No one really could have predicted that this police/family series would have lasted so long. I mean, twelve seasons is rather incredible! The series revolves around a family of New York cops and a lawyer. The stories are rather simple but have enough meat to keep you interested. Reminds me of the kind of series like the Chicago and Law & Order series in that you can tune in late one night and follow along. There are stories that continue but most of the episodes are stand alone. The cops solve cases, the lawyer tries to put bad guys in jail and the father is the boss of all cops so has to make some tough decisions.
Each member of the Irish Catholic New York family comes across some tests this season. That is per usual, though. Jamie (played by Will Estes) feels the ire of his fellow cops when he helps in the investigation of an underground bar where cops and firemen go to hide their less than legal actions. Frank (played by Tom Selleck) has a big career decision when he gets an offer. Eddie (played by Vanessa Ray) and Jamie’s marriage comes under pressure when she allows her ex-con father to live with them. Danny (played by Donnie Wahlberg) has a hit put out on him. Erin (played by Bridget Moynahan) has some suspicions about her boss but the worries are pushed to the background when she is stalked by an ex-con. Always something going on in the Reagan household. Never a dull moment there or in the series.
After twelve seasons you can expect some repetition within the stories. That totally happens this season. You will often watch with a feeling of deja vu, thinking that you have seen this all before. It is a procedural drama so there is a limit to the number of storylines that can be done. But still, the odd surprise now and again would be good. In this instance, too much recycling is not a good thing.
This season, as in the past, the writers are trying to portray the main issues happening in NYC as well as all large cities in the U.S. today. Many of the issues the country is facing are brought up here.
Sometimes the writing and dialogue are all over the place. Not enough consistency with characters acting one way in one episode and completely different the next. To become attached to characters you have to be able to follow their arc. A little frustrating or off-putting when they are not behaving or speaking consistently.
This season features guest appearances from Robert Clohessy, Richard Kline, Abigail Hawk, Alex Kingston, Lyle Lovett, Jimmy Buffett, rapper Eric B., Didi Conn, Annabella Sciorra, Springsteen drummer Max Weinberg, John Shea, and Steve Schirripa.
Special Features:
-Gag Reel
-Deleted Scenes
-The Story of the Reagans: Season 12/My Best Friend
