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PDF versionCatholic upbringing influences script writer's 'Blue Bloods' work
by Sr. Camille D'Arienzo on Nov. 15, 2011
Siobhan Byrne O'Connor enjoys her life as wife to Daniel O'Connor and mother of their three children, ages 12, 8 and 6.
"My children and my family are my greatest joy," she said. "I have a terrific husband and so I feel like I've won some cosmic jackpot."
Siobhan O'ConnorShe's also happy in her chosen career as script writer and supervising producer of the popular television series "Blue Bloods."
Being a devout Catholic in a media world not ordinarily sympathetic to the church presents its own range of challenges; however, Siobhan is personable and competent. She also has a powerful ally in the industry, David Black, creator of "Law and Order," under whose tutelage she began her career. He recognized and encouraged her talent, and about 18 years ago, suggested I meet this talented newcomer to the world of scriptwriting.
Camille: Siobhan, what is it like for a practicing Catholic to be working in the entertainment industry?
Unfortunately, the Catholic church isn't held in high regard. The church does so many wonderful things, but most people are unaware of them. It's becoming acceptable to bash the Catholic church in ways other religions don't experience. Much of that is a result of the sex scandals and how they were handled and also the negative stereotyping of women religious. Then some Catholics have horror stories about their school experiences. I always insist that mine were just the opposite.
In what ways?
My recollections of Catholic school could not be more different than the widely accepted vision of the nun in black habit brandishing a ruler. I had very kind, socially active, devoted sisters who stayed after school on their own time and for no money to help students who were falling behind. These Amityville Dominicans created "no child left behind." They went above and beyond not only to teach, but to cater to the students as whole persons. The sisters really helped foster smart, socially conscious individuals.
Did they impact your current career?
They were a reason I went into writing. At St. Agnes High School in College Point (N.Y.) I joined the yearbook and newspaper staffs. The nun who was principal at the time actually paid for me and a few other girls to fly to Ohio University for a workshop to improve the yearbook.
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Does the faith they imparted affect your view of life?
I love that at the root of Catholicism is a belief in forgiveness and the encouragement to use it liberally.
Say a little more about that.
Throughout grammar school and high school the sisters instilled in us that there's no right time for revenge. Thinking about forgiveness helps me to look at everything from the other person's perspective. That attitude is essential for a writer too.
Who else most influenced your belief system?
My mother and grandmother. Growing up, I spent many summers in Ireland. Until my grandmother passed away at 95 she went to Mass every day. Around the town where she lived some people who didn't know her name referred to her as "the God-be-with-you-woman" because that is the phrase --"God be with you" -- she would use to everyone: shopkeepers, neighbors, mail carriers, etc. My mother's the same. She's a very devoted churchgoer and has been a caretaker her whole life. I attribute a great deal of my success to her religious devotion because I'm often the object of her intentions!
Did any particular event affect your faith?
I had an uncle who was a World War II veteran. He never married and lived in an apartment on New York's Upper East Side. He used to spend one night a week at our house, so he was very much a part of our family. As a volunteer in his parish, Our Lady of Good Counsel, he was supposed to usher out the homeless men and women when it was time to lock the church. Because he was such a kind-hearted soul, he would give them his own money to leave so they could get something to eat. ... One week, he didn't show up for his weekly sleepover and we couldn't reach him by phone, so my brother and I drove to his apartment and found him dead.
Because he lived alone, we had to deal with the medical examiner's office, the NYPD and funeral homes who rattled off prices and procedures. Dealing with these agencies was particularly devastating because they treat death as a business. It was only when we turned to the church that I felt someone cared that this was not just a body to be disposed of, but a soul to be tended to. It really hit home that one of the things the church gives us is a sense of dignity, respect and a place in the world, a meaningful existence. My uncle's parish scheduled a memorial mass for him that included several priests and deacons. It was very beautiful and in a week that I remember as one of the most stressful in my life, it was the first time I felt peace and I understood a basic human need that the church fulfills, and that is the acknowledgement that we are all important in God's eyes.
Has your image of God changed over the years?
The thing that has changed most about my image of God is that I no longer have an image. I don't think in terms of an image at all. The idea of that is too tangible. So while I grew up with all the religious images and icons from paintings to stained glass windows, I don't think of God in a visual way, but I guess in a more visceral way. I don't think of God personified, but more of a presence based on feeling, not intellect.
