The Blacklist is an American 2013 crime/action tv series, currently in its 9th successful year on mainstream TV around the world.
The show centres around the character Raymond ‘Red’ Reddington, a criminal mastermind who is at the top of the FBI’s Most Wanted list. The very first episode opens with a bang – after 20 years on the run, Red willingly walks into FBI HQ and hands himself in. Armed with 20+ years of intelligence on other criminals, Red offers the FBI a deal – he will reveal the names of criminals on his ‘Blacklist’ in exchange for full immunity from prosecution. There is one catch – he will only communicate his information to new FBI recruit, Agent Elizabeth Keen. A task force is then formed with a number of other agents.
Each episode usually centres around one case, a name on Red’s blacklist, and it becomes clear that as time goes on there is always a personal agenda of Red’s.
The series also explores the growing personal and professional relationship between Elizabeth and Red. James Spader excels as the character of Red, who makes a very dangerous man instantly likeable with his wit and perfect manners. Not in the least one-dimensional, Red’s personality is often unpredictable and sociopathic. He often had me question the motives of his actions and also leads me to the same question: Is everything he says about himself the truth or is it a complete fabrication? After all, in the pilot episode he reminds Liz that ‘everything about me is a lie’. The other characters grow on you as the series progresses but it is clear who the star of the show is. Megan Boone, who plays Elizabeth Keen, has her shining moments but she is often outclassed by better characters, in particular by the fantastic Ryan Eggold, who plays Elizabeth’s husband. I will leave that little mention of his character right here for your speculation.
Things to look out for: It is evident that Red has a complicated past, and his rambling stories are often a highlight of the series.
The episodes ‘The Stew maker’ and ‘The Good Samaritan’ are a must-see – they are the first proper glimpses of what Red is capable of when somebody crosses him and/or betrays him.
All in all, a must-see drama with a very memorable main character.
Creator: Jon Bokenkamp
