The Significance of Family Dinners on ‘Blue Bloods’
Family dinners are the heart and soul of the hit CBS show ‘Blue Bloods.’ These scenes, although seemingly simple, are actually the most challenging and time-consuming to film, taking an average of 6 to 8 hours per scene. Behind the scenes, a technical advisor ensures the accuracy of law enforcement details, contributing to the show’s success and longevity.
‘Blue Bloods’ is a beloved series that has been on the air for 13 seasons, following the Reagan family, who are considered the first family of law enforcement in New York City. Led by NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan, played by Tom Selleck, the family includes a detective, an assistant district attorney, a beat cop, and more. The diverse range of professions allows the show to explore various storylines and topics each season.
While action scenes and crime investigations may seem like the most difficult aspects to film, it is actually the family dinner scenes that pose the greatest challenge. These dinners are a tradition in the Reagan family, held every Sunday at Frank’s house. They serve as a way to wrap up the lessons learned by the characters and showcase their growth. The table setting becomes the backdrop for conflicts, words of wisdom, and surprise reveals among the characters.
Despite their seemingly simple nature, these dinner scenes require extensive filming time. Tom Selleck has revealed that they can take up to 6 to 8 hours to complete. This is due to the complexities involved in shooting scenes that involve food. Actors must eat on camera, and when multiple takes are required, they have to consume more of the same dish repeatedly. The lack of variety, combined with the substantial amount of food consumed, makes these scenes particularly challenging.
Prop Master Jim Lillis plays a crucial role in selecting the food props for these scenes. Typically, the Reagans are seen eating potatoes, a vegetable, a roll, and a salad. On some occasions, additional items like pies are included. Lillis has to prepare several duplicates of each dish to accommodate multiple takes while minimizing waste.
Interestingly, the decision to use plastic forks and knives instead of real silverware was made to reduce noise interference from plate clinking picked up by the studio microphones. This attention to detail enhances the viewer’s experience of the scenes.
The family dinner scenes also present logistical challenges as they require the entire cast to be present. However, these gatherings serve as a bonding opportunity for the actors. Tom Selleck, in particular, has shared anecdotes of moments where the cast members interacted and had fun during these shoots.
Behind the scenes, the show benefits from the expertise of James Nuciforo, the technical advisor who has served as a script advisor for law enforcement accuracy. Nuciforo, with over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, ensures that the dialogue and details in the show align with real-world policing. Since 2014, he has also worked as an associate producer and producer for the series.
The family dinners on ‘Blue Bloods’ are more than just a meal; they are the embodiment of the show’s focus on family values. Despite the challenges they pose, these scenes add depth and character development to the series. As ‘Blue Bloods’ gears up for its 14th season, fans can look forward to more Sunday suppers and the continuation of the Reagan family’s story.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
