Over the last several weeks I became reacquainted with this TV show due to it being on in the background, often while doing something else. (It turns out some household chores do not require a great deal of focus so the background can become more than background.) It became almost real to me – as if the family could exist in real life, and once I even dreamed of witnessing one of those Sunday family meals. (Yes, I genuinely woke up remembering an exchange with entirely fictional characters; a really realistic political discussion with fictional characters!)
But then I gave it way too much thought and tried to determine how the different characters of this very established New York family would view the 45th president of the United States. While the family is often monolithic in approach to matters of criminality, a good deal of the drama is manufactured by different characters focusing on different aspects of law and of enforcement. In addition, in today’s polarized zeitgeist, if a show is going tackle an issue so complex, it might be a good idea to take all the possible views in order to retain as many viewers as possible. The last consideration I thought was significant is that this group of people have co-existed with Trump in New York for a long time before he was in, then out of office.
I can see three possible realities:
- They are comprised of conservative law enforcement family members and except for possibly a married into the family (Eddie) universally behind Trump. Not quite flag waving MAGAs, but hold the ship, support the cause, Oath- Flag- and Country supporters with wrinkled noses.
- They know he was a slimy criminal when he lived in the city and have never liked or supported him. While Ruby Red Republicans in almost all matters- they find Trump repulsive and never supported him. In fact they are shocked anyone was crazy enough to vote for him in even a primary election let alone a general election.
- A bitter divide that only the love of a good family can tolerate. Henry has become a FOX News Republican who doesn’t care if Trump IS a criminal. He is, by God, our leader and we must support him in all . . . Erin is a typical progressive who sees the evil Trump does (routinely) and despises him (and might know things through the DAs office to support her views). Danny flops every other day sometimes admiring his practical way of addressing problems- but sometimes incensed by the blatant criminality. Jamie sees it as an indictment of our entire system where the systems and guardrails are insufficient and is most concerned with correcting the system itself so it can survive the next nefarious White House occupant. He is entirely indifferent to Trump now that he is out of office. But Frank - - - Francis Xavier is instinctively and institutionally right in all moral matters and has an ability to see things beyond the mortal coil. (He will not quite often but sometimes, take a stand that is inexplicable at the beginning of an episode-- but which proves to be right and moral and correct and even wise by the time the episode ends.) While he is occasionally wrong in small or procedural matters, he always gets the big moral conundrums one-hundred percent correct. In this last scenario, Frank has to hate Trump personally, but perhaps respects the office which gives him a perfect opportunity for his best move – a contemplative scowl. (The this is vexing and complicated look which he does so very well.)
To make this as true to the show and the characters as possible, here is the set-up:
Nicky Reagan-Boyle is serious enough with a guy to bring him to Sunday dinner. During the course of the meal, or while helping to clear dishes before dessert, he mentions that Trump is the most evil man alive and should be in prison. The entire room goes silent, stops what they are doing and turns toward him - - - -
What happens next? I am sure the much better writers and story tellers here can come up with better stuff than my thoughts above.