Blue Bloods takes on "The Blue Templar"

     CBS's Blue Bloods ends its first season with "The Blue Templar." Jamie (Will Estes), who has secretly invesitgated the police organization that killed his brother, hands the ball off to brother Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) at the end of the penultimate episode. In "The Blue Templar," Danny lets in father Frank (Tom Selleck), Grandpa (Len Cariou), and sister assistant district attorny Erin (Bridget Moynahan). Frank takes charge from the dining room table, keeping most of the cops in the dark, and leaving only Jamie, who brought things this far, out of the loop. Danny and his partner, Jackie (Jennifer Esposito) make quick work of the Templar, tracking them down, and allowing Frank to bust the entire gang by the end of the episode. In the meantime, Jamie saves a girl from being kidnapped and falls for her.

     This feels like a total cop out, excuse the pun. While CBS has complained Blue Bloods is too procedural, its actually far from it. It feels like the network told the show to get the Templar out of the mix, so they waited until the season finale, and then solved the whole mess quickly, with no hiccups. It does not make sense at all that the Templar, who are well organized, and have been carrying on illicit activities for years, would go down so quickly, even if Danny and Jackie are top notch detectives. This is an example of CBS making a big mistake by taking a series with a hint of promise, and setting it up to be nothing more than another boring police procedural in season two. And season two looks very likely, though is not officially confirmed.

     Worse than the take down is that Jamie is removed from the situation quickly and without complaint. Jamie is a good boy, who knows when to listen to his father. But he's also a man, and he's been looking into the Templar for months. Not very much, which is a large part of the problem of the arc, but he has. In "The Blue Templar," Jamie willingly walks away from the investigation, and is content with being called in as part of the take down. The excuse is that Jamie is being watched, and that makes logical sense. But in how many shows do the criminal investigating heroes back off just because it makes sense? They don't. They stick around and save the day. Removing Jamie from the plot removed all interest from the character, which wasn't a lot to begin with.

     Erin barely gets anything to do in this episode, either. Frank tells her to get warrants. She worries that there is very little evidence and she will not succeed. And then... nothing. It must be assumed she got the warrants, but she is never seen fighting for them, convincing a judge she her family has enough evidence to keep pursuing the investigation. Even though Erin is pessimistic about getting a judge to grant permissions, Danny and Frank act as though they've already been given the go ahead, and do whatever they want. Not strong story telling.

     What Blue Bloods has began as was a smart, family drama that would view the police procedure from a variety of perspectives (detective, rookie, commissioner, assistant district attorney, retired), and throw in some longer arcs, like that of the Blue Templer, to keep things interesting. What Blue Bloods is becoming is Danny and Jackie solve a police case every week. Sometimes Frank gets to play a little politicis, which he hates doing, and Jamie looks into a few more common things. But mostly Danny and Jackie saving the day. This is not a show that is needed.

     CBS will likely bring Blue Bloods back in the fall for a second season.

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JWTV Quickie: Blue Bloods - "To Tell the Truth"

     To be honest, I was growing a little bored with CBS's Blue Bloods. Despite a strong cast and some unique perspectives, it is basically a procedural drama. Some episodes have gone outside the procedural, but with no mention of Jamie's (Will Estes) investigation of the secret society his brother was involved in for some time, several episodes have been pretty much entirely based on Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) and Jackie's (Jennifer Esposito) case of the week. Procedurals are what CBS does best, and many people find the format great, making those shows popular. But giving viewers the same thing every week gets boring for others, myself included, so I don't usually watch them.
 
     The latest episode, "To Tell The Truth", is an exception, however. Danny is going to testify against a drugpin, so the man's goons kidnap Danny's wife, Linda (Amy Carlson). The adult Reagans all scramble to find her, even as they keep news of her abduction from the media and Danny and Linda's children. Stakes are high, and when a female body is found, I briefly wondered if the writers are going to kill her off. After all, Jackie could be a suitable replacement love interest for Danny, though it's a little early in the show's run to start taking out spouses. Thankfully, Linda is recovered safe and sound, and Danny makes sure the durg kingpin goes away.

     One way to raise the stakes on a show like this is to put the central family in danger. I am thrilled to watch Danny's frantic search for Linda, and how his family and partner help him. But do it too often, and it becomes corny and annoying. Frank (Tom Selleck) is shot a few episodes ago, and last fall someone tries to kill Erin (Bridget Moynahan). Plus, brother Joe is dead before the series begins. Is this the unluckiest family on the planet? Yes, their line of work is dangerous, but not this dangerous. It even pushes TV reality. Taken alone, this episode was great. Added with those other dangers, it points to a disturbing pattern, considering the series hasn't even completed one season yet. I hope the twist will be used more sparingly in the future, and the series finds other ways to get interesting.

