Danny Reagan’s (Donnie Wahlberg) developing relationship with his partner Detective Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez) attracted significant fan attention as “Blue Bloods” concluded after 14 seasons. However, showrunner Kevin Wade has explained why Baez did not join Danny at the Reagan family dinner in the series finale.
“Honestly, it didn’t really come to the forefront. At the end of their last scene together, there was a hint that they might go off to dinner or end up at each other’s place,” Wade told Deadline. “But it felt like too big a leap, with only two minutes left after 14 years, to introduce them into that moment at the dinner.”
In the finale, Danny does invite Baez to get pizza, a scene that strongly suggests their relationship is moving forward. Still, the pair do not formally appear as a couple at the Reagan family dinner before the series ends. Their romance is later confirmed in the first episode of the spin-off “Boston Blue”. While other Reagan relationships have been introduced during family dinners throughout the series, Wade said this situation required a different approach.
“We did it in Season 8 with Jamie and Eddie, and there was plenty of time to build up to it. This would have been a bit too rushed,” he added.
Donnie Wahlberg also shared that he pushed for a meaningful conclusion for Danny and Baez. “I said, ‘You’ve got to do something. They don’t need to get married, but something to show their relationship has evolved,’” he told Variety.
Although Baez did previously attend a Reagan family dinner in Season 11, her appearance at the finale gathering was ultimately left out. Despite long-standing fan hopes for the couple, developments in “Boston Blue” suggest their future together may still remain uncertain.