Tom Selleck as Frank in Blue Bloods

Boston Blue has a real chance at success, but not without one sad Blue Bloods reality. The Boston Blue spinoff will follow Danny Reagan as he moves to Boston to pursue a new side to his career. With the spinoff, there are hopes that some unfinished Blue Bloods storylines could finally see their conclusion through Danny’s Boston Blue.

However, the best chance that Boston Blue has at success does not involve Blue Bloods or the Reagan family at all. In fact, Blue Bloods‘ saddest post-finale reality could be what elevates Boston Blue as a new show. It may not seem pleasant, but it could be the show’s key to achieving the longevity that Blue Bloods had.

Separating Danny From The Reagan Family Can Help Boston Blue Stand Apart From The Original

Bridget Moynahan as Erin Reagan and Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan in Blue Bloods

While it would be sad, keeping Danny away from the Reagan family could actually help Boston Blue succeed as a standalone show. Blue Bloods was well known for featuring a close-knit family with its family dinners and personal relationships among the characters. But if Boston Blue wants to stand out, it has to keep Danny separate from the Reagan family.

Of the main characters, only Erin is reappearing in the spinoff. However, Erin’s Boston Blue appearance takes away from the show’s potential. After Blue Bloods‘ cancellation, it is natural to want to see certain stories expanded. However, Boston Blue must be seen as its own show. If not, it is at risk of being seen as a Blue Bloods imitation.

Despite Erin’s appearance, there is some solace in the fact that Erin’s appearance is centered around a business trip rather than a personal trip. It may seem harsh, but this is for the best. If several Blue Bloods characters keep appearing in Boston Blue, the show could lose focus on what it actually is: a spinoff centered on Danny.

Keeping Danny Away From His Family Would Be Hard, But Worth It

Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan in Blue Bloods season 9, episode 15CBS via MovieStillsDB

Because Boston Blue was so family-oriented, it may seem strange to keep Danny away from his family, but it will be worth it in the end. For one thing, showing Danny as his own character away from the Reagans will bring out an entirely new side to him. He won’t have the Reagan family dynamic to fall back on anymore.

Separating Danny from the Reagans could also act as a perfect opportunity for Danny to bond more with his son. Without a larger family dynamic in the vicinity, Danny and Sean could become closer. The pair’s bond could even become stronger as Sean begins working as an officer in a place that is new to both characters in Boston Blue.