Treat Williams’ Blue Bloods character, Lenny Ross, was the best friend and former partner of New York City Police Commissioner Francis “Frank” Reagan (Tom Selleck). In a conjunction of the series with real life, both were given a tribute on Friday.
Williams died in real life last June at age 71 after a motorcycle accident, and was last seen in Blue Bloods season 13. In that episode, it was revealed he had cancer.
On Friday, Blue Bloods storyline said Lenny died from that disease.
The story setup saw Frank having to decide whether Lenny’s daughter, arrested after a bar fight, should face prosecution, even as he’s torn over loyalty to his late friend. “He was my best friend. And I’m gonna honor that by doing what’s best for his daughter,” Frank says.
After wrestling with the dilemma, Frank opts for duty over friendship, and gives Tess information on a good defense attorney.
The final scene has the family, as tradition dictates, gathered for a meal.
“Lenny Ross was my oldest friend, my closest confidant, my getaway driver,” Frank says. “And I lost him this week. And it hurts like hell. But Lenny would hate it if we got all teary and quiet and sad, so Lenny: We’ll miss ya. And save me a seat at your table, and I’ll see ya on down the road.”
The episode concludes with a tribute graphic: “In memory of our great friend, Treat Williams 1951-2023.” It was atop a photo of Williams and Selleck.