"Blue Bloods" is about a crime-fighting family. Has your belief system had an impact on the storylines?
I've been able to explore weighty subjects. An episode I have shooting now has two storylines ... one is about a man who has spent 18 years in prison for rape, and new DNA exonerates him. Frank (Tom Selleck), as the arresting officer, has to grapple with the consequences of this. The other story is about three innocent kids who are gunned down in a park in broad daylight. Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) catches the case, and throughout he is driven by the need to find out who killed them and why. And the more the case seems to indicate it was a random shooting the more he wants an answer, because the idea that senseless violence has invaded his world (which is usually filled with motive and opportunity) is so discomforting. What is so great about "Blue Bloods" and what makes it so different is the family element. We don't just explore crime stories, but use them more as a jumping-off point to explore the family's relationships, beliefs and journeys. We not only tackle larger societal questions and concerns, but how they impact a family that is enmeshed in law enforcement and the legal system. Because this is an Irish-American, Catholic family the writers are free to explore issues of faith and culture.
Does the fact that your husband's a police officer help your work on "Blue Bloods"?
Yes. He gives me a lot of insight into law enforcement and what it's like to be a cop. But he also helps me creatively. Dan comes from a family of cops. Four cousins growing up in the same house chose that career.
Does anything in the church distress you?
I have three children who attend Catholic school and I am very disheartened by the way the schools are being overseen. There is a change taking place within the next three to five years where schools will no longer be "parish-based" but will be separate entities. They will have committees overseeing the principal's decisions, and not once, as a Catholic school parent, have I been invited to a meeting to discuss these widespread changes, or asked for my input. ... Catholic school parents should be the first ones that the bishop reaches out to when making these decisions. We are, after all, the ones sacrificing to send our children to school, and I find when talking to other Catholic school parents that there is a growing resentment and distrust because of this. The Catholic Church, in my opinion, is not doing nearly enough to preserve these great institutions.
How do you pray?
Driving in my car, or kneeling in church. And of course, every time I press that send button, with a script attached.
[Mercy Sr. Camille D'Arienzo, broadcaster and author, has written a soon-to-be-published book titled Stories of Forgiveness.]
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IRISH CATHOLIC IN NYC ......
IRISH CATHOLIC IN NYC ...... Thanks so much, Camille, for that interesting and, at times, even moving story about one woman's effort to intergrate her Irish Catholic traditions with the realites of working and raising a family in NYC. As a son of Irish Catholic immigrants, it triggers many fond memories.
While I engage so often at NCR in the struggles with the Roman clique, it is refreshing to be reminded that real Catholics are impacted by these struggles. You can't spend $3 billion on a flawed child sexual abuse legal strategy and avoid closing schools and churches.
There may, however, be some positive changes coming.
For more information on the positive developments, please note the NCR comment and related cross links under the comment heading, "US ELECTIONS AND SEX ABUSE WARS" , accessible by clicking on at:
http://ncronline.org/news/politics/obama-meets-quietly-head-us-bishops
Thanks much for your work on
Thanks much for your work on Blue Bloods. The ways the faith and church are presented, especially in the ways you look at the sex abuse crisis from multiple angles, and most importantly, the ways in which the show presents the practice of the faith as normal, helpful and important in ordinary life are much appreciated.
Fr. Rick Malloy, S.J.
Vice President for University Ministries
The University of Scranton.
After a long week of teaching
After a long week of teaching high school students, I wind down on Friday nights in front of the TV and enjoy good, responsible, intelligent drama. Thanks!
I'm beginning to think I am
I'm beginning to think I am alone thinking this way, but I keep seeing the work "cop" used instead of "police officer" in headlines and articles. My gut reaction is that it is disrespectful and not appropriate. But if an officer's wife uses the word "cop", perhaps I am reading too much into it. None-the-less, I'll avoid the word and stick with "police officer".
