Well, the CBS procedural Blue Bloods might be coming to an end, but it's not over yet. The show followed up one of its worst episodes ever with an episode that reminded viewers what the show was like in its heyday. Season 14, Episode 7, titled “On the Ropes,” might not quite stand among the all-time great episodes but it's certainly refreshing to see Blue Bloods get back some semblance of what the show used to be.
The storylines were intriguing, there were twists and turns throughout and we finally got a classic family dinner scene.
Note: Spoilers ahead for Blue Bloods Season 14, Episode 7
Recap
It was interesting that Frank (Tom Selleck) seemed to care so much about Gormley's decision to fight Sergeant Russo. Frank isn't typically one to focus on the optics of a situation, much less to let those optics impact his decision-making process.
Yet, that's exactly what he did here. Even more surprisingly, this seemed like the perfect episode for Garrett to have a major voice as the person at 1PP who focuses on the optics of various situations. That's his job as the DCPI, after all. It also would have been a great way to reintroduce the ribbing from the others, Sid especially, about how Garrett is the only one in that office who never wore the uniform or walked a beat. This seems like a slightly missed opportunity, but it certainly didn't ruin the episode.
Could Frank’s focus on the optics lead him into retirement?
Maybe the writers do have some grand plan for Frank's increased focus on optics all of a sudden. Maybe this is foreshadowing a realization that he is changing, which could lead to his decision to retire. Or, maybe his increased attention to optics will make him realize that he doesn't want to do the job anymore, driving him into retirement.
That is all speculation, of course. I haven't seen any future episodes and don't know what will happen. It just seems that the writers are making a distinct effort to go in this different direction. Hopefully, there is a good reason behind it.
Despite Frank seemingly changing his stance on optics, his creative solution was Frank Reagan at his best. Frank ultimately allowed Sid and Sergeant Russo to come to the decision not to fight on their own, but he strategically ushered them toward that choice by pointing out the risk of injury and the potential for expensive medical treatment. It is a sad reflection on the state of our society that the risk of expensive medical bills is what ultimately led the two men to decide that fighting wasn't worth it.
This episode tackles artificial intelligence
It was a breath of fresh air for Blue Bloods to tackle the dangers of artificial intelligence. In this episode, an AI-generated deep fake is convincing enough that Captain McNichols (Stephanie Kurtzuba) lets down her guard and gives up sensitive information about the location of a prisoner who turned informant and is being escorted to testify.
Jamie was escorting the prisoner and ended up in a shootout with the criminals who were attempting to silence the informant. Unfortunately, the AI masterminds did a good enough job of covering their tracks, and the informant decided not to testify.
McNichols pretended to be another prisoner who offered to flip and take the deal first, which ultimately got the original informant to follow through with his deal.
Mysterious deaths in a hospital
Danny's (Donnie Wahlberg) case was heartbreaking, and it was once again a sad reflection of the healthcare system in America. First, the connection to Linda will be sure to bring up plenty of conflicting emotions for fans who were around during the early seasons. Linda's death changed Danny, and it's clear how much it hit him to be reminded of her. this was an excellent acting performance by Donnie Wahlberg, and we'll see if this reminder of Linda influences Danny's decision going forward as to potential romantic interests.
This storyline also featured the classic plot twist that Blue Bloods is famous for, as the person Danny and Baez suspected of the murders was not involved and ultimately helped them solve the case.
The family dinner scene
Finally, we can't discuss this episode without talking about the family dinner scene. There were plenty of laughs, and the combination of poignant points and playful jabs with the whole family together for extended screen time was reminiscent of the show's earlier seasons when it developed such a loyal following.
Review
“On The Ropes” was arguably the best episode of the season so far, and it was a reminder of everything that Blue Bloods can be when the show is at its best. If last week was the nadir that signaled the end was near, this episode is the reason that some fans passionately argued for a surprise renewal and a fifteenth season.
It turns out that the writers do have something left in the tank, and personally, my excitement is renewed for the remainder of this final season. Blue Bloods was iconic in its heyday, and this episode served as a reminder of the heights the show once reached.
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