Blue Bloods: The 5 Episodes Everyone Should Watch Before Season 14 Finale!!!!
After over a dozen seasons filled with Sunday night dinners, family bonds, and gripping cases, Blue Bloods will officially wrap up in 2025, concluding its incredible run after 14 seasons. While fans await the Season 14 premiere, currently slated for February 16, many may consider rewatching some of the show’s standout episodes. But with 13 seasons worth of content, which episodes capture the most emotional and thrilling moments, allowing viewers to relive the highlights without watching every single episode?
This guide will help both new viewers and longtime fans navigate the most essential episodes to revisit. It covers the pivotal relationships, the biggest plot twists, and a recap of the events from the Season 13 finale. Whether you’re just discovering the Reagan family or a loyal fan looking for a refresher, these five essential episodes will give you a crash course on the show’s most important dynamics before the Reagan family closes their final cases and shares their last meal.
Sometimes, it’s the case itself that makes a Blue Bloods episode truly shine, and “Forgive Us Our Trespassers,” the Season 13 finale, is no exception. This episode is the perfect starting point for anyone who wants a crash course on what’s happening with the Reagan family as Season 14 approaches. It also features a compelling case that showcases why Blue Bloods has remained a staple on television for over a decade.
In the episode, Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) and his steadfast partner Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez) are on the trail of a copycat killer, mimicking the murders committed by Dr. Leonard Walker (Mather Zickel), a serial killer they had apprehended earlier in the season. This time, however, they have help from Danny’s former partner, Jackie Curatola (Jennifer Esposito), who now works as a small-town sheriff. As the trio digs deeper into the investigation, they find themselves in danger, uncovering that things with Walker might not be as straightforward as they once believed.
“Forgive Us Our Trespassers” feels like a warm reunion, with Jackie’s return and the appearance of Nicky Reagan-Boyle (Sami Gayle), who has been absent for the entire season. Alongside the gripping case, the episode also delves into the political world the Reagans often navigate. Erin (Bridget Moynahan) faces a tough legal challenge, while Frank (Tom Selleck) locks horns with Mayor Chase (Dylan Walsh) over the growing issue of homelessness in New York. This episode is a critical one for catching up on Season 13 and serves as a broader reflection of the show’s enduring themes.
Something Blue – Season 9, Episode 22
Blue Bloods isn’t typically centered around romantic relationships. While Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) enjoyed a long and loving marriage with his wife, Linda (Amy Carlson), before her tragic passing, most of the Reagan family remains single, prioritizing their careers and family ties. That’s why “Something Blue,” from Season 9, stands out as such a significant episode, marking the culmination of one of the show’s most enduring love stories.
Eddie Janko (Vanessa Ray) and Jamie Reagan (Will Estes) gradually develop their relationship starting in Season 4. Through their ups and downs, fights, reconciliations, and slow progress, they finally reach a joyous conclusion with their wedding in Season 9. The ceremony brings the entire Reagan family together for a heartwarming celebration, though the journey is not without its complications. Erin (Bridget Moynahan) becomes convinced that Eddie is responsible when key witness testimony in an important case doesn’t line up, sparking a family feud at the worst possible time. Meanwhile, Danny and Baez (Marisa Ramirez) tackle a case of love gone wrong, and Frank (Tom Selleck) contends with work-related conflicts. Despite these obstacles, the Reagans and Jankos come together, and Jamie and Eddie embark on their married life — a relationship that has remained mostly harmonious through the next four seasons.
While their marriage has been steady, some fans have been left wanting more from the couple in later seasons, especially in terms of major storylines or the possibility of starting a family. But “Something Blue” offers a rare moment of pure happiness for the couple, giving viewers a well-earned celebration of their love.
The Blue Templar – Season 1, Episode 22
The death of Joe Reagan, who was killed in the line of duty under mysterious circumstances before Blue Bloods begins, casts a long shadow over the entire series. Season 1, in particular, heavily focuses on the emotional weight of Joe’s death, affecting every member of the Reagan family. Though Joe never appears on screen, his absence profoundly influences the show’s narrative, driving much of the family’s decisions and actions. One of the most pivotal episodes in this regard is “The Blue Templar,” the Season 1 finale, which finally unravels the mystery surrounding Joe’s murder.
In “The Blue Templar,” the Reagan family bands together to uncover the truth about Joe’s death. The episode reveals that the titular Blue Templars, once an elite group of officers dedicated to rooting out corruption, have turned into a dangerous, rogue faction involved in drug trafficking and witness murders. Joe, a straight-laced cop, had uncovered this corruption, which ultimately led to his death. Rookie cop Jamie Reagan pieces together the clues about Joe’s murder and shares the revelation with the rest of the family. Together, Frank, Danny, Jamie, and even Grandpa Henry (Len Cariou) spring into action to take down the corrupt officers and bring justice to Joe’s memory.
By the episode’s end, the Reagan family finally gains closure as Joe’s murderers are brought to justice, and his name is cleared. This resolution not only allows the family to move forward but also sets the stage for future storylines that delve into the lasting impact of Joe’s life on the Reagan clan.
Family Secrets – Season 10, Episode 19
“Family Secrets” – Season 10, Episode 19 is the episode that shifts everything for the Reagan family, uncovering a revelation that shakes their foundation. The story begins when a DNA match reveals the existence of Joe Hill (Will Hochman), the previously unknown son of Joe Reagan, who had passed away in the line of duty. The discovery is made by Sean Reagan (Andrew Terraciano), Danny’s tech-savvy son, who stumbles upon the match in a database. Further investigation leads to Joe Hill and his mother, Paula (Bonnie Somerville), who confirms that Joe Senior fathered a child before his death.
Paula explains that Joe’s dangerous work as a cop caused them to part ways, and since Joe’s passing, she has devoted herself to keeping their son out of the crosshairs of law enforcement. She fears the influence of the Reagan family may pull Joe Hill, now a newly minted police officer, into the same risks that cost his father his life.
This revelation is a game-changer for the Reagans. It forces them to confront the idea that Joe Senior had secrets they never knew, and challenges their perception of him as a flawless hero. Joe Hill’s entrance also introduces a more rebellious spirit into the family dynamic. Additionally, the episode features a rare and enjoyable team-up between Erin and Danny, and hints at Eddie’s growing desire to start a family with Jamie.
“My Aim Is True” – Season 8, Episode 22 also plays a significant role in Blue Bloods history.
“My Aim Is True” – Season 8, Episode 22 stands out as one of the most compelling and multifaceted episodes of Blue Bloods. Acclaimed on IMDb and beloved by fans, it combines intense procedural drama with heartfelt family moments, showcasing the show’s ability to balance suspense with emotional depth.
In this episode, Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) and his partner, Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez), delve into a series of murders connected to the recent release of wrongly convicted prisoners. Their investigation uncovers a complex web of motives, suggesting that revenge might be driving the killings. Meanwhile, Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck) grapples with his own guilt over the years these prisoners spent behind bars.
The episode also serves as a pivotal moment for Eddie Janko (Vanessa Ray) and Jamie Reagan (Will Estes). After facing life-threatening danger, the couple takes a significant step in their relationship by getting engaged, marking a joyous and defining moment for their future together.
“My Aim Is True” exemplifies the show’s unique blend of high-stakes drama and familial warmth. It’s an essential episode for any viewer gearing up for Season 14, as it encapsulates the core of what makes Blue Bloods resonate: its mix of intense action and the enduring bonds of family.
