank Reagan’s role as police commissioner means that most of his stories involve him dealing with an outside person or organization who wants him to do something for their benefit. That’s been the case in several episodes since the Season 14 midseason premiere, and it’s true again in “Entitlement.” Governor Martin Mendez appears on Frank’s doorstep to pitch a bail reform proposal — which Frank finds out has more to do with Mendez’s wife Caitlin being arrested. Frank doesn’t want to be used by the Governor, while Henry sits him down and gives him a lecture about the “far greater good.” In the end, Frank agrees to make a call on Caitlin Mendez’s behalf when she’s gotten detained again, but warns the Governor that it will be the “final call.”

There’s not much different about this story than there has been in other recent Blue Bloods installments. And to an extent, that’s okay, because Frank’s position limits the types of plotlines that can be thrown his way. As much as fans love Tom Selleck, the police commissioner isn’t going to be out getting into chases. Plus, there’s the benefit of playing him off some other amazing actors. Audiences will recognize David Zayas from his role as Angel Batista on Dexter, but he’s been recurring on Blue Bloods for some time. “Entitlement” marks his first appearance since Season 11. It’s nice that in these final episodes, the show is finding time to bring back some of its familiar faces, such as Zayas and Stacy Keach, for one last outing. Whether or not fans agree with Frank’s ultimate decision, watching Selleck and Zayas go back and forth with each other is entertaining enough.