Blue Bloods has been a staple of network TV since 2010. It is equal parts family drama and procedure, all wrapped up in a package of Reagan ruggedness. While Tom Selleck’s Frank Reagan holds the moral fort of the NYPD from 1 Police Plaza, it is Donnie Wahlberg’s Detective Danny Reagan who goes out into the streets and gets his hands dirty. With Bo

Turns out, he already has. Season 6’s “Blowback,” which originally aired nine years ago, was a knockout showcase of Wahlberg’s range. It is more than just a suspenseful, morally gray episode. “Blowback” carries itself as a pilot for a series centered on Danny. Wahlberg did not just demand the spotlight; he owned it. If CBS is looking for proof that he’s spinoff ready, this episode is it.

“Blowback” Is Danny Reagan’s Best Test Drive

Wahlberg’s Performance in “Blowback” Proves Danny Reagan Is a Compelling Lead

In “Blowback,” the NYPD is rocked when a well-known gang leader is gunned down just hours after he was acquitted of the murder of a police officer. Justice and revenge blur in a hurry, and at the heart of it is Danny Reagan. Wahlberg’s performance here resonates on something deeper than the usual crime procedural beat. The episode isn’t business as usual. Instead, it’s a test of Danny’s values, gut and belief in the system he’s pledged to serve. Wahlberg delivers a performance that’s raw and full of moral anguish. Every scene that Wahlberg appears in has tension seeping