We’re getting ever closer to the season 12 premiere, so it feels like the right time to look back on a past season opener.
Danny’s world is rocked when Robert Lewis (Michael Imperioli) in the Attorney General’s office obtains new evidence against him in the self-defense shooting case of serial killer Thomas Wilder. Also, Jamie and Eddie respond to a car crash involving a high-profile drunk driver, and Frank is asked by Grace Edwards (Lori Loughlin), the wife of a slain police officer, to keep her only son out of the police force, on the seventh season premiere of BLUE BLOODS
CBS Press Release
Initial Thoughts
These are my thoughts on the premiere episode of season seven. A lot of it is my interpretation of what is not said and may exist purely in my imagination. If you agree or disagree, please let me know, as I’d still love to hear from you regardless. I just ask that you’re polite. It’d be great to debate ideas and see what thought-provoking theories emerge.
It’s a relatively simple story, but there’s a touch of action, abuse of privilege, moral outrage, and good detective work all building towards an arresting conclusion. Jamie drives most of the story, but Eddie isn’t a passive bystander, as she’s proactive in following up potential lines of inquiry. Jamie and Eddie take their expected position of standing up for the victims, but this doesn’t prevent them from providing a dash of humour as well.
Scene by Scene Breakdown
RMP Quiz
This scene seems to be about reintroducing the characters, as it doesn’t have much to do with the rest of Jamie and Eddie’s story. Although it might be seen as tying into elements of Frank’s and Danny’s stories (especially as Danny and Frank end the episode at Joe’s grave). Regardless, it provides a sweet insight into the role Joe played in Jamie’s life and the type of person Jamie is. The “what people wanted for me” must be alluding to Jamie pursuing a law career because it was what his mother wanted for him before finally joining the NYPD.
Roadside Assistance
Having earlier been introduced to the family, ensuring we experienced the shock of them going from happy and relaxed following a celebration to the violence of the collision. Jamie and Eddie now arrive to deal with the aftermath.
As we follow Jamie and Eddie along the street, there’s an increasing level of activity. In addition to their RMP, there’s also the ambulance plus a second RMP. The scene is spread out; the camera pivots from the father and badly injured daughter to the shocked mother and son before finally resting on the Congressman and his assistant. The tone of Anderson’s voice indicates his arrogance, showing he’s not even putting effort into pretending to be ill. It’s enough to make the statement and postpone the police investigation until they’ve had some time to think of a way of preventing Anderson being charged with a crime.
Test Results
The Congressman is really testing Jamie’s patience with his dismissal of any responsibility. Anderson’s constant smile shows his contempt for the situation; he isn’t even hiding that he’s manipulating the situation to his advantage. Especially by claiming that he was so drunk, he couldn’t remember who was driving. Although it appeared the only real sign of his drinking was that Jamie could smell it on his breath. Because Anderson is a Congressman, he knows his statement would carry more weight with any jury than what the father said. As far as Anderson is concerned, there’s nothing Jamie can do. Whereas Anderson has actually set Jamie a challenge.
Erin’s Advice – Deleted Scene
This serves to spell out the legal issues and shows Jamie’s determination to do something. Considering the number of times Jamie is shown to know what laws are relevant, there doesn’t seem to be anything said here that he wouldn’t already know. However, they’re aware they have limited evidence and are down to witness testimony. Jamie would likely want to check whether any recent cases might set a precedent that allows him to charge Anderson with what’s available.
This was probably left out as it doesn’t move the story forward. Instead, it reinforces the position they were in at the end of the previous scene.
Parental Grief – Deleted Scene
This was probably intended to remind us of the family and prevent it from being the NYPD versus the Congressman. It keeps the story grounded on the harm that’s been done, that this is someone’s life, not just a political game. It’s an emotionally focused scene centred on the parents’ anguish and highlights Jamie and Eddie’s empathy. Jamie’s commitment to pursuing the Congressman is quieter here, giving a sense of restrained emotions.
Again it doesn’t move the story forward, but it deepens the emotional weight of the story. However, a scene like this is rarely used in Blue Bloods: they’re only used to provide additional information that can help the investigation or bring a sense of closure at the conclusion.
RMP Idea
Unsurprisingly, Jamie and Eddie are still looking for a way to charge Congressman Anderson. Eddie’s brief summary of the latest failed investigation achieves the same effect as the deleted scenes, showing that their efforts so far haven’t provided any progress. Jamie’s solution seems to be due to sudden inspiration, as nothing said appears to trigger it.
It’s never stated why Jamie and Eddie continue their investigation, but it has to be assumed that it wasn’t a priority for the assigned team. Jamie and Eddie were personally motivated because the Congressman initially admitted he was driving and saw no issue changing his story and practically laughing at them.
Arresting Audience
Anderson used his public reputation to complicate the investigation, so it seems appropriate that it’s now used against him. After the Congressman was so dismissive of the situation, Jamie was set on making sure he didn’t get away with it. It seems that Jamie decided Anderson deserved to suffer the disgrace of a high profile arrest.
Sadly with the political power and financial backing, someone like Anderson would have, most other punishments could probably be ignored. This is likely to be the only forum where Anderson would feel any sense of disgrace.
Final Thoughts
It isn’t one of the most memorable storylines, but it still demonstrates Jamie and Eddie’s sense of compassion and justice. It’s a bit of a David and Goliath tale, with the Congressman so assured of his position and the privilege that comes with it, it’s only Jamie and Eddie’s perseverance that leads to his arrest. Of course, it’s hard to tell what form any punishment would take in court, but by making the arrest during his speech, they’ve made sure there’s a public consequence to his actions.
For the characters, it doesn’t necessarily do anything significant. The opening conversation is a reminder of the path Jamie’s life has taken. Following Jamie’s acknowledgement that he has a tendency to be a people pleaser, Eddie suggests that it’s not true when they work together. It could be seen as recognition that it’s easier for him to be the person he wants to be when he’s with Eddie. Perhaps it should be considered that the aim was to provide a slightly fun opening and ending to their story. With their teasing conversation in the RMP and then their amusement before the arrest, it brings something light to an otherwise earnest episode.
Thoughts on Jamko 