Self-disciplined, perceptive, and the self-proclaimed captain of the ship, family patriarch Frank Reagan is exactly what a New York City police commissioner should be. As the main protagonist of “Blue Bloods” since its premiere in 2010, Frank has overseen plenty of drama — all the way from high-profile murders to arguments around the family dinner table. The character is played by the iconic Tom Selleck, who is just as well-known for his filmography as he is for his epic mustache. Previously starring in hits such as “Magnum P.I.” and the “Jesse Stone” series, his action pedigree speaks for itself. It’s no surprise then that the straight-talking top dog makes for such a standout role.
Even though fans have watched him in almost every episode across the show’s 13 seasons, there’s more that fans still don’t understand about Frank. A complicated figure, his complex family history and full-on line of work mean he has amassed a lifetime of emotional trauma, making him equally as brilliant as he is difficult. As Selleck himself said in a 2022 interview with Country Living, “When I saw this script, it was character-driven in an age where there [are] just so many procedurals on… I’m sure not bored with it.”Neither are we, Tom. Here are Frank Reagan’s 7 best and worst moments that provide pretty good evidence.
Best: Frank’s wedding toast (Season 9, Episode 22)
It’s the union that fans have been waiting for, but Jamie (Will Estes) and Eddie (Vaness Ray) weren’t the only ones to steal the spotlight on the big day. Frank enamored his family and viewers in the Season 9 finale, “Something Blue,” by delivering an empowering and emotional wedding speech. The trio has had its fair share of ups and downs throughout the series, with Frank often at odds with Jamie and Eddie because of petty decisions. By the end of Season 9, Jamie has clearly gone from strength to strength in Frank’s eyes, with the opening of his speech lightheartedly poking fun at Jamie joining the Reagan family.
The real emotional punch is what he has to say about Eddie. Deciding to fly solo on her big day, Frank’s immediate acceptance of not walking her down the aisle goes a long way to show how much he’s evolved. “Eddie isn’t anyone’s to give away,” he says. “She is her own woman and her own life force, and I have seen it in action on the job. And we have all seen it in action at our dinner table.” Never have truer words been spoken by a Reagan.
Worst: Frank loses cool mid-interview (Season 5, Episode 7)
When Frank pays a visit to the CBS studio during the Season 5 episode, “Shoot The Messenger,” fans are already seeing him at his worst. Robert McCoy (Holt McCallany) immediately blindsides Frank with a policy change mid-interview, informing him that the DA will no longer prosecute minor crimes, including any involving marijuana. Instead of taking the new information in his stride, Frank flies into a fit of rage which is largely taken out later on Garrett Moore (Gregory Jbara). With such an esteemed history of being a high-ranking police officer, we’d expect Frank to know how to present himself on a public stage. But it gets even worse when he learns that Erin Reagan (Bridget Moynahan) and McCoy are dating.
Knowing he’s done wrong, it doesn’t take McCoy long to offer up an apology to Frank. It’s here we learn of Frank’s inability to apologize, either too set in his ways or too prideful to make meaningful steps forward. He’s also quick to remind Erin that he has never liked anyone she has ever dated, which isn’t an ideal vote of confidence from a family member you should love and respect. If Erin wanted Frank’s approval, she’d be hard-pressed to find it.
Best: Frank stands by Sarah (Season 5, Episode 18)
While Jamie and Eddie deal with a life-or-death takedown at a fake youth hostel, Frank has a much more wholesome story arc in Season 5’s “Bad Company.” This time we see him with Sarah Grant (Amelia Rose Blaire), who asks Frank to walk her down the aisle. It’s a touching sentiment that fans might not have seen coming, but Frank immediately earns this emotional respect. Sarah’s past is a complicated one, which involves her entire family being murdered when she was just 7 years old. Frank acted as the cop on that case, and once again stands by her side when Sarah confronts her family’s murderer.
