Tom Selleck Had Controversial Thoughts on Blue Bloods' Eddie & Jamie Pairing
NYPD Sergeant Jamie Reagan (Will Estes) and Eddie Janko (Vanessa Ray) are the most dynamic characters on Blue Bloods.
The two police detectives have been resolving crime and sharing moments of sexual tension on-screen for the last 13 seasons.
At first, the pair insisted on keeping things professional and remaining work partners. However, their feelings for each other soon became undeniable, and they shared their first on-screen kiss in the fourth series.
Later, after a life-changing situation in the season 8 finale, Jamie and Eddie finally got engaged.
The engagement (and subsequent marriage in season 9) creates a conflict of interest back at the precinct. It's revealed shortly after Eddie and Jamie get engaged that it may disrupt the traditional work routine, including forcing a reassignment.
After all, it's not customary for police partners to also have a romantic relationship which is a conflict that has frequently come up since the surprise wedding on Blue Bloods.
Tom Selleck, who portrays Jamie's dad in the show – Frank Reagan – initially gives his blessings to Eddie and Jamie (S9, E1: "Playing With Fire").
Notwithstanding, the actor in real life has been less hesitant to endorse the relationship. In fact, he stirred controversy a few years back when questioned about the situation at PaleyFest NY.
Selleck only needed two words of caution: "Remember Moonlighting."
Younger viewers may not recall the infamous 1980s sitcom Moonlighting, which featured a young Bruce Willis. The show witnessed moderate success running for a total of 67 episodes.
It was based on two private detectives – David (Willis) and Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) – who strike up a relationship while working together.
Moonlighting was ahead of the curve in that it attempted to blend drama, mystery, comedy, and romance into a single genre known as "dramedy".
Consequently, the TV series was met with a mixed reception yet still helped launch the career of Bruce Willis while helping resurrect Shepherd.
For some, the connection between Maddie and David was heartfelt and endearing. In fact, TV Guide lists the duo as one of the "Best TV Couples of All-Time".
Meanwhile, to others, the relationship was unnecessary and forced into a cheesy show that attempted to mix romance with a police procedural. Thus, we can only assume that when Selleck was referring to Moonlighting, he wasn't doing so in a complimentary way.
The reservations are something that other cast and crew of Blue Bloods share. Kevin Wade, the showrunner of Blue Bloods, has also confirmed that he doesn't want to pursue the romance any more than necessary to avoid similar pitfalls.
Thus, it seems fans are left with what they have for now regarding the evolution of Jamie and Eddie's romance.