You have elucidated a very
You have elucidated a very important issue ! The art and science of social administration requires a constant awareness of maintaining one's dignity in the face of the dark underside of human nature. Civic security is always under scrutiny for the protection of everyone's rights. The image of the professional described in the moniker " Police Officer " is a carefully constructed trust embrace that needs constant tending. Whereas, " Cop " , gets to the simple consistency of execution that reinforces that trust in a concrete way all day everyday. The dynamic balancing act that is employed in maintaining the resultant duality is a challenging and rewarding vocation. I'm pretty sure that most of the personnel involved in this committment don't mind the illusion of ambiguity. We've been introduced to the " Good Cop, Bad Cop " style of interview assessment in popular culture. Complementarity is necessary for full spectrum equity in fulfilling the universal needs of the culture. On TV we have been introduced to teams of Rookie and Veteran , Male and Female etc. Just as in the life of the individual in family or work life, the Ideal and the Practical must be melded and adapted to constant change. This is analagous to the titular variegations Mother / Mom , Sister / Sis, Supervisor /Boss, Captain / Skipper etc. God Herself enjoys a wide variety of titles that address Her inestimable nature. Notably, the affectation " Abba " is most closely translated as " Daddy ". In the Middle East, certain traditions refer to a God of a thousand names. Mary allows persons like myself to encounter the " Mommy " image of the Divine nature. Denying law enforcement omni-dimensional planes of perception, like the facets of a precious gemstone, will eradicate the true genius of our culture.
Cop = Constable On Patrol.
Cop = Constable On Patrol. Nothing more, nothing less.
I'll bet that most "police officers" refer to themselves among themselves as cops.
Thanks Jim, I did not know
Thanks Jim, I did not know that and am pleased to know the orgin of the word. Yet, that does not, automatically, make it respectful. I guess I am responding to a conotation that does not make me feel that I am being respectful, which I would like to be. I, certainly, know that when I was growing up, although it was used, it was not considered a proper and respectful way to address any law inforcement official. It still feels that way to me, so I will avoid the term and stick with "police officer".
As to your bet that most police officers refer to themselves as "cops", you are probable correct, as the article indicates, the wife of the officer does the same.
I've read that "cop" is short
I've read that "cop" is short for "copper" and originates from the copper badges worn by the NYC police, who were the first to wear uniforms.
I wish the younger brother
I wish the younger brother would not be involved with mafia, but the script would have him get involved with the drug problems with prescription drugs. It is a major problem with younger people who are robbing pharmacies and homes and people.The jails are crowded now and so many are so addicted and it would be better to have him involved with these crimes now.Many stories how each one got addicted and what they did then or who helped them get what they needed like a priest or a nun (not in a habit).
HELLO SISTER CAMILLE I AM A
HELLO SISTER CAMILLE I AM A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER AND ORG THE SUNDAY SCHOOL IN PAKISTAN I AM A HEALING EVENGLIST AND PRECHER I LIKE YOUR SITE VERY MUCH ITS VERY GOOD SITE FOR NEEDY AND POOR'S GOD BLESS YOU IN EACH OF YOUR WORK AND YOUR MINISTRIES YOUR MINISTRIES WILL DOVELOP BY THE GRACE OF GOD AND BLOOD OF THE CHRIST (AMEN)
Dear Sr. Camille, Thank you
Dear Sr. Camille,
Thank you so much for this interview. "Blue Bloods" is definitely my favorite tv show. It has intelligent writing, drama, believable stories, and most of all very beautiful family relationships. I especially enjoy the segment each week around the Sunday dinner table.
I hope more people watch this wonderful show.
As usual, S. Camille's
As usual, S. Camille's preliminary and follow-up questions enliven a great discussion with Siobhan---thoughtful and uplifting reading. (One would hope the children's Catholic schools/diocese will follow up after her comments, too!) Thank you both.
Blue bloods is one of my
Blue bloods is one of my favourite T.V. shows!!
One of the episodes featured a Catholic Priest by the name of...Fr. John McMurray. I am interested in finding out who selected the name.
I once knew a Priest by that name.
I am hopeful that I will get an e-mail reply to my question.
Thank you in Advance,
God Bless.
"Blue Bloods" is, indeed,
"Blue Bloods" is, indeed, exceptionally well written, and it was interesting to learn that Ms O'Connor is as likeable as she is talented. The show was unanimously voted, at our house, the best one introduced in the past couple of years, and she has obviously made an essential contribution to its quality.
But...
