Blue Bloods Season 1 Episode 17 Silver Star

The Blue Bloods season 1 episode 17, titled "Silver Star," revolves around the Reagan family and their responsibilities as law enforcement officers in New York City. The episode begins with a ceremony honoring Detective Jim Gillway, a Vietnam War veteran who is about to receive the Silver Star. Detective Danny Reagan is in attendance and meets Gillway's granddaughter, Erin, who is there to celebrate her grandfather's achievement.

Gillway begins to feel ill and Danny offers to take him home. On the way, Gillway reveals that he doesn't feel deserving of the Silver Star because of an incident that happened during the war. He tells Danny that he and his fellow soldiers were out on a patrol when they came under heavy fire. One of the soldiers panicked and retreated, leaving Gillway and the rest of the team vulnerable. Gillway had to make a difficult decision, which ultimately saved the lives of his fellow soldiers, but resulted in the death of the retreating soldier.

Back at the precinct, Danny discusses the case with his partner, Jackie. They discover that the soldier who retreated was actually Aaron Gervitz, a man who is now running for public office. They also learn that Gervitz was dishonorably discharged from the army, but has been lying about his military service to gain popularity among voters.

Meanwhile, Gillway's health takes a turn for the worse and he is rushed to the hospital. His family is devastated, but they are comforted by the fact that Gillway will receive the Silver Star before he passes away. Danny and Erin grow close during this time and Danny begins to question whether he is living his life to the fullest.

As the investigation into Gervitz continues, Danny and Jackie uncover a web of lies and deception. Gervitz has been paying a man to pose as a veteran and appear in his campaign ads. They also discover that Gervitz is responsible for the death of a fellow soldier who refused to lie about his military service. In the end, Gervitz is arrested for his crimes and Detective Gillway receives the Silver Star in a touching ceremony.

Throughout the episode, the Reagan family grapples with their own feelings about military service and the sacrifices that come with it. Frank, the patriarch of the family and the Police Commissioner, reflects on his own time serving in the military and the lessons he learned about leadership. His son Jamie, a patrol officer, struggles with the idea of risking his life for his job and wonders if he is truly making a difference in the world.

Overall, "Silver Star" is a poignant episode that dives deep into the themes of honor, sacrifice, and duty. The performances are strong, particularly by Tom Selleck as Frank Reagan and Donnie Wahlberg as Danny. The episode also raises important questions about the treatment of veterans and the importance of telling the truth about one's military service. With its compelling storyline and emotional depth, it is a standout episode in the first season of Blue Bloods.