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Despite certain narrative and casting issues, the first season of the Blue Bloods spin-off, Boston Blue, has delivered some strong moments. And in the latest episode, “Baggage Claim,” it becomes abundantly clear that the relationship between new partners Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) and Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green) is the absolute best thing about the freshman television series. Danny and Lena have forged a genuine bond, and it’s been fascinating watching Danny mentor a younger character. It’s time to explore why Danny and Lena’s relationship has become the highlight of Boston Blue.

‘Boston Blue’s Danny and Lena Overcame a Tough Case in “Baggage Claim”

Image via Michael Gibson/CBS

Danny and Lena’s relationship faced a tough challenge in “Baggage Claim” when they were investigating a corrupt politician, Senator Lowell (Gabriel Burrafato), for the murder of a hotel employee. For Lena, the case hit close to home, as she had previously investigated Lowell for the murder of a sex worker, making Lowell her “white whale,” having failed to bring him to justice years earlier. The episode featured an interesting case of role reversal. Danny has often faced similar situations multiple times throughout the history of Blue Bloods, but now it’s more Lena assuming that role in an emotionally-charged investigation. Although Lena desperately wants to bring Lowell to justice for his crimes, Danny surprisingly serves as the voice of reason in the investigation, explaining how they need to catch Lowell by the book and do things the right way.

The episode demonstrated how Lena and Danny balance each other out so well with their particular investigative styles. Danny knew from personal experience how difficult “white whale” cases pan out, and he offered Lena important advice and suggestions where necessary. In the opening scene, they even appear incognito at a gala to interrogate Senator Lowell at the event. (Danny is wearing a sharp tuxedo, and Lena wears a formal dress, both characters looking like they stepped out of a James Bond movie). Despite Lena blowing up at Danny over the case, they work through it and manage to find evidence that implicates Senator Lowell in the hotel worker’s murder, with Lena finally exorcising an old demon from her past. Danny and Lena’s relationship underwent tension throughout the episode, but their partnership grew stronger as a result.

Donnie Walhberg’s Danny Proves He’s an Excellent Mentor on ‘Boston Blue’

Danny and Lena’s relationship is interesting because we have never before seen Danny as a mentor. Although Danny and his other partners, Jackie Curatola (Jennifer Esposito) and Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez), had strong bonds throughout Blue Bloods, they did not share a “mentor and protégé” type of dynamic. Plus, Danny never really got the chance to truly mentor his little brother, Jamie Reagan (Will Estes), during Blue Bloods. When Danny worked with his long-lost nephew, Joe Hill (Will Hochman), their relationship came off more like family bonding than Danny acting as a teacher or leader. The new role of Danny mentoring Lena in Boston Blue highlights a never-before-seen side of his character.

It is refreshing to see Lena act receptively to Danny’s advice. Lena is clearly already a brilliant and seasoned detective in the Boston Police Department when the two first meet, but Lena’s pride is not excessive, as she possesses the ability to accept guidance from Danny, who has more experience. Danny does not overly assert himself in Lena’s business, but listens thoughtfully to her concerns and does his best to assist her. When Lena was feeling conflicted in Episode 4, “Rites of Passage,” over whether to take her mikvah and officially convert to Judaism, Danny was non-judgmental and facilitated Lena’s decision-making process. Danny’s advice also helped convince Lena to start dating fellow officer, Detective Brian Rogers (Ryan Broussard). Boston Blue exceptionally depicts Lena and Danny’s partnership as a mutually strong relationship where both characters uplift and positively influence each other.

Danny and Lena’s Relationship Makes ‘Boston Blue’ Worth Watching

Image via CBS

Despite some tense moments, Danny and Lena’s scenes together last week were absolutely electric. Their incredible onscreen chemistry reinforces why their relationship dynamic makes Boston Blue must-see television. Danny has grown as a character, and he has become more open-minded and less abrasive compared to his earlier days on Blue Bloods, where he was a loose cannon. As Danny explains to Lena during the episode, “I believe in you. You think I’d be in this city if I didn’t? Sean, or no Sean. I would be out of here.”

At the end of the episode, Danny explains the importance of his past partners giving him “space and grace,” allowing him “to blow up” and still keeping him on “the right track.” Danny did the same thing for Lena in this episode that Jackie and Maria did for Danny in the past, and it’s made watching Danny and Lena’s relationship develop utterly rewarding. Hopefully, this will become the norm for Boston Blue moving forward, now that the show’s been renewed.