Ep 21. New Rules

In Blue Bloods season 5 episode 21, titled "New Rules", a high-profile shooting involving an NYPD officer leads to a controversial new policy for the force. Detective Danny Reagan (played by Donnie Wahlberg) is caught in the middle of the fallout as he investigates the shooting, working to uncover the truth while navigating the demands of his superiors.

As Danny delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the officer involved may not have been entirely justified in his use of deadly force. The victim, a young African-American man, was unarmed at the time of the shooting, and the circumstances of the confrontation remain murky. Danny's investigation puts him at odds with some of his fellow officers, who argue that the new policy is necessary to ensure their safety in the line of duty. Meanwhile, tensions between the police and the community continue to escalate, threatening to boil over into violence.

At the same time, other members of the Reagan family are dealing with their own professional and personal challenges. Erin (played by Bridget Moynahan) faces pushback from her boss over a controversial case she's working, while her brother Jamie (played by Will Estes) struggles with his growing feelings for his partner, Eddie (played by Vanessa Ray). Their father, Commissioner Frank Reagan (played by Tom Selleck), is also facing pressure from various sides, including the Mayor's Office and his fellow police commissioners.

Throughout the episode, Blue Bloods explores the complexities of policing in a modern, diverse city like New York. The show tackles issues of racial profiling, use of force, and accountability with a nuanced approach, never shying away from the difficult questions. At the same time, it remains a family drama at its core, with the Regan clan always there to support each other through thick and thin.

As the season heads towards its conclusion, tensions continue to rise, and the stakes become even higher. With the weight of the new policy upon his shoulders, Danny must decide whether to toe the line or fight for justice, while his family members all grapple with their own ethical dilemmas. Fans of Blue Bloods won't want to miss this powerful episode, which showcases the best of what the show has to offer: action, drama, and heart.