Boston Blue season 1 episode 4 recap: Who killed Henry Chen?

Boston Blue season 1 episode 4 continues the police procedural set in Boston, blending old-school detective work with layers of family drama. Throughout the season, NYPD Detective Danny Reagan and Boston Detective Lena Silver battle crime in the city and their own personal demons.

From the season's opening deadly tech company fire to matters of loss within the family, the series has received praise for balancing tight investigation scenes with suspense-laden character development.

In Boston Blue season 1 episode 4, Lena and Danny investigate the murder of Henry Chen, a beloved shop owner. The case is tied to a bank robbery plot, and their investigation reveals the killer is involved in the robbery Sarah is managing.

The true culprit turns out to be a getaway driver paired with an accomplice who struck a woman during their escape, linking the hit-and-run to the murder. Henry Chen's death is, therefore, collateral damage from the suspects trying to get themselves out of financial trouble.

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Boston Blue season 1 episode 4 pays tribute to Ben Silver

The family's yahrzeit ceremony in Boston Blue season 1 episode 4 serves as an emotional anchor. The ritual marks the first anniversary of the death of the family's patriarch, Ben Silver. The Silver family and their close friends share emotional stories that recognize Ben's roles as father and stepfather, the kind of big shoes he left to fill, and Ben's ability to be inclusive of his family members around him.

It is a bittersweet ceremony as memories invoke laughter, some of which aren't appropriate to mention. However, it is also painful and triggers feelings of loss and reflects some of the messiness of the blended family.

Lena is deeply affected by her stepfather's legacy and shares that she has decided to convert to Judaism, a decision she had been postponing for her grandfather, whom she owed so much to in her childhood. Lena now wants to convert as a way to preserve some of Ben's memory.

Also read: Boston Blue season 1 cast and characters: Meet the stars behind the series and the characters they play

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What happens to Sarah in Boston Blue season 1 episode 4?

A still from the show (Image via Instagram/@bostonbluecbs)

In Boston Blue season 1 episode 4, Sarah Silver finds herself in a perilous hostage situation at a local bank, motivated by the ongoing robbery. Her tactical approach and decision-making are put to the test under pressure, which demonstrates her strength and resourcefulness. The tension builds up as a body temperature scan reveals two missing people, and the team needs to breach the building.

This action-laden subplot eventually connects the dots between the hostage situation and Henry Chen's murder, broadening the scope of the case. On a separate track, Mae Silver faces a difficult legal decision as she must address the actions of Ben Silver, who, it has come to light, anonymously sentenced a man who is now perceived as rehabilitated.

Mae decides to rectify her husband's judicial error and allows the man to be released.

Also read: Boston Blue season 1 premiere recap: What happens to Sean?

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Other highlights from Boston Blue season 1 episode 4

Behind the scenes of the show (Image via Instagram/@bostonbluecbs)

Other Boston Blue season 1 episode 4 highlights include Danny's efforts to protect his son, Sean, from danger, emphasizing the difficulty of striking a balance between parenting and policing. The partnership between Lena and Danny is becoming increasingly fluid and trusting following their early professional clashes.

Jonah and Sean play "mini detectives," working out an angle on a hit-and-run, providing great depth in their emotional journeys as they try to reconcile losses and family tension. Critical action beats include Danny confronting the criminal during the hostage rescue. Supporting cast growth and accountability are realized when Mae resolves her husband's past mistakes.

Also read: Every cast member from Blue Bloods who appears in the spin-off series Boston Blue explained

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Boston Blue season 1 episode 4 is available to stream on Paramount+.

Edited by Riya Peter