Blue Bloods showrunner Kevin Wade explained why he felt like he chose the perfect character to kill off in the series finale.
“Let’s work backward. We didn’t see any value for the audience or the legacy of the show in killing off one of the Reagans. It wasn’t that kind of show,” Wade told TV Insider on December 14. “I don’t think people were going to go, ‘Thank God, Henry had a heart attack.’ Or ‘Good, Danny would get shot and killed.’”
“But we did have to sacrifice somebody. It affected Eddie very strongly, so that was important,” he said. “So when it was decided, I got with Ian and Vanessa [Ray], and said, ‘Look guys, Badillo is going to die, but there will be great scenes for both Eddie and Badillo.’ I wanted to get ahead of it, and then in sharing it with him, I said, ‘It’s good news: Your character dies and you’ll get all this attention.’”
Ian Quinlan played Badillo from 2021 to 2024. He shared a message on Instagram to reflect on his time on the show.
“Still can’t believe tonight is the final episode of @bluebloods_cbs,” he wrote. “One of the things everyone loves so much is the family dinner. Let me tell you that sense of family extends FAR beyond that table.”
“From my first day, everyone on the cast and crew welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like a part of the team,” the post continued. “I’m beyond thankful for all these wonderful people and will cherish the art and memories we created. Keep shining! And thank you to all the fans who have watched for 14 seasons! We could not have done this without you #bluebloods.”
Fans gathered in the comments section of the post to praise Ian for his work in the series.
“Miss Badillo already! great work on this show, Ian! looking forward to your next project,” one person said, while another said, “I’ve enjoyed watching you on Blue Bloods. Can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you!”
Vanessa, 43, gave an incredible performance in the episode when Eddie found out her partner died.
“On the eve of our last episode, I’m thinking about my partners. We used to laugh about the number of times we were scripted to say “I need a partner I can trust…” I assure you I trust Will, Yasha, Lauren and Ian with my life. My confidants, my pastors, my mirrors, my guides,my friends. This is a bond that will last forever. Thank you. I love you. Always. @willestes101 @yasha_fierce @pattenlauren @allidoisquin @bluebloods_cbs,” the actress wrote on Instagram.
“You and Will were and are iconic. The acting chemistry y’all had together was there that first scene in season 4,” one person commented underneath the post.
Another fan said, “I’m so sad this has come to an end. One of the best tv shows out there and CBS cancels it. The shows they brought in are so bad. Hope to see all of you in other shows.”
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