     Also, while I love Danny's plot, I wish this would have been a two parter. There is other rich story that gets shoved to the side and barely acknowledged. Jamie provides an important clue that helps Danny find Linda, but Jamie's reveal scene is brief, and we don't see him work to find out the information. Erin takes down a mole within the prosecuter's office, but again, we only see the arrest, not the work behind it. I want to see what Frank is doing, as I know he is using connections to do what he can. I could have even taken a scene or two of Henry (Len Cariou) entertaining Danny's kids. So much missed opportunity that could have replaced one of the many rote episodes.

     I still like Blue Bloods enough to keep watching it, but it's teetering on the ledge between great series and medicore drama that's been done before. I hope they can fall off the correct way.

     Blue Bloods airs Friday nights at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.

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Blue Bloods Is All About Family

     I will be among the first to stand up and complain that there are too many cop and / or legal shows on the air currently (not to mentioned medical dramas). But amid all of the mediocre shows, a few stand out. I find myself very much enjoying CBS's new Blue Bloods. I think that's because each member of the family works in a different part of the New York City police force or legal system, and there is almost as much family plot as there is murder investigation. I love that every episode includes a scene where the four generations of Reagans sit and debate what is going on in their lives. Those are my favorite moments in the series.

     Last night's episode was called, appropriately enough, "Family Ties". Like most of the series's episode titles, it can mean a couple of different things. One was the mob connection, and the revenge being sought out after a prominent boss's son is killed at his engagement party. Bonus points to the writers for making the bride's mom Jackie's (Jennifer Esposito, who should be a main character!) high school friend. It was a gripping, compelling story all on its own, not to mention that part that will satisfy those fans of cop shows who watch.

     The other meaning relates to a plot following Erin (Bridget Moynahan), who works for District Attorney Charles Rosselini (Bobby Cannavale). Rosselini is running for mayor against the incumbent, Frank Ruzzo (Bruce Altman). Erin is assigned to pursue corruption charges against Ruzzo's deputy, raising Rosselini's profile, and dealing a blow against Ruzzo at the same time. Complicating matters is that Erin's father, Frank (Tom Selleck), is the police commissioner, and anything that reflects poorly on Ruzzo's administration also hurts Frank. And then Rosselini had to go ahead and kiss newly-divorced Erin last night, so there are all kinds of ties!
 
     Side bar, it is no surprise to me that Frank is easily the best character on a show of great characters. Selleck's talent is immense, and he chooses TV roles very carefully. As the boss with impeccable professional detachment, as well as the very loving family man and widower, Frank is one of the best characters around. No wonder Selleck took the part. It will likely be the defining role of the next stage of his career.

     Of course, more than one Reagan frequently has a stake in whatever case is going on. Most often the connection is between Frank and his son Danny (Donnie Wahlberg, who will be touring with his old musical group, The New Kids On the Block, this summer, which seems bizarre on so many levels). This makes sense because Frank is in charge of the entire police force, and Danny's occupation often delivers him the highest profile cases around. In that regard, it's easy to see how their jurisdictions would overlap. In a similar vein, Erin is one of the best assistant DAs, so she often gets involved in those same stories.

    Now the three of them all being on the same case has happened before on multiple occasions, so often that it does begin to stretch believability sometimes. Thankfully, only rarely has youngest son Jamie (Will Estes), a rookie on the beat, gotten drawn in, and usually only when every cop in the city is involved in something huge. Instead, Jamie has been pursuing his own mystery related to the death of his brother Joe, an event that pushed Jamie to give up a promising career as a lawyer and put on the uniform.

     Some critics have complained about Jamie's investigation, feeling that it adds an unnecessary continuing arc through the series, wishing Blue Bloods would instead focus on the more temporary cases of the week. If you read many of my reviews, or follow my twitter account, you know I grow bored of procedurals quickly, and so you should not be surprised to learn that I think those critics are dumb. The show does need that ongoing arc. It has been a little slow moving for my taste. Often episodes, such as last night's, give only one scene for Jamie to find another piece of the puzzle. I feel like Estes hasn't been as good as the other stars thus far, so I don't really miss him when he's not around. I more like his scenes because I love his partner, Renzulli (Nicholas Turturro). However, I'm ready for his plot to take center stage, and provide the chance for Estes to prove he belongs on screen alongside Selleck, Wahlberg, et al.

