“Vanessa Ray Shares Her Thoughts on Filming the Final Episode of ‘Blue Bloods’”

“End of Tour” – The Reagan family comes together in a race against time to prevent deadly chaos in New York City when the city’s gangs unite to demand amnesty for imprisoned members and those awaiting trial.

I had the chance to sit down with Vanessa Ray via Zoom to talk about what fans can expect from Jamko, how Eddie’s storyline mirrors real-life experiences, her final days on set, and more. Keep reading for our final conversation on Blue Bloods!

To kick things off, are you satisfied with how the series concludes?

Vanessa Ray:
Yes, I think it really checks all the boxes for what fans love about the show. We get the epic family dinner, an intense storyline, and a resolution for the characters. As for my character, Kevin Wade, the showrunner, came to us early in the season, around episode 8, and shared what was going to happen. It was such a gut punch for me and the other person involved in the storyline. At first, we weren’t sure how to feel about it, but once we read the script, it was so beautiful and breathtaking. The entire team was so committed to handling the final moments with care and respect. Even though I’m not happy that it’s over, I feel like we really gave it our all—nothing was left on the table.

That’s so important. Can you tease anything about Eddie and Jamie? I’m definitely one of those fans hoping for a happy ending for them.

Vanessa Ray:
Well, I think if you’ve been following closely, you’ve noticed some shifts in where Eddie and Jamie’s relationship is heading. For a long time, Eddie didn’t think she could have a child, mainly because of the dangerous nature of their jobs and the tumultuous history of the Reagan family. There was so much loss, so much heartache in the family that Eddie had doubts about whether it was the right choice for her. But over this last season, we really explored Eddie’s journey of reconciling her fears. She came to understand that some of her hang-ups were more about her own family background, rather than the Reagan family’s dynamic. It’s been really moving to see her evolve in that way.

And on a personal note, I became a mom this year, so I’m not sure if that influenced the storyline at all, but it was interesting to see how Eddie’s story mirrored my own experiences in a way.

Congratulations on becoming a mom! Your baby is absolutely adorable. How has the cast reacted to your little one?

Vanessa Ray:
Thank you! He’s the cutest baby in the world, and I feel so lucky. Everyone on the show has been so supportive. They were all so excited to meet him, offering to babysit, bringing clothes, and giving toys. It’s been amazing. I even got to bring him to set with me, which was such a special experience. I’m not sure if Eddie’s journey was influenced by my motherhood, but it certainly made playing the role more personal.

It’s beautiful to see that connection between life and art. You mentioned that Eddie’s decision to embrace motherhood was more about reconciling with her own past. Can you elaborate on that shift and how you approached it?

Vanessa Ray:
Yes, exactly. Eddie didn’t feel any outside pressure to have children, which is rare in families. So many families are constantly pushing for grandchildren or to see the next generation, but the Reagan family didn’t put that pressure on her. It allowed Eddie to grow naturally, to reflect on her past and find healing through her relationship with Jamie. She’s someone who entered law enforcement to correct her father’s wrongs, but that can only take her so far. Finding love, being loved, and finally having the security of a family where conflict is present but love is never lost—it’s been a huge part of her emotional growth. And as she faces situations that involve children, she begins to realize that she may be ready to open her heart to motherhood after all.

I think a lot of fans will be excited to see this growth for Eddie and Jamie. It’s been such a rewarding journey for their relationship.

Vanessa Ray:
I’m glad you feel that way. It’s been an incredible ride, and it’s so rewarding to see the fans connect with them. I think that, in the end, they’ve both found a sense of belonging and stability within each other, and that’s been really beautiful to portray.