Marisa Ramirez, best known to fans of Blue Bloods as the sharp, intuitive Detective Maria Baez, has officially stepped into new territory with her debut in Boston Blue—and she’s bringing all her signature fire with her. In a recent interview, Ramirez opened up about what it was like to join the explosive new crime drama and how her experience as Baez shaped her approach to her new role. While Boston Blue marks a shift into darker, more serialized storytelling, Ramirez admitted that the show’s emotional complexity drew her in immediately. “When I read the script, I could feel the tension and heartbreak on every page,” she said. “It’s not just about cops solving cases; it’s about the people behind the badge and the secrets that can tear them apart. I knew I wanted to be part of that world.” In Boston Blue, Ramirez plays Detective Lena Cruz, a skilled investigator with a reputation for following her instincts even when they clash with departmental politics. Her character quickly becomes entangled in the series’ central mystery involving the Walsh family—a dynasty of Boston law enforcement officers whose lives are unraveling under the weight of betrayal and corruption. Ramirez described Lena as “a survivor,” a woman who’s seen too much and trusts too little, yet still clings to a quiet hope that justice can prevail. “She’s strong, but there’s pain behind her eyes,” Ramirez explained. “She’s haunted by choices she’s made, and she’s not afraid to stand up to anyone, even when it costs her.” Fans of Blue Bloods were quick to notice the irony of Ramirez’s new role, given her decade-long portrayal of Baez—a detective whose partnership with Donnie Wahlberg’s Danny Reagan has become one of television’s most beloved pairings. When asked whether Baez and Danny’s story has truly ended, Ramirez smiled. “I don’t think it ever really ends,” she said. “Baez and Danny have such a deep connection. Whether it’s friendship, partnership, or something more, that bond doesn’t just disappear. Even if we don’t see them together every week, I think their story lives on.” The actress also addressed the ongoing fan debate about whether Danny and Baez will ever officially become a couple on Blue Bloods. “It’s been such a slow burn,” she admitted. “I love that the writers have respected the friendship and the history between them. There’s chemistry, of course, but there’s also grief, loyalty, and shared trauma. It’s not a simple love story—it’s two people who’ve carried each other through a lot of darkness.” Ramirez hinted that while she’s fully committed to Boston Blue, she’s not closing the door on future Blue Bloods appearances, teasing that “the world of television is full of surprises.” She also expressed deep gratitude to Wahlberg and Tom Selleck for their mentorship and friendship over the years. “Working with Donnie taught me so much about energy and heart,” she said. “He makes every scene feel alive. And Tom—he’s a legend, but he’s also the kindest, most grounded person on set. I carry a little bit of both of them with me into everything I do now.” The transition from Blue Bloods to Boston Blue has also challenged Ramirez creatively. The new series, known for its gritty tone and cinematic storytelling, allows her to explore deeper emotional layers and moral gray areas. “It’s darker, more raw,” she said. “In Boston Blue, the line between right and wrong is constantly shifting. Lena has to make choices that don’t always feel heroic. That’s what makes her human.” Despite the shift, Ramirez insists she still has immense love for the Blue Bloods universe and its loyal fanbase. “That show changed my life,” she reflected. “It gave me a family, both on and off screen. No matter what happens, Baez will always be a part of me.” As for what fans can expect from her new character, Ramirez promises plenty of surprises. “Lena’s story is going to take viewers on a ride,” she teased. “There’s betrayal, redemption, and a moment in episode three that even shocked me when I read it. She’s tough, but she’s also learning how to trust again.” With Boston Blue off to a blazing start and fans still holding out hope for a Baez and Danny reunion, Marisa Ramirez stands at the center of two beloved worlds—one she helped build and another she’s about to redefine. And if her past work is any indication, she’ll bring the same heart, strength, and authenticity that made Detective Baez unforgettable. “At the end of the day,” she said, “I just want to tell stories that make people feel something. Whether it’s Boston or New York, that’s what it’s all about.”