The Blacklist - Episode 1 (Plot & Character)
Tonight I watched the first episode of The Blacklist. In 2013, The Blacklist was NBC's highest testing drama in 10 years. It was renewed for its tenth season in February. From 2014 to 2020, the series was nominated for numerous major awards.
Jon Bokenkamp is The Blacklist's writer and producer. He was encouraged to enter a script writing competition by a friend. After he won the competition, he landed an agent along with his first paid assignment, rewriting a horror film
I first watched The Blacklist years ago. From memory, the first season was great, but it became less compelling viewing over time. I remember, they introduced some cool characters and there were always twists.
It's fascinating studying tv shows, films and books when you're writing a novel. I've written more than 30,000 words of a 80,000 word novel. I edit as I go and think about how can I make it better.
WARNING - This post contains spoilers as it explores the episode's plot.
The Plot
The inciting incident in the first few minutes of Episode 1 shows Raymond Reddington being arrested and taken into FBI custody. We learn he is a major criminal who is on the FBI's most wanted list, who mysteriously turned to this life of crime after working as a government agent.
In the first 15 minutes, we also see Elizabeth Keen (Lizzy) waking up for her first day of work as an FBI profiler. A helicