The best series finales have closure for all the main characters. This is what I would choose for the Reagan family and colleagues. Do you agree?
Epilogue: Twenty years have passed
Judge Erin Reagan is in her chambers, with her court officer, Anthony Abetemarco. He looks at his phone and informs the judge, “Just about time.”
In a church, a priest is kneeling and placing a chalice into the tabernacle. When he stands and turns, it’s Father Sean Reagan. He, too, looks at the time on his phone.
At One Police Plaza, the door to the Commissioner’s office opens. Abigail Baker is sitting behind the desk in a dress uniform. The inner circle is in attendance: Jamie Reagan in dress blues, a woman in a business suit, and a younger Black police officer. Discussion makes it clear that the woman is the media expert and the younger officer is the Commissioner’s aide. Jamie is filling Sid Gormley’s shoes.
Another change of scene to a hospital, where Jack Reagan sheds his white coat and takes a jacket from a locker. He straightens his tie and makes a call. “Siobhan? Leaving now. I’ll swing by to pick up you and the boys.”
At the Reagan home, unchanged by the decades, a balding Danny Reagan and grey-haired Maria bicker about where and when to put out the food. A young woman, wearing a jacket and a detective shield on her belt, enters through the back door. Danny complains, “You’re late.” She replies, “Sorry, Dad. Caught a robbery.” Maria, always a peacemaker, says, “All that matters is you’re here now, Elena.”
Next through the door is Joe Hill, not bald but his hair is thinner. He’s with his wife Megan and teen boy, and they set bags of food on the table. Maria says, “Joey, help Elena put those cookies on a tray. Then it’s time to go.” She gives Danny a familiar look; he nods and ducks out of the kitchen.
Nicki, and her husband D’von are smartly dressed, standing by an open front door. There’s a clip-on badge on the entry table – one has a picture of Nicki, identified as the head of the foster system at New York Department of Social Services. D’von is helping a young girl with a hairbow. Another child, a teen girl, is just outside the door, looking across the street. She calls out, "Everyone's heading out to One PP, we'd better go, Mom."
Danny enters the front parlor, where the patriarch Frank Reagan is standing, looking at a framed photo of his father Henry.
(This isn't Frank’s funeral and the viewers heave a sigh of relief.)
Picking up the photo, Frank says, “You would be so proud today, Pop. Baby Henry...he's a cop.” Frank chokes up a bit on the last word. (me, too) There’s a flashback of Henry and Frank watching a baptism, Jamie and Eddie are the parents.
The scene shifts to Commissioner Baker standing at a podium addressing the latest graduates of the police academy. Among the class is a young man, standing tall. His name tags reads “Reagan.”
After the ceremony, we meet up with Jamie and Eddie, and Henry’s younger sister, Mary Frances.
Back at the Reagan home, the dining table is twice its previous size to accommodate the next generation. Danny sits at the head of the table, with Maria to his right. At the other end is Grandpa Frank.
The mood is boisterous, and the voices are cacophonous until Frank stands.
"Before we say grace, I’d like to speak. Today, I stand before you not just as a retired beat cop and commissioner of this great city, but as a proud member of the Reagan family—a family that has serving others for generations. Five generations to be exact. Service is not just a duty for us; it is a calling, a way of life, and a legacy we hold dear.
From my father, Henry, who served as Police Commissioner before me, to my sons and daughter, my grandsons and granddaughters who have chosen paths of service in their own right, we are bound by a commitment to protect and support our community. My father taught me that being a public servant means more than wearing a badge or a uniform; it means living with integrity, honor, and a profound sense of responsibility.
In our family, service starts at home. We gather every Sunday around the dinner table, not just to share a meal, but to share our lives, our struggles, and our triumphs. We learn from our mistakes and strive to be better each day. This is the Reagan way—undaunted, unwavering, and unbreakable. May we continue to serve with honor, integrity, and a relentless commitment to the greater good. Thank you, and God bless the Reagan family."
Then Frank sits and Father Sean Reagan begins to say grace. The camera fades away.
What do you think? Did I give each character a satisfying future? Let me know in the comments!
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