Henry Reagan’s opposition to Danny receiving the prestigious Irish Society award in Blue Bloods Season 14, Episode 14, “New York Minute,” is rooted in a far deeper emotional conflict than his initial claim that the award was “jinxed.” While the episode portrays the Reagan family divided over Danny’s nomination, with Grace Edwards pulling the award because she considered him a “loose cannon,” Henry’s objections are driven by the haunting memory of his son Joe’s death and the trauma it caused the entire family.
One of the defining aspects of Blue Bloods is its portrayal of the Reagan family’s strong bonds, but this episode highlights how past tragedies, especially Joe’s death, continue to fracture their unity. Henry’s refusal to support Danny’s acceptance of the award isn’t merely a matter of superstition or family tension; it’s deeply tied to the loss of Joe and the unresolved grief that lingers in the Reagan household.
The Significance of the Irish Award in the Reagan Family
The Irish Society Award is given to a cop of Irish descent who has shown exemplary service, and it holds particular weight in the Reagan family due to Joe’s tragic death. Before his murder by corrupt officers, Joe was set to receive the award, which he never got to enjoy in life. Instead, he was honored posthumously, but the ceremony was too painful for the family to attend. As Erin explains in “New York Minute,” the idea of celebrating Joe’s legacy in that way was simply too much to bear for the Reagans, especially given the brutal circumstances surrounding his death.
This unhealed wound is at the core of Henry’s opposition to Danny receiving the same award. For Henry, the award symbolizes Joe’s premature death, and he has come to believe that anyone who is honored with it is doomed to die shortly after. This deeply rooted superstition is not just about the timing of the award but reflects Henry’s overwhelming guilt and sorrow for not being able to protect Joe.
Henry’s Superstition is Rooted in Guilt, Not Magic
Throughout the episode, Henry’s objections to the award appear to be based on his belief that the award is cursed. He lists off examples of other cops who died after receiving it, which Frank dismisses as “crazy talk” and Jamie ridicules as a superstitious hang-up. However, neither of them fully understands the emotional depth behind Henry’s stance. This isn’t just about an unfounded belief in curses—this is about Henry’s guilt over Joe’s death and his subconscious attempt to prevent any more tragedy from befalling his family.
Henry couldn’t stop Joe from being killed, and the idea of Danny receiving the same honor Joe never had the chance to enjoy is unbearable for him. The superstition, in this case, functions as a shield for Henry’s emotions—a way for him to express his pain and fear without directly confronting the real, tragic circumstances that shaped his family’s loss. It’s a heartbreaking reflection of how grief can manifest in ways that don’t always make sense to those outside the family’s experience.
A Clash of Perspectives
Frank’s perspective on the award contrasts sharply with Henry’s. Frank had hoped that Danny would be given the award not just for his service but also to provide some symbolic redemption for Joe’s posthumous recognition. This contrast in views between father and son highlights the generational differences in how each deals with their shared grief. For Frank, the award represents a chance to honor Joe’s legacy, while for Henry, it only brings back painful memories of a son he couldn’t protect.
In the end, Henry’s opposition to Danny receiving the award is not rooted in superstition alone but in a deeply emotional reaction to the family’s ongoing struggle with Joe’s loss. It’s a poignant reminder that, while Blue Bloods often focuses on the external conflicts the Reagan family faces, their internal struggles—grief, guilt, and the weight of family history—are just as compelling and complex.