It's obvious from both the interview and the posted comments that we don't look on this kind of show purely as entertainment. Instead, our favorable opinions often reflect what we think of the social and ethical values the show seems to uphold --and that's as it should be. A police drama that didn't tackle serious social issues would itself lack any seriousness and would be that much less interesting. But there's a downside, and that's the slippery slope toward what might be called propatainment (or enterganda), in which entertainment subtly or overtly puts across propaganda favoring a particular political ideology. Unfortunately, an element of propatainment has become increasingly evident on "Blue Bloods." I keep hoping I'm mistaken, but so far we've had the following:
* a cheap shot at Al Sharpton and MSNBC (in the episode with the self-seeking, crooked, and ruthless activist minister)
* a defense of Donald Rumsfeld, whose downfall is attributed to speaking of "known unknowns," forsooth!
* a swipe at public-employee unions, in the episode where the commissioner is shown as attentive to the best interests of those under his command, while the union leader is a hack out of touch with the rank and file (that episode must have earned raves from Scott Walker).
No doubt some viewers will be pleased, but I think it's a pity. As for anyone who doubts the existence of propatainment: ask yourself why advertising is so lucrative, and why product placement in movies and on TV is so sought after, if entertainment can't influence opinions or behavior.
I just watched an episode of
I just watched an episode of "Blue Bloods" in which the Police Commissioner is troubled by how his friend who was in the North Tower with him on 9/11 is in the hospital dieing. Thank you for the reference to God being in control of all our lives and how He is the one who helps us in our time of need, and how He alone understands His reasons and purposes. It was so encouraging to me especially with so much being portrayed on television to the opposite view. I appreciate the respect and honor given to God. As one who has faced many trials in life, I have trusted in God and he has always provided strength and courage to persevere through without growing bitter or resentful. If it weren't for the confidence I have in the Bible being the absolute truth, the things I have faced in this life would have only left me a bitter old woman. As it is, I have joy and, more importantly, peace. Thank you again for this portrayal!
I do not watch television
I do not watch television very much because I increasingly feel alienated from much of what our culture enjoys as entertainment. I originally tuned in to the program because I enjoy Tom Selleck but I have come to apreciate the refreshing portrayals of a family whose lives are informed by a religious belief, talks about it openly and often grapples with the meaning of it. I applaud the writers, producers and actors of this series for having the courage to offer stories which deal with faith and family in such a positive way. Thank you!
As an active christian,
As an active christian, although not a Roman Catholic, I deeply appreciate the writing and story development of Blue Bloods. I thank you for the article/interview with one of the writers. This show has done much to confront the bias that is present in todays media concerning the christian faith. The bias and attacks go far beyond the Roman Catholic Church. It seems it is Ok to belittle and make fun of anything christian. All the worst sterotypes are dredged up. You would never see the same treatment of other world religions. So to have a well written and honest portrayal of an extended family that honors prayer, faith, their religion, and humanity as a whole is so refreshing that it brings forth a sense of awe. Awe for the writers, the producer, the actors, and the network all who are bringing us this great new drama. The writing is so exceptional that the show has become the favorite of a viewing audience that includes, police, their families, the members of the Roman Catholic Church, the wider christian community, and dare I say any person of faith it matters not world religion. I pray that all those involved in the production of Blue Bloods will continue to bring the viewing public many years of vibrant episodes. Thank you to Siobhan Byrne O'Connor and all the other writers for sharing this great series with us.
I too went to 12 years of
I too went to 12 years of Catholic school. Now I am a civilian member of the NYPD for 39 years. Would love to share some stories and ideas for stories with Siobhan. Love Blue Bloods, it sort of reminds me a little bit of my family. My great grandmother was one of the first 5 female police officers (matrons) back in 1891. Her grandsons, my father and my Uncle Joey were both detectives, my father a Homicide Detective and my Uncle Joey worked in the "Pizza Squad". My godfather was the Squad Sgt. in charge of the Hotel Squad and my brother is a board member with the DEA. The experiences I have range from starting work in a precinct to now working in a detail (Intelligence Division). Hope to hear from you.
I love this show. I
I love this show. I originally tuned in because I am a Tom Selleck fan, but I now tune in because this is an intelligent and simply wonderful and thoughtful show. I would like to see the youngest son Jamie become a priest. Wow, wouldn't that be something? I also especially enjoy the segment each week around the Sunday dinner table and the beautiful family relationships. I tell people to watch this wonderful show. Thank you so much for a show worth tuning in to.
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