Harlee Santos (played by Jennifer Lopez) is a charismatic single mother and resourceful detective at the heart of a tight-knit crew of Brooklyn detectives. Led by enigmatic Lt. Matt Wozniak (Ray Liotta), this team often operates outside the boundaries of the law to protect their precinct and their own interests. Six months after surviving dual near-death experiences, Harlee and Wozniak respond differently to their respective traumas. While Harlee attempts to start anew and reject the shortcuts and temptations that surround her, Wozniak embarks on a vengeance quest, driven to reclaim his standing and domain in the world of small-time corruption and effective policing.
The Final Season: A Mixed Legacy
Sputtering to an unsatisfying conclusion after 3 seasons, the NBC cop series Shades of Blue left little impact on Jennifer Lopez's brand or the crime drama genre as a whole. Despite its promising premise and strong performances from its lead actors, the show struggled to maintain consistent ratings and critical acclaim.
Season 3 marked the culmination of Harlee Santos' journey, wrapping up her story with a fitting send-off. Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta delivered compelling performances throughout the final episodes, bringing depth and nuance to their characters' complex relationships and moral dilemmas.
A Brief Recap of Shades of Blue
Shades of Blue originally premiered in 2016, quickly establishing itself as a gritty crime drama set against the backdrop of New York City. The series followed Detective Harlee Santos, a dedicated officer balancing her responsibilities as a single mother while navigating the murky waters of police corruption. Under the leadership of Lt. Matt Wozniak, Harlee and her team frequently blurred the lines between right and wrong, often justifying illegal actions as necessary for protecting their community.
Created by Adi Hasak, the show featured a talented ensemble cast, including Drea de Matteo and Dayo Okeniyi, who added layers to the unfolding narrative. However, despite its initial buzz and high-profile star power, the series faced challenges maintaining momentum over its three-season run.
Season 3: The Final Chapter
On March 17, 2017, NBC renewed Shades of Blue for a third season. Unlike the previous two seasons, which each consisted of 13 episodes, Season 3 was shortened to 10 episodes. Filming began in April 2017 in New York City, capturing the authentic atmosphere of the city streets where much of the action unfolded.
On April 4, 2018, it was announced that Season 3 would be the last. The series finale aired on August 19, 2018, concluding Harlee's story arc with a mix of resolution and lingering questions. Critics praised the performances but noted the series' inability to fully capitalize on its potential.
Ratings and Reception
The third and final season of Shades of Blue hit a new series low in its premiere on Sunday, June 17, 2018. The Season 3 opener averaged a 0.6 rating in adults 18-49 and attracted approximately 3.5 million viewers—a decline of nearly 40% in the demo and just over 30% in total viewership compared to the previous season.
While the ratings may not have reflected the quality of the storytelling, fans appreciated the emotional depth and character development that defined the series. For many, the farewell season provided closure and showcased the talents of its cast.
James Kaplan's 3 Shades of Blue: A Different Perspective
Beyond the world of television, the title 3 Shades of Blue also refers to a critically acclaimed book by Frank Sinatra biographer James Kaplan. This triple biography explores the lives of jazz legends Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans during one of the most transformative periods in jazz history.
Published to widespread acclaim, 3 Shades of Blue delves into the personal struggles, creative triumphs, and cultural significance of these iconic musicians. Kaplan weaves together their backstories, offering readers insight into the golden era of jazz and the recording of the legendary album Kind of Blue.
Though unrelated to the TV series, Kaplan's work shares thematic parallels with Shades of Blue, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of greatness amidst adversity.
Conclusion
While Shades of Blue may not have achieved blockbuster success, its three-season run offered viewers a compelling glimpse into the complexities of urban policing and the human condition. With memorable performances and thought-provoking storylines, the series remains a notable entry in Jennifer Lopez's acting career and the broader landscape of crime dramas.
For those who appreciate nuanced storytelling and morally ambiguous characters, both the TV series and James Kaplan's 3 Shades of Blue offer rich opportunities to explore the shades of gray that define our world.
