Fans of CBS’s Blue Bloods are well aware that the Reagan family is renowned for their tight-knit bond, evident not only in their frequent family dinners but also in their united front when it comes to protecting one another. This solidarity is particularly apparent when it comes to the romantic partners of any Reagan family member—past or present.
One character who has felt the full brunt of the Reagan family’s disapproval is Erin Reagan’s (Bridget Moynahan) ex-husband, Jack Boyle (Peter Hermann). Reactions to Jack’s name often range from uncomfortable silence to outright hostility, reflecting the family’s general disdain for him. Dedicated viewers of the series have noticed, however, that there are some inconsistencies between the portrayal of Jack and his actual actions, leading to frustration over how his character has been handled on the show.
Even before Jack Boyle made his on-screen debut, the Reagan family had already established a negative view of him. In the show’s first season, during the episode “Privilege,” Erin makes a remark about Morgan Hall, the venue where she and Jack were married, saying, “Whatever you do, stay away from Morgan Hall,” and dismissing it as bad luck.
In the season 2 episode “Parenthood,” the tension around the family dinner table escalates when Erin’s daughter, Nicky (Sami Gayle), comments, “You hate them because my father is one,” referring to defense attorneys. The remark is met with a stunned silence from the rest of the family, clearly uncomfortable at the mention of Erin’s ex-husband.
When Jack finally appears in person in the season 3 episode “Old Wounds,” the reception he receives from the Reagan family is notably cold. Erin’s brother, Danny (Donnie Wahlberg), and sister-in-law, Linda (Amy Carlson), refuse to greet him, while her grandfather, Henry (Len Cariou), even declines to shake his hand. These reactions suggest that whatever Jack did leading up to their divorce was significant enough to warrant such frosty treatment.
Despite these portrayals, fans have been left grappling with the discrepancies between Jack’s reputation and his actions, leading to ongoing debate about his character’s role and depiction on the show.
