As Blue Bloods enters its final season, Donnie Wahlberg is giving fans a glimpse into the journey his character, Detective Danny Reagan, and the Reagan family will take as the show wraps up. After over a decade of cases, family dinners, and powerful life lessons, Wahlberg shares the emotional weight of saying goodbye, the mysteries of Danny’s future, and the lasting impact of his role.
What’s in Store for Danny Reagan?
In an interview with TV Insider, Wahlberg hinted at the weighty cases and personal challenges Danny will face in the season finale. “In the last few episodes, he is obviously going to be dealing with a really massive case that needs to be solved and resolved but also a lot of personal stuff,” Wahlberg revealed. The final season promises to provide closure, not only for Danny but for the entire Reagan family, answering questions fans have pondered for years. “The audience…will get answers about where people’s lives may go in the future,” he said, teasing that this season is about tying up loose ends and preparing each character for what’s next.
The Mystery of Danny and Baez’s Relationship
One lingering question is whether Danny’s close partnership with Detective Maria Baez, played by Marisa Ramirez, will evolve into something more romantic. Wahlberg acknowledged that fans have been cautious about the idea due to Danny’s past: “The audience at first was reluctant for a possible Danny and Baez relationship because of the loss of Linda [Danny’s late wife],” Wahlberg noted. “It was very traumatic for the viewers… So for a long time everyone was very reluctant to even consider such a thing.”
As the series finale approaches, though, Wahlberg notes the undeniable connection Danny and Baez share. “As the show is winding down, it’s become clear that they have a special partnership and a special bond,” Wahlberg shared, leaving fans guessing whether their relationship will remain professional or develop further. “The final episode will make a lot of people smile… and cry but also smile,” Wahlberg said, implying an emotionally satisfying ending for viewers.
The Emotional Final Day on Set
Saying goodbye to Blue Bloods was deeply personal for Wahlberg, who has worked alongside the cast and crew for 14 years. The series, which revolves around the Reagan family of law enforcement officers, is one of CBS’s most beloved dramas. On the final day of shooting, Wahlberg found himself overwhelmed by gratitude, sharing a poignant moment with his on-screen family. “My final day was in the squad room where Danny and Baez film most of their scenes… Tom Selleck doesn’t come to the squad room ever… but he came that day to watch us film the last day of the show,” Wahlberg said. “Seeing him there…turned on the waterworks for me.”
Reflecting on his final scenes, Wahlberg admitted, “It was very emotional and I would say more gratitude than sadness but there was an element of sadness.” He referred to his Blue Bloods family as both an onscreen and offscreen family, highlighting the unique bond he developed with the crew and cast. The last day on set was, he said, “heartbreaking… hard to let go of that and to say goodbye after 14 years.”
Moving Forward: What Comes After Blue Bloods?
Wahlberg’s departure from Blue Bloods wasn’t an immediate separation from the world of performing. Almost directly after wrapping up his final scenes, Wahlberg embarked on a tour with his iconic boy band, New Kids on the Block. He used the tour as a temporary distraction from the sadness of leaving Blue Bloods, yet returning to promote the final season reopened those bittersweet emotions. “I got to sort of bury those emotions for a while… but now I’m back promoting the final season, and it’s all right there.”
The upcoming season of Blue Bloods promises a blend of nostalgia and emotional send-offs, celebrating the core values the show represents: family, loyalty, and justice. While Wahlberg hasn’t revealed specific details about Danny’s future beyond Blue Bloods, fans are optimistic that Danny Reagan will get a meaningful farewell that leaves the door open for what may come.
A Lasting Legacy for Blue Bloods Fans
For Wahlberg, Blue Bloods has been more than just a job; it has shaped his identity and left a lasting impression on his life. Wahlberg expressed profound gratitude for his time on the series and for the audience who supported him and his fellow cast members over the years. “The show started with family and it will finish with family,” Wahlberg said. Each Reagan family member has their own “personal questions and things that they need to resolve,” making this final season a rich experience for the cast and fans alike.
As Wahlberg eloquently puts it, “It’s hard to let go, but I feel nothing but gratitude for this journey.” His journey as Danny Reagan may be ending, but his impact on fans will continue, creating a legacy that lives on long after the final episode airs. Fans can expect the conclusion to be a true tribute to the heart of Blue Bloods and a powerful farewell to a show that has meant so much to so many.
