“Tom Selleck on the Key Differences Between Jesse Stone and Blue Bloods’ Frank Reagan”

Tom Selleck has pointed out the stark contrast between his two iconic roles as Jesse Stone and Frank Reagan, emphasizing the distinct lines each character adheres to. Before taking on the role of Frank Reagan on Blue Bloods, Selleck was already well-known for playing Jesse Stone in the Jesse Stone TV movie series. Though both characters share Selleck’s portrayal, their personalities and approaches to law enforcement couldn’t be more different.

Frank Reagan, the NYPD commissioner, is a principled, family-oriented man who always upholds the law, even when faced with personal challenges. On the other hand, Jesse Stone is a deeply flawed, nihilistic, and often lonely man, struggling with alcoholism and a troubled past. The rules for Stone, as set by his creator, were clear: he’s constantly haunted by his ex-wife, and he will always battle a drinking problem. This darker persona sets him apart from Frank, who, despite his burdens, has a supportive family and a more conventional approach to his duties.

While the two men both seek justice, their methods are worlds apart. Selleck explained that Frank’s role as a cop requires him to follow the law to the letter, even when it’s difficult. He may enforce laws he doesn’t agree with, but he does so because of his unshakeable moral compass. In contrast, Jesse Stone is more of a rogue figure. Selleck described him as a small-town sheriff who “makes up his own rules” when necessary. This flexible moral code allows Stone to take justice into his own hands, even if it means stepping outside the boundaries of the law.

Selleck, who had initially hoped to balance both Blue Bloods and the Jesse Stone movies, found it increasingly difficult as his Blue Bloods schedule became more demanding. In 2011, while filming Blue Bloods season two, he also starred in Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost, the seventh entry in the series. In this particular film, Jesse is at his lowest point, unemployed and battling his personal demons, yet still committed to his own version of justice.

While Frank Reagan holds fast to his idealistic values, even when faced with corruption or personal sacrifice, Jesse Stone is willing to bend or even break the rules to achieve his goal of bringing criminals to justice. Frank’s sense of duty keeps him in check, even when his own moral compass is tested, while Jesse is more inclined to act outside the system, using extreme measures if necessary. Ultimately, it’s the price Stone pays for his uncompromising belief that his actions, however flawed, serve a greater good, even if it means isolating himself and facing personal ruin.

For Jesse, doing the right thing often comes at a great cost, but as Selleck puts it, he’s “very effective in getting the people he thinks should be gotten” — even if it means doing so through methods that are less than legal.