In the latest episode of CBS's Boston Blue, the spinoff of the long-running police drama Blue Bloods, viewers witnessed a poignant exploration of the strained relationship between Detective Danny Reagan, played by Donnie Wahlberg, and his son Sean. The episode, which aired on Friday, November 7, highlighted the emotional distance that has grown between the father and son following Sean's recasting in the new series.
The storyline centered on Sean, now portrayed by Mika Amonsen, confiding in his best friend Jonah, played by Marcus Scribner, about his longing for a closer bond with his father. "I only wish I had that kind of relationship with my dad [that you had with yours]. [My dad is the best] when he’s around," Sean said, reflecting on how their connection shifted over time.
Sean elaborated on the changes, noting, "Even after my brother Jack went off to college and it was the two of us, he was always working. I never thought he’d leave New York and now he’s here." This dialogue underscored the impact of Danny's demanding career as a detective, which has often taken precedence over family life.
Jonah reminded Sean that Danny's recent move to Boston was specifically "for" him, prompting Sean to respond, "But the vibe hasn’t changed. I’m happy he’s here but I figure me becoming a cop — us having that in common — would bring us closer. But we’re not." This exchange captured the disappointment Sean feels despite the shared professional path in law enforcement.
By the episode's end, Danny confronted the issue directly after realizing the rift. "I moved here to be closer with you and I’ve done a lousy job. I’m sorry," Danny admitted to Sean. He further explained, "What I always do is put my job first. Cops have an excuse to do the job 24/7 because we’re out saving lives and helping people."
Sean attempted to downplay the absence, attributing it to family tradition by saying it is "what Reagans do" for their job. However, Danny pushed back, stating, "Reagans don’t do it at the expense of family. My old man didn’t do it with me, and I can’t do it with you." He emphasized the need for change, adding, "I have to make time and carve out new traditions and celebrate the old ones."
The conversation took a lighter turn when Danny mentioned, "Which reminds me, we have to find a Catholic church. Grandpa called and chewed me out about [not going] to church." The episode concluded with the pair committing to spend more quality time together, offering a hopeful resolution to their ongoing tensions.
This narrative arc follows the notable recasting of Sean, who was originally played by Andrew Terraciano in Blue Bloods. The switch to Amonsen was announced before the spinoff's premiere, sparking discussions among fans of the original series, which ran for 14 seasons on CBS before concluding in 2024.
Co-showrunner Brandon Margolis addressed the decision in an interview with Variety last month. "We love Andrew and the work he did over the years on Blue Bloods. Really, it came down to we’re telling a new chapter in both of their lives," Margolis said. He continued, "It’s not just Sean who has joined the family business as it were and is turning over this new leaf, but it’s also now Danny Reagan is the father [of] a cop, which he’s never been before."
Margolis described the recasting as "an organic opportunity to bring in a new performance with a new energy, to help dramatize that change." He added that the writers were eager to explore "new storytelling lanes" with the spinoff, noting, "It is the same character, it’s the same relationship, but it’s also completely different. We love what Mika has brought to Sean, this vulnerability, yet this desire to prove himself. It’s just been great to watch it come to life."
In a separate discussion with TVLine, Margolis expressed admiration for Terraciano's tenure, saying he "loved" watching the actor "grow up on TV." However, he explained, "It creatively made sense to find an actor with a different energy." Margolis acknowledged the risk involved, stating, "And to your point, yeah, it was a gamble to open the show on a new face — two new faces, actually — but the story required us to love him right away. Opening with that heroic moment that has a tragic end was the right way to pull Danny Reagan into this world."
The recasting fits into the broader context of Boston Blue, which premiered in September 2024 as a continuation of the Reagan family saga. Set in Boston rather than New York, the series follows Danny Reagan as he relocates to join a new elite unit, dealing with high-stakes cases while navigating personal challenges. Several stars from Blue Bloods have reprised their roles in guest appearances, including Tom Selleck as Frank Reagan and Bridget Moynahan as Erin Reagan, adding continuity to the franchise.
Fans have mixed reactions to the changes, with some praising the fresh dynamics and others expressing nostalgia for the original cast. According to online forums and social media, the episode's focus on family reconciliation resonated strongly, particularly amid the recasting. The series airs on CBS Fridays at 10 p.m. ET, and this installment is part of the first season, which has drawn solid ratings, averaging around 5 million viewers per episode based on early Nielsen data.
Looking ahead, the show's creators have hinted at more explorations of the Reagan family traditions, including potential crossovers with other characters from the original series. Margolis's comments suggest that the recasting allows for evolving storylines, such as Sean's journey as a new cop under his father's shadow. As Boston Blue continues, it aims to balance intense police procedural elements with the emotional depth that defined Blue Bloods.
The episode's themes of work-life balance and familial duty echo real-world issues faced by law enforcement families, providing a relatable layer to the fictional narrative. With no conflicting reports from other sources, the details align consistently with entertainment industry coverage, positioning Boston Blue as a promising extension of a beloved TV universe.