Frank Reagan’s Dark Fate After Blue Bloods Makes Tom Selleck’s Character More Tragic

Boston Blue officially revives the Blue Bloods franchise, with its premiere offering a disappointing update about Frank Reagan. Donnie Wahlberg returns to the small screen as Danny Reagan, as he unexpectedly begins a brand new life in Boston. Admittedly, moving to Beantown when he has lived his whole life in New York is a massive change, but luckily, Boston Blue is able to justify it.

The solid Boston Blue premiere kicks off with Sean’s near-death experience in Boston. Danny’s attempt to find answers to the case that almost killed his sons brings him close to the Silvers — the spinoff’s replacement for the Reagan family. By the end of “Family & Faith,” Sean wakes up, and Danny promises that he is with him and not going anywhere. Unsurprisingly, he will be running with Lena moving forward.

Despite an entirely new story set outside of New York, Boston Blue doesn’t forget to offer smaller treats for those who miss the Reagan family. Erin comes in to check up on her nephew and brother in Beantown, but aside from that, the Blue Bloods reveals new information about Tom Selleck’s beloved patriarch, Frank. Unfortunately, his situation isn’t ideal.

Boston Blue Confirms That Frank Reagan Is Still NYPD’s Commissioner

Unlike Bridget Moynahan, Boston Blue doesn’t actually feature a physical appearance from Selleck. That said, he is referenced several times throughout “Family & Faith,” which includes when Danny comes clean to Lena about his background and connection to the New York Police Department. As it turns out, he suggested that Sean try to start his career in legal enforcement up north after New York’s hiring freeze.

The Boston Blue pilot also features Danny directly talking to his dad on the phone, offering him an update on how he and Sean are. Fans don’t hear Selleck’s character, but it’s clear that he maintains the importance of family in his life. Beyond those, the most interesting revelation about Frank’s fate after Blue Bloods was canceled comes from Lena’s sister — Sarah. In light of the situation, she talked to Commissioner Reagan, who put in a good word for his son. This allows Danny to consult with the Boston Police Department throughout this time.

Despite not appearing, it’s clear that Frank’s influence can still be felt in Boston Blue. Of course, there’s always a possibility for Selleck to appear in the spinoff. After all, Boston isn’t that far away from New York. Otherwise, Danny and Sean can easily drive down south to join the iconic Reagan family dinners.

Tom Selleck Was Vocal About How Frank Never Really Wanted To Be Commissioner

Technically, Frank still being the NYPD commissioner isn’t bad. It means that he is safe and that New York is safer with him at the helm of its police force. What makes this dark is that Frank never really wanted the job in the first place. He likes the aspect of serving his community, but it isn’t his passion. Selleck himself admitted this on the heels of the Blue Bloods finale:

“I don’t know. I was never confronted with it. I think there’s a story there. I know that he hated the job. He hated the responsibility, the weight on the shoulders. He didn’t want it. He didn’t audition for it when it originally came up. So, it would have been interesting,” said Selleck. “He couldn’t quit. I think he would have to get himself fired. One thing he was blessed or cursed with was this hyperactive sense of responsibility that he tried to implant on everybody at that dinner table.”

For context, there were rumblings that Blue Bloods‘ ending would be about Frank finally retiring from his post. It sounded like the perfect way to cap off the character’s personal journey in the show and would be a great stopping point for the series’ send-off. That didn’t happen, however, and now, at least a year and a half later, he still hasn’t been able to walk away from the job.

Sadly, that isn’t the case. It doesn’t seem like there’s any intention of Frank retiring at this point, and enjoy the remainder of his days relaxing at home and looking after his family from outside the NYPD. Perhaps if he wasn’t occupied with work, Frank may have even gone to Boston to check up on Sean and Danny himself. Perhaps this is something that could happen as Boston Blue continues. But for now, Frank remains tied to his work.