Blue Bloods : Idea for an episode

So, a lot of episodes are often 'ripped from the headlines' either from the NYPD or just law enforcement in general. One idea I think should be covered and work well into the storyline is Frank feeling threatened about being replaced as Police Commissioner. William Bratton replaced Ray Kelly twice as both held the position of Commissioner twice in their careers. And, Frank often gets into arguments with the Mayor over certain issues. And, John Esposito was the former Chief of Department who retired, and was later appointed as Commissioner for the Office of Emergency Management.

I was thinking a former Chief of Department, who we'll call 'John', has recently retired as LAPD Chief of Police and moved back to New York City. It was well known that 'John' was a favorate to become the next Commissioner, but retired and moved to LA, in which Frank was then promoted to Chief of Department, and later Commissioner. 'John' meets for dinner with Frank to catch up on things and casually reveals he also has dinner with the Mayor the next day. Frank asks if they know each other and what the dinner is about, but 'John' says the Mayor simply wanted to meet him and discuss something with him. 'John' has no idea, but Frank fears that it could be to discuss 'John' becoming the new Commissioner. This obviously causes conflict between them and threatens their friendship. However, at the end of the Episode, 'John' meets with Frank again after the dinner with the Mayor and assures Frank he was not offered his Job, and also says he would have declined if he had been. 'John' says the Mayor offered him to become the Commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management instead, to which he accepted. This pleases Frank since they'll be working side by side to help protect the City.

What do you think, and who do you think would play 'John'? It would obviously be a guest spot rather than a recurring character. A big enough actor that could have possibly been cast as Frank Reagan if Tom Selleck had turned it down. Also, someone around the same age as Tom Selleck. 55-70.

I really like this idea. There could be a scene where Frank and Henry talk about retirement. How do you know it's time/what are the signs/what if I'm not ready/what do I do next?

I'm curious, do you see "John" as being like Frank who remembers the old days but understands that's the past and it's a different environment now, or do you see "John" as being more like Danny and Henry who wish they could bring back many elements of the old days?

"Forget reality, give me a picture"-Remington Steele

"John" would have to be different to Frank. Otherwise, there'd be no obvious reason as to why the Mayor could be considering replacing Frank with "John". There's no wrong way between them and they would both have been successful in their commands throughout the NYPD. But, I guess "John" would be someone who knows how to play politics, which is something that Frank obviously lacks. He would also need to be someone who has made several improvements in regards to public safety which is why the Mayor would later offer him OEM Commissioner.

I also like the idea of Frank asking Henry about his retirement from the NYPD.

Michael Weatherly. He is a younger version of Frank, and Michael has the acting chops to pull it off.

Cheers,
Dan









God Bless America!

Michael Weatherly is FAR too young to play this character. BTW, GREAT story line idea, OP!

What about Terry O'Quinn? He's the right age for the character and a popular TV actor who would go well together with Tom Selleck.

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he also has dinner with the Mayor the next day. Frank asks if they know each other and what the dinner is about, but 'John' says the Mayor simply wanted to meet him and discuss something with him. 'John' has no idea, but Frank fears that it could be to discuss 'John' becoming the new Commissioner. This obviously causes conflict between them and threatens their friendship. However, at the end of the Episode, 'John' meets with Frank again after the dinner with the Mayor and assures Frank he was not offered his Job, a

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maybe it could be more like when that black guy came looking to get Romero's sheriff's job, in "Bates Motel"that was fun.