Usually, I'm not a fan of exes who break up, get back together, break up, get back together . . .Oh, move on already! is my reaction.
Erin Reagan and Jack Boyle's relationship on Blue Bloods, however, is quite believable. It helps that they don't resort to the revolving bedroom door every season; it does make enormous sense that they continually return to each other's orbit. And not just because of their daughter, Nicky.
In fact, their marriage makes total sense. Sometimes, with real life and television divorcees, the viewer is left thinking, "Good grief. Why did those two people EVER get married?" (Youth is often the raison d'etre.) But the union of Erin Reagan and Jack Boyle makes perfect sense.Erin is the sort of woman who is going to marry someone she works with. She worked with Jack, another lawyer. She likes a challenge--and she is one. Jack is a challenge, and he doesn't back down from Erin. He is also just roguish enough to appeal to her "bad girl" side (she has one--I rather wanted Erin to end up with the art burglar). Yet he is not too much of a rogue. Not always reliable but not a cheater.
It also is completely comprehensible why the marriage didn't work out--their flaws fall into the "explode in our faces" category. The split doesn't come across as contrived or even irresponsible. Although Henry makes his opinion of Jack quite clear--by refusing to shake his hand at Nicky's sweet-sixteen--and Frank is devastating in his critique of Jack, it isn't necessary to "blame" one person. Fact is, Erin and Jack's personalities don't really lend themselves to a peaceful life.
It helps that both actors have a presence. Bridget Moynahan has the posture and profile of a Julie Andrews while Peter Hermann captures ruggedly handsome--with a soupcon of ruefulness.
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| Of course, if Erin truly wanted a calmer life, she'd |
| marry Anthony. Fun! But not as much a roller-coaster. |
