Abigail Hawk – the Sheriff’s loyal “right-hand woman” in “Blue Bloods” – has passed away
There were many reasons for the series’ success, but many of them are often overlooked. The strong connection to New York City, different aspects of the law, and a large ensemble cast all managed to contribute to the long-term survival of the series, up until its disappointing ending. Tom Selleck even reportedly believes that the commitment to family dinner scenes was the key reason for the show’s success. The loyalty of the cast also cannot be discounted, given that they took pay cuts simply to see the show through its final seasons. Yet, despite all those compelling reasons for the success, there was one character who was crucial to Blue Bloods‘ story, and she is often overlooked.
Blue Bloods Was an Immensely Successful Show
It Thrived Because of the Reagan Family
Unfortunately, after over a decade with the Reagan family, viewers have been forced to say goodbye too soon, as the show was cancelled and ended with season 14. After 14 years with the Reagans, they enjoyed one last dinner before the Blue Bloods franchise offered one final goodbye to New York City. While the new spin-off will undoubtedly have its own charm, the Reagans were the most significant draw for the series, given that the show was famous for its family dinner scenes. There was nothing more rewarding than seeing Selleck and the rest of the cast navigating both family drama and outside expectations, all while ensuring that the family retained its close ties. Even as new stars came and went throughout its run, the Reagan family was always the central focus of the show. Yet, despite the show’s focus on that specific family, they were not the only reason that it succeeded.
Abigail Baker Was an Underrated Star
The Reagan Family Was Not the Only Draw
She rarely took the spotlight in the series, but it was largely because she never needed to, as she mattered despite it all.
Baker was so important to Frank that he even refused to allow her to leave her position. When she attempted to reclaim an old position, Frank scrambled for reasons to decline her request, partly because of his unshaken faith in her skills. No matter how much she wished to return to detective work, the Commissioner would always keep her by his side, because her instincts and competency were beyond reproach. It was proof of her skills, even if it meant that she could never achieve her dream of returning to hands-on work in the field.
Blue Bloods Never Could Have Succeeded Without Abigail
She Allowed Others To Shine
Thanks to Hawk’s cool and collected demeanor, Abigail Baker quickly proved that she was a truly effective detective. Given the amount of pressure that Baker and Frank were under, anyone else might have crumbled under the pressure. Instead, she maintained her composure and always managed to help Frank get to the bottom of every crisis. If Boston Blue is to see the success that Blue Bloods enjoyed, Ernie Hudson’s Reverend Peters will need to find someone as loyal as Abigail to maintain both his security and his sanity. The show cannot solely focus on fighting crime if it hopes to maintain its audience. It needs to make time for character development, personal relationships, and family. Baker’s quiet competence allowed Frank to spend time focusing on his family, and it is why she was the reason for the show’s success.
