No, We Don't Need More Jackie in Blue Bloods, So Stop Pushing for Her Return

Back in 2010, few could have anticipated that Blue Bloods would become the colossal hit it is today. Most initially saw the premise behind the story of the NYPD clan as clichéd and unconvincing. However, stellar performances by Tom Selleck and Danny Wahlberg ensured the series found its footing and attracted a large audience. The undeniable chemistry among the cast members and the emphasis on relationships rather than just crimes have kept the show going strong for over a decade.

While many argue that the early seasons of Blue Bloods are better quality than the later ones—attributing this to the writers' fresh enthusiasm in crafting storylines early on as opposed to what they must have felt like later after writing the same show for 13 seasons—the early episodes weren't without their flaws. Jennifer Esposito's portrayal of Jackie Curatola stands out as a prime example.

To be clear, the rapport between Jackie and her partner, Daniel Reagan, was palpable. The pair functioned well as friends, yet Jackie's abrupt exit from the show meant she never really got a chance to become an integral part of the show. Esposito departed Blue Bloods after its third season, and though many fans were disappointed to lose a character with such potential, she largely faded from memory by the time the next season premiered the following fall.

Now, out of the blue, the final episode of the recently concluded Season 13 featured Jackie, and it would appear that her chemistry with Daniel is still alive and kicking. The blast from the past proved so popular with viewers that some people even started asking the producers to bring Esposito's character back as a lead in the upcoming season.

However, it doesn't seem like a good idea, as putting a long-forgotten character in the spotlight could eclipse the rest of the cast, detracting from Blue Blood's main attraction, which is its focus on family.

Furthermore, while it was a treat to see Jackie return, Esposito's performance seemed less than stellar this time around, suggesting that her reprisal of the role may have primarily been motivated by financial consideration rather than a desire to reconnect with fans.