Warning: Spoilers ahead for Blue Bloods season 14, episode 11.
A particular line at the Reagan family dinner during Blue Bloods season 14, episode 11, has me even more worried that one of my favorite characters will die before the series finale. One of the reasons I’m disappointed about CBS canceling Blue Bloods despite a massive fan protest to save it is its emphasis on family. While the series is a police procedural, it is unique in that it focuses on the relationships between multiple generations of a family of cops rather than the cases of the week, and its finale needs to preserve this legacy.
Ever since CBS’ announcement that it had canceled the series after season 14, there have been widespread theories about how Blue Bloods would end, with some being more heartbreaking than others. Since Blue Bloods has only a few episodes left before its series finale, it must set up stories for the conclusion now and might have done so during the Reagan family dinner with a particular line that could easily be foreshadowing a devastating fate for one character.
Blue Bloods’ Finale May Include A Reagan Family Death
Blue Bloods Behind-The-Scenes Details & Cast Comments Hint At This Sad End
There is widespread speculation that someone will die in the Blue Bloods series finale. While this has not been confirmed, there is some evidence to support it; I’m concerned about some cast members having indicated that there will be sad news during the final episodes. Abigail Hawk mentioned (via express.co.uk) that her last day of shooting was at a cemetery, going on to say: “Which is not giving anything away, but certainly dangling a little teaser.” Meanwhile, Bridget Moynahan hinted (via EW) at “a surprise that isn’t so hopeful.”
While these teasers suggest a sad end, it has not been said outright that a Reagan will die. There could be another reason for the information revealed so far about the finale. I think it would be a better ending if someone tangential to the Reagans passed away so that they could reflect on how grateful they are for one another during the final Reagan family dinner. However, it is still possible that one of them will die, and if so, Henry (Len Cariou) is the most likely, as he is the oldest member of Blue Bloods’ Reagan family.
Blue Bloods Season 14 Part 2’s First Reagan Family Dinner Hints At Henry’s Death
Henry Reagan’s Throwaway Line Could Be Foreshadowing
During the Reagan family dinner in Blue Bloods season 14, episode 11, Henry had an exchange with Jack Boyle (Peter Hermann) that concerned me. Throughout the dinner, he made it clear that he had nothing but disdain for Jack, who had broken Erin’s (Moynahan) heart years earlier at the end of their tumultuous marriage. Henry’s response to Jack’s asking if he could ever be forgiven was played as a joke, but could easily have been a clue to his fate.
Jack: I’m wondering what the statute of limitations is in this family.
Frank: In regards to what?
Jack: How long will I be held responsible for mistakes I made in my early 20s? Or is the backlash in perpetuity?
Henry: Til I die.
While everyone at the table laughed at Henry’s response, that does not mean this comment was purely a joke. I’ve often used seemingly innocuous pieces of dialogue as subtle hints in my own work, and if Blue Bloods wanted to foreshadow Henry’s death without giving it away, this exchange at the family dinner table would be the perfect place to do it. The family’s laughter comes from their belief that Henry will not actually die in the near future, which would make it even more devastating if that were his fate.
How Henry’s Death Can Impact Jamie & The Rest Of The Reagans
It Would Be Heartbreaking But Could Lead To An Impactful Blue Bloods Finale
I hate the thought of Henry dying, but it could lead to some strong stories as Blue Bloods wraps up. Henry’s death would likely hit Jamie (Will Estes) harder than the rest of the Reagans. Jamie had the hardest time with Joe Reagan’s death in Blue Bloods, and he also has had a loving but sometimes contentious relationship with Henry, who dislikes it when Jamie treats him as fragile or feeble because of his age. Henry is also the person he and the rest of the Reagans turn to most often for advice, so Henry’s death would leave a hole in the family.
This ending would be in line with the series’ commitment to family values throughout its 14-year run, even though it would be heartbreaking to lose Henry.
However, Jamie and Eddie (Vanessa Ray) are thinking about having a baby, so Henry’s death could be offset by the birth of the new child, assuming there is enough of a time jump before the series finale. This would allow Blue Bloods to create a poignant ending in which Jamie and Eddie name their baby after Henry and vow to raise it to honor his memory. This ending would be in line with the series’ commitment to family values throughout its 14-year run, even though it would be heartbreaking to lose Henry.