Nicky Reagan-Boyle (Sami Gayle) was a welcome presence at the Sunday family dinners on “Blue Bloods.” She often provided a unique perspective on whatever the case of the week was before going off to college to pursue her own career. Her overall absence on the show has been pronounced, especially seeing how she had a fair share of impactful storylines throughout the seasons.
When speaking with Glitter Magazine in 2020, Gayle brought up the one storyline she thought was the most important out of all of them: “Nicky was sexually assaulted by her boss. I was thrilled that Blue Bloods made the effort to help normalize the discussion and prevalence of such experiences. But, it was challenging to bring that story to life in a way that would do justice to all of the individuals who have gone through that.” It was undoubtedly difficult subject matter for Gayle to pursue, but based on the audience’s reaction to the episode, she did it justice.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Fans loved seeing Nicky stand up for herself
“Blue Bloods” Season 8, Episode 15, “Legacy” sees Nicky take on a new job without using the “Reagan” last name because she wants to show she can get far in life without relying on being a Reagan. Her new boss invites her over to his apartment (she refuses to go in) and attempts to kiss her at the office. She winds up walking out with several other women following suit, and many fans thought it was a great episode that showed how women need solidarity to stand up to creeps like Nicky’s boss.
Around the time “Legacy” came out in 2018, Stop Street Harassment released a study finding that 81% of women experienced sexual harassment of some variation. Sadly, this makes the subject matter of the episode depressingly relevant, but many women thought the show portrayed Nicky well under the circumstances. @AndorianIP wrote on Twitter, “GO NICKI! course she shoulda kneed him in the groin! #bluebloods and then quit! and then reported him!” Meanwhile, @MaryKirkLowe1 offered praise for the episode at large, “What a brave woman Nikki..you showed those other women they don’t have to be treated like that for a job..#BlueBloods great show tonight.”
It’s only natural for Sami Gayle to feel nervous about pursuing such a sensitive matter, but it seems like her and the “Blue Bloods” team portrayed it well on screen. If even one woman watching it felt less alone, then it was worth doing.