Fans who have long been captivated by the simmering chemistry between Maria Baez (Marisa Ramirez) and Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) on “Blue Bloods” were finally rewarded when the duo took their relationship to new heights in the premiere of “Boston Blue.” After years of playful banter and subtle flirtations, the pair transitioned their bond from professional partners to romantic interests, a development that many had eagerly anticipated.

This exciting evolution was confirmed in a memorable way, as viewers witnessed Danny and Maria in what appeared to be an intimate moment, marking a year since they first ventured into romance. Throughout the episode, Danny didn’t shy away from referring to Maria as his girlfriend, a testament to their deepening connection. However, this newfound happiness faced a sobering challenge when Danny received the devastating news that his son, Sean (Mika Amonsen), had been gravely injured in an explosion. With Sean on life support, Danny was compelled to leave Maria in New York to tend to his son.

This narrative development was a deliberate and meaningful choice for the show’s creative team. “Brandon [Sonnier, executive producer of ‘Boston Blue’] and I wanted to address the unresolved elements from the finale and deliver on what was anticipated,” explained co-showrunner Brandon Margolis in an interview with Variety. “The big question was the outcome of their pizza date. We endeavored to make this show feel like a seamless continuation of that storyline in a realistic timeline.” Margolis highlighted the importance of honoring “Blue Bloods” fans who had long envisioned Danny and Maria’s romantic journey. For now, the couple remains strong, and Ramirez is optimistic about their future.

Marisa Ramirez is set to reprise her role in at least one more episode of “Boston Blue” Season 1. The actress eagerly embraced the opportunity to delve back into Maria’s story and expressed confidence in the potential longevity of her character’s relationship with Danny. “After more than a decade of friendship, they have the ability to adapt and explore what lies ahead,” she shared with TV Insider. “I believe they’re both mature enough to make it work.”

Marisa Ramirez will appear in at least one more episode during Season 1 of “Boston Blue.” The actress admits that she jumped at the chance to reprise her role and thinks Danny and Maria have a fair shot at a long-lasting romance. “After over more than a 10-year-long friendship, they can adjust and shift and see what happens,” she told TV Insider. “I think they’re both mature enough to handle it.”

She sang a different tune while speaking to Us magazine, however. “You should always worry about long distance,” she said, adding, “You never know what’s gonna happen. Always worry.” Ramirez also said that she has no idea what her future on “Boston Blue,” might be, but can easily imagine her character moving to Boston to live with Danny, her adopted daughter Elena in tow. She told fans to expect “a little bit of push and pull and back and forth until something does happen” regarding the couple’s relationship.

Ramirez added that she enjoys it when there’s a lot of conflict between a couple, which means that fans might have to brace themselves for a bit of a fight until things shake out either way. “Boston Blue” airs on Friday nights at 10:00 p.m. ET on CBS-TV.