Ever wondered why certain characters meet their end in a show? Well, Blue Bloods showrunner Kevin Wade opened up about the tough choice to bid farewell to a beloved character in the series finale. He explained why it just didn’t feel right to let one of the Reagan family members go.
Why the Reagans Were Off the Table
“Let’s rewind for a moment. We sat down and realized that taking out one of the Reagans wouldn’t serve the audience or the legacy of the show,” Wade revealed in an interview with TV Insider on December 14. “It’s not the kind of story we wanted to tell. Imagine fans cheering, ‘Thank goodness, Henry had a heart attack!’ or ‘Finally, Danny gets shot!’ That’s not who we are as a show. We wanted something heartfelt, something that would resonate emotionally without cheapening the experience.”
Choosing the Right Character to Sacrifice
“But we knew we had to make a sacrifice. Eddie’s storyline needed a significant moment, something that would impact her deeply. That’s why Badillo became the perfect choice,” Wade shared. “I remember sitting down with Ian and Vanessa [Ray], and I was like, ‘Alright, team, here’s the deal: Badillo is going to die, but we’re going to give both Eddie and Badillo some unforgettable scenes.’ I wanted to be upfront about it. When I told Ian, I said, ‘Hey, this is great news—your character dies, and you’re going to get all the attention!’”
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Ian Quinlan Reflects on His Journey with Badillo
Ian Quinlan, who portrayed Badillo from 2021 to 2024, took to Instagram to express his gratitude and reflect on his unforgettable time on the show.
“I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that tonight is the last episode of @bluebloods_cbs,” Ian wrote. “You know what fans love the most? The family dinners. But let me tell you something—those bonds extend so much further than just that table.”
“From the very first day, everyone on the cast and crew welcomed me with open arms. They made me feel like I was part of something special, part of a family. I’m so thankful for every single one of these amazing people. The art we created, the memories we shared—it’s something I’ll treasure forever. Keep shining, everyone! And a huge thank you to all the fans who have been with us for 14 seasons. We couldn’t have done this without you. #bluebloods,” Ian added.
Fans poured into the comments section to shower Ian with praise for his incredible performance in the series.
“I already miss Badillo! You were amazing on this show, Ian! Can’t wait to see what you do next,” one fan commented, while another said, “Watching you on Blue Bloods was always a treat. Looking forward to your future projects!”
Vanessa Ray Delivers a Heartfelt Tribute
Vanessa Ray, 43, delivered a powerful performance in the finale episode when Eddie learns of her partner’s death. Her portrayal captured the raw emotion of the moment, leaving fans deeply moved.
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“As we approach our final episode, I’m reflecting on the incredible partnerships I’ve had on this show,” Vanessa shared on Instagram. “We’d joke about how many times we had to say, ‘I need a partner I can trust…’ But the truth is, I trust Will, Yasha, Lauren, and Ian with my life. They’ve been my confidants, my mentors, my friends. This bond we’ve formed will last forever. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I love you. Always. @willestes101 @yasha_fierce @pattenlauren @allidoisquin @bluebloods_cbs,” Vanessa wrote.
“You and Will were legends. The chemistry between you two was electric from the very first scene in season 4,” one fan commented under Vanessa’s post.
Another fan chimed in, saying, “It’s heartbreaking to see this incredible show come to an end. One of the best on TV, and CBS just lets it go. The new shows they brought in don’t compare. Wishing all of you the best in your future endeavors.”
