Family life isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it
The Reagans are the epitome of a tight-knit family. Not only do they all work in law enforcement, they also lean on each other to provide support for their stressful lives. In honor of the Blue Bloods family, we’ve rounded up the best #FamilyGoals they’ve set for us—starting with weekly family dinners.
Listen to all opinions
The Reagan family dinner table is many things, but never quiet. The family is constantly debating politics, police, and civilian issues. While things can get heated, every single member of the Reagan family is encouraged to have their opinions heard.
Keep joking around with your siblings—even as an adult
All of the men in the Reagan family noticed Nicky talking to a boy at her sixteenth birthday party. Jamie pointed out that the boy must be terrified looking at their table and Linda joked that they were all “waiting for him to make one false move.”
Of course, Frank seemed to be a step ahead:
Henry [sitting at a party table with the rest of the family]: How much do we really know about this kid anyways?
Frank: Don’t worry, Pop, I’m already on top of it.
Celebrate achievements together
When Danny and Maria were up for medals for valor, Frank was hesitant to decorate his son for fear of backlash against himself and Danny. While discussing it with his own father, Frank found out that Henry had not given him the same medal in 1988—out of the same concern.
After much deliberation, Frank decided that his son shouldn’t be punished for his dad’s success. He deserved the medal. After the ceremony, the family sat down to dinner. Danny took the medal off of his neck, placed it on his father’s, and Henry stood to give the speech he wished he had decades before.
Danny [while placing his medal for valor around his father’s neck]: In long overdue recognition, Detective Reagan will now receive this medal of valor for his extraordinary bravery and service on that day. Congratulations, detective.
Keep the spark alive
When Danny’s son confessed to wanting to take a girl on a date, Danny and Linda accompanied the young lovebirds to the ice skating rink. The parents had one of their first dates at the very same rink.
As they reminisced from the sidelines, Danny handed Linda her favorite chocolates from a company that had long since gone out of business. He’d managed to talk the former owner into whipping up a special batch just for her.
Danny: Do you remember when we came here on our second date? I hated iceskating, I was just trying to impress you.
Linda: As I recall you weren’t that impressive on the ice.
Always show each other respect
Frank stayed at Pop’s house while on the mend from an ankle injury. When Frank held a staff meeting about an ongoing police matter, Henry was rightfully upset when his son shunned his advice in front of the group. Later, the two mended fences over a crossword puzzle.
Henry: One day you’ll be here, still with a brain, worthwhile opinions, and, maybe, even some valuable wisdom. I hope for you, whoever’s sitting where you are, will appreciate that.
Look out for each other
During the arraignment of a hostile murderer, the criminal grabbed a court officer’s gun and shot Erin in the shoulder. While Erin was bleeding out, he negotiated with Danny Reagan that he would let her go if he received safe passage out of the country. When Danny lured him outside under the pretense of taking him to the airport, an old Reagan family secret helped Danny distract the murderer in time to shoot him and save his sister.
Nicky [at the table with the rest of the Reagans]: I am grateful to you, Uncle Danny, for saving my mom.
Sieze opportunities to spend time together
Jamie loves spending time with his nephews, so he jumped at the chance to help Sean build a soap box derby car to compete in an annual race. The two bonded over building the car and strengthening their relationship.
Jamie [to Sean]: Are you excited to carry on the Reagan family dynasty?
Remember those you have lost
After a long effort to take down the Blue Templar, the rogue group of police that killed the eldest Reagan son, the family attended his gravesite after their Sunday dinner.
Frank [speaking aloud at the gravesite]: Down these mean streets a man must go, who is not himself mean. Who is neither tarnished nor afraid.
Henry: Raymond Chandler?
Frank: His definition of a hero. He could have been talking about Joe.
Go out of your way for each other
Frank Reagan happily took the day off from being NYPD’s Police Commissioner to replaced Linda as the chaperone for Sean’s class field trip to a museum. Not only did he leave his detail at the door, Frank spent quality time with his beloved grandson and his whole class.
Frank [to whole class]: Do you know what Theodore Roosevelt loved more than politics, battle, and everything else?
Sean: What?
Frank: He loved nature. You can do more than one thing, you know!
Go to each other for advice
There’s no way to count how many times Frank Reagan has given advice to his children and grandchildren, both as the NYPD Police Commissioner and as a concerned family patriarch. Lets just say it’s always appreciated.
Embrace your extended family as your own
When Danny got a case involving an attractive model, Linda was a little uneasy with her husband spending so much time with her. Even though it was to solve a murder, doubt and jealousy clearly weighed on her. When Danny left Sunday dinner to meet the girl, Frank approached Linda in the kitchen, reminding her that she could talk to him about anything.
Frank [to Linda after Danny left]: You’re my daughter, too, though. You know that.
Prioritize family over everything else—because nothing is as important
Police Commissioner Frank Reagan is obviously a hard person to get contact with. He sticks to his own strict schedule, but has no problem canceling plans or simply asking a person to leave his office. However, all of these rules fly right out the window if his children or grandchildren stop by.