     While I don't believe Estes has been underused so much, I am disappointed that Frank's father, Henry (Len Cariou), gets so little to do. Sure, he's retired, but he's also a busy body. He likes to know what's going on with his son and grandchildren. I think Blue Bloods might benefit from him getting a little more nosy. Either that, or give him a consulting position with Frank, Frank's office, the Mayor, or the DA. I know Henry left the force under less than ideal circumstances, though they haven't been discussed in detail, but I could see it being enough time passed, and his family being entrenched enough into local politics, to let Henry be a little more active.

     Surprisingly, despite all of that family stuff among the Reagans out serving the city, little attention is paid to other members of the family. For instance, Danny's wife, Linda (Amy Carlson), has gotten an occasional meaty scene, which she always handles wonderfully, but I'd like to see more of her. Erin's precocious daughter, Nicky (Sami Gayle), perhaps annoying mostly because of her age and arrogance, has had more scenes than Linda, and that is a crying shame. How about a more home-focused episode every once in awhile?

     All said, Blue Bloods does touch on the typical legal and law enforcement shows, but has enough other elements to keep viewers who like to think interested. That was not a knock against the aforementioned genre, but shows within that category are frequently seen as mindless escapism, which has its place, but is not generally my cup of tea. The different points of view allow for a lot of flexibility from week to week, and the cast is amazing. Please check out Blue Bloods Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. on CBS.

Article first published as TV Review: Blue Bloods Is All About Family on Blogcritics.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

Blue Bloods is a cop drama with a twist

    CBS is known for its crime and legal procedurals. What makes Blue Bloods different is that it is also a family show. Three generations of one family serve the New York City Police Department in different capacities. Each has his (or her) own unique opinions and tasks, but they work as part of a very large team to serve the greater good. Perhaps in part because of the amazing cast assembled, it works.

     Len Cariou (Damages) is Henry Reagan, the eldest, and though we didn't find out much about him in the pilot, it seems he made some mistakes that made his retirement necessary.  But Henry still dons the uniform to watch the newest member of the family, his grandson Jamie (Will Estes, Reunion, American Dreams), get sworn in on the force. Jamie, once on the path to becoming a lawyer, has chosen instead to pursue the family occupation.

     Jamie is coming into things in a very different time from his grandfather's era. The corruption supposedly has been cleaned up, and crime rates are down across the city. Yet, Jamie's brother Joe, who died on the job before the series begins, had been investigating a secret society within the NYPD known as the Blue Templar. Jamie is quickly recruited to help finish the work his brother started, but we are given the impression that he's getting mixed up into something pretty dangerous. I'm not sure he understands that, as his biggest qualm seems to be keeping the investigation secret from his father, Police Chief Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck, the Jesse Stone TV movies, Friends, Magnum P.I.).

     Frank is running into some difficulty, as he has always placed the public ahead of the political game. It has made him popular with the people, but not with his bosses. It may be a similar situation to what Henry encountered, though I can't be sure of that. It is so great to see Selleck back on a series that his presence alone is enough to warrant watching the show. He plays the reigning patriarch (Henry seems retired from that as well) as warm and supporting, but also strong. He loves his family and wants everyone in it to be happy, and sees the city as an extension of that. It's a great role for Selleck, who can convey emotion effectively without a lot of words.

     The star of the first episode was clearly Detective Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg, Band of Brothers). The former New Kids on the Block member can handle the serious drama required for the police work. His character has a lot of heart, but also a lot of heat. When questioning a suspected child abductor, he had no problem shoving the suspect's head in the toilet, which led to the confession being thrown out of evidence. Given the choice between saving the young victim's life (she needed an insulin shot urgently), or playing by the rules, he chose the former, and clearly would again.

     Which makes Danny a headache for sister Erin (Bridget Moynahan, Six Degrees, Sex and the City), who rejected the cop career to work for the District Attorney. It was her responsibility to bring the kidnapper to justice, but she couldn't because of her brother's actions.

     The family dynamic makes this show good. Their dinner table reminded me of the Walkers (Brothers & Sisters).  Blue Bloods airs Friday nights at 10pm on CBS, and I strongly suggest you check it out.

Article first published as TV Review: Blue Bloods is a Cop Drama With a Twist on Blogcritics.

