Storyline Direction: What has began as the bad guy, take-down
of the week; has elevated itself each episode with shocking character
revelations, sharp action sequences and dialogue that is wittily riveting. The
central question that continues to be at the center of the series’ intrigue is
what the true connection between Red and Elizabeth really is.
It feels inevitably clear that they are father and daughter. However, at the end of the mid-season finale, he denied it. Personally, there is no other reasonable explanation for Red’s character going to the lengths he’s gone for “Lizzie” if she weren’t his daughter. Hopefully they stick with it. No other reason would be worth revealing, because at this point it would be a blatant attempt at shock appeal.
It feels inevitably clear that they are father and daughter. However, at the end of the mid-season finale, he denied it. Personally, there is no other reasonable explanation for Red’s character going to the lengths he’s gone for “Lizzie” if she weren’t his daughter. Hopefully they stick with it. No other reason would be worth revealing, because at this point it would be a blatant attempt at shock appeal.
The show’s baddies of the week have all been engaging and
their takedowns, well-executed. The only episode that fell short of the
intelligent reasoning within the show was “Frederick Barnes”. Elizabeth
shooting the villain, when he might have possessed the cure to his son’s fatal
disease was a boldly cold move. His son paying the price of his father’s sins
was an injustice that was out of character for her typical empathy.
The two-part mid-season finale was a display in expert television writing. Telling a complete narrative that played with the pace of a movie while, jump-starting another angle to the show’s overall mystery. Jon Bokenkamp has delivered TV’s best written new series of the television season, so far.
The two-part mid-season finale was a display in expert television writing. Telling a complete narrative that played with the pace of a movie while, jump-starting another angle to the show’s overall mystery. Jon Bokenkamp has delivered TV’s best written new series of the television season, so far.
Production Caliber: The sets are sterile where they need to be and
the high-tech prison cell that Red remained in for the first episode, later
played a pivotally savvy role in the mid-season finale.
Performance Quality: The relationship between Red and
Elizabeth is where the heart of the show lies. James Spader and Megan Boone
possess a rare chemistry that is fascinating to watch. Boone has to be
commended for holding her own against Spader who is lapping up, every last bite
of the delectably enigmatic Red.
Spader is in his element, in one of his career best roles. The part is tailor-made for the charismatic sophistication that Spader so eloquently brings to any role he’s a part of.
Spader is in his element, in one of his career best roles. The part is tailor-made for the charismatic sophistication that Spader so eloquently brings to any role he’s a part of.
Megan Boone shines with sincerity and a tenacious spirit
that has you rooting for her as the show’s lead hero. In a TV landscape that
has struggled to find a kick-ass, feminine, female protagonist to anchor a series,
Boone not only manages the task, she excels at it.
She brings a sense of strong femininity to the role, making the character of Keene, a truly strong woman. Accentuating what makes a woman, a woman, is a driving force to what has made this character and series, an invigorating venture.
She brings a sense of strong femininity to the role, making the character of Keene, a truly strong woman. Accentuating what makes a woman, a woman, is a driving force to what has made this character and series, an invigorating venture.
Adding to the show’s exuberant appeal is Ryan Eggold’s
portrayal of the seemingly kindhearted Tom, Keen’s husband. As speculation on
the show continues to swirl as to whether he really is a good guy, Eggold’s
portrayal has more than blurred the lines of suspicion and it has become one of
the most suspenseful angles on the series.
Harry Lennix, Diego Klattenhoff and Parminder Nagra are all rounding
out the cast with ample capability. Lennix especially adds a compassionate edge
to the show and his repartee with Spader is fun to watch.
Musical Score: Edgy and suspenseful, the score is gripping.
Musical Score: Edgy and suspenseful, the score is gripping.
Overall Grade: A+, as previously mentioned, "The Blacklist" is an exhilarating thrill ride that has been
enthralling at every turn. Film screenwriter, Jon Bokenkamp, the mastermind
behind “Taking Lives” and the recent release “The Call” delivers a show that
matches the quality of an edgily intense cabler. Tuning in for the series’
second half in January 13, 2014 is a must. To read Eclectic Pop's TV Report Card for Season 1, click here
[Image by NBC]
[Image by NBC]
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