Tom Selleck runs the NYPD in 'Blue Bloods'

Think multigenerational New York Irish-Catholic cops. Now, think Tom Selleck. Now, mash them all together and you have "Blue Bloods."

Selleck as NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan is a bigger-than-life boss who lost a son - a uniformed cop - in the line of duty; he's also a widower. One surviving son, Danny (Donnie Wahlberg), is a detective; another, Jamie (Will Estes), is a newly minted cop; daughter Erin (Bridget Moynahan) is an assistant D.A.

In Friday night's episode, a little girl is snatched off the street. Danny to the rescue. But his policing methods are brusque, and his sister has to explain the law to him.

MY SAY

Networks that put new shows on Fridays at 10 are typically sending a message - to viewers and showrunners - and it's not often an encouraging one. But not necessarily at CBS. "Numb3rs" propped up this TV graveyard for years, now "Blue Bloods" is on duty. CBS has reason for optimism. Its producers are Mitch Burgess and Robin Green; Burgess was a hugely important member of "The Sopranos'" creative team.

Selleck has a loyal fan base, too, and he looks great here - his trademark 'stache and chin cleft as prominent as ever. The New York City we see in "Blue Bloods" is not a Potemkin village on some back lot. Shot here, the show bleeds street life and culture in just about every scene. However, the dialogue is surprisingly plodding and unrevealing.

BOTTOM LINE

Forgive the pun, but this brass needs polishing. The Green/Burgess team is one of TV's best and we hope they'll make this show as sharp and compelling as it should be.

GRADE

B-