Damages drowns in blood

    It began three years ago.  Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne) stumbled down a dark street, blood on her hands and clothes.  It was quickly renewed for not one, but two more installments.  Now, after a trio of breathtaking seasons, the series may be at an end.  Currently, FX is in talks with DirecTV to split the cost of continuing Damages, but whether that will happen is still up in the air.  Why does such a critically acclaimed, award winning show have to struggle so hard in the ratings?  Perhaps it is the serial nature of it.  But it's well worth the time.


     This year's major case centered around the Tobin family.  True to form, twists kept coming left and right in the final hour and a half finale.  After the suicide of Louis (Len Cariou) in an earlier episode, it was a bit of a surprise to watch his wife, Marilyn (Lily Tomlin) jump to her death.  Beautifully filmed, I didn't even see it happening until she hit the water with a splash.  But will Carol (Ana Reeder) get away with murder?  It appears so.  For now anyway.

     Speaking of getting away with murder, it was wonderful to see Frobisher (Ted Danson) finally get arrested for paying someone to murder Ellen's fiance two years ago.  I'm sad that Wes (Timothy Olyphant, who now his own FX series, Justified) had to go down, too, but it proved the kind of man he is, and that he loved Ellen.  It would be fantastic if they could get back together at some point in the future.  Despite their dark deeds, the bad guys on Damages are frequently shades of gray, and I almost felt sorry for Frobisher, since he turned his new leaf and all.  Almost.

     Turns out, Joe Tobin (Campbell Scott) was really the villain, and the man who murdered beloved character Tom Shayes (Tate Donovan).  Because of that bastard, if the show gets a fourth season, long time third-star Donovan will not be able to return.  Or maybe he will.  Dead characters frequently prop up on Damages, among them, Zeljko Ivanek's Ray Fisk, for which he won an Emmy.  Ray popped up as recently as this week to haunt the people left behind.  But not in a cheesy way.

     I would be remiss if I did not praise Martin Short for the brilliant way he handled the serious drama, as opposed to the comedy that I am used to from him.  Also, Glenn Close is a true star, and proved once again how she can handle entire ranges of emotions in just her eyes, without speaking a word.  Her character may be one who deserves to be taken down more than any other, but you still root for her and care for her.  This season's plot concerning her son, Michael (Zachary Booth) allowed her to show yet more layers to Patty Hewes.

     Please, FX.  Find the money.  Give Damages another season.  To do otherwise would be criminal. 

More Damages have arrived

     One of the best dramas on television, Damages, has just returned for a third season on FX.  There was much to like about the season premiere last Monday, including a new, lighter tone with welcome brighter colors.  That's not to say there isn't plenty of twisted stuff still going on.  In fact, one of my favorite characters, and one of only three principal actors in all three seasons, is shown dead in a body bag at the end of the episode.  Of course, much of Damages takes place in flashback, so the character will still be around for at least this year, if the person is actually dead, which I have my doubts about.  Either way, killer way to end the special no-commercial episode!

     As this season begins, ten months after the last, Ellen Parsons, (Rose Byrne) though she has forgiven her former boss, has moved on with her life and now works for the DA's office.  Meanwhile, the former boss, Patty Hewes (Glenn Close, who has deservedly won multiple awards for this role) is just getting around to allowing Ellen's office to be cleaned out, though she is certainly in a better mood than when we last left her.  She is even allowing longtime employee Tom Shayes (Tate Donovan, The OC) to add his name to the door of her firm.  Meanwhile, Tom has remained friendly with Ellen, and when Ellen suspects Patty secretly helped her with a client, the three are entwined further together.  If it wasn't Patty, who was it then?  One of these season's many mysteries, surely.

     The big case of season three deals with a Ponzi scheme of Madoff proportions.  The head criminal here is Louis Tobin (Len Cariou, Into the Storm), and both Patty and the DA are trying to bring him down.  Tobin's family is brilliantly cast, including Lily Tomlin (The West Wing, The Magic School Bus) as his wife and Reiko Aylesworth (24) as his daughter in law.  Joining the cast full time are Tobin's son Joe (Campbell Scott, Royal Pains) and family friend slash lawyer, Leonard Winstone (Martin Short, Primetime Glick, Father of the Bridge, Three Amigos).  Short, usually a comedian, plays this ore dramatic role well, and despite limited screen time in the first episode, he has managed to impress already.  Add to that the promised return of Frobisher, (Ted Danson, Bored to Death, Becker, Cheers) there will surely be no lack of star power.  Yet, unlike other shows, it never feels like stunt casting on Damages.

     This season's mystery will continue tonight and every Monday at 10pm on FX.