Lyle Lovett's Return Gave Blue Bloods a Touch of Western, and Maybe That's What It Needs
Lyle Lovett has accomplished it all.
He's a well-established singer-songwriter, producer, and actor. Lovett has won multiple Grammys for his work in music and also has a fairly comprehensive filmography. Lovett has appeared on popular TV shows, like The Bridge, along with film credits (The New Guy, The Open Road).
However, Lyle Lovett's most recent stint on Blue Bloods is the one drawing all the rave reviews. Lovett has only appeared in a few episodes of the police procedural, yet many fans believe it's precisely what the TV show needs.
Lovett debuted as Texas Ranger Waylon Gates in the season 10 episode "Fog of War". Then, had a memorable performance in season 12 (S12, E10: "Old Friends"). Nevertheless, it wouldn't be until recently that the producers decided to have Lovett back for a third appearance (S13, E15: "Close to Home"). The sporadic use of the character in the TV series has led many fans to question why he isn't more of a regular on Blue Bloods.
After all, social media went ablaze after Lovett tweeted a photo on set with co-star Donnie Wahlberg. Within minutes, fans reacted with positive messages wishing for more of Waylon Gates and Detective Danny Reagan. Lovett considers working with the cast a "privilege," which indicates that he is certainly open to the idea of a more recurring role.
The episode, "Close to Home" features Gates escorting a notorious cartel kingpin back to New York. The character is an ornery, throwback lawman that doesn't take crap from anyone. Furthermore, Waylon craves taking a few digs at the vast differences between NYC and Texas, contributing to the character becoming a fan favorite.
Audiences agree that Lovett works on Blue Bloods because he adds a particular western vibe to an otherwise standard, big-city procedural. Gates nonsense attitude of an old-school lawman blends nicely with the gritty Reagan family. Still, producers have failed to fully capture the character on screen, according to some fans. And, in doing so, might sprinkle in a much-needed western element to the modern drama.
In fact, they wouldn't mind watching Gates be invited to the legendary Reagan family dinner in the future.
For many, few things are more entertaining on Blue Bloods than watching Danny and Waylon banter and give each other a hard time. "Lyle [deserves] to be invited to a Sunday dinner," one Redditor implored producers with a future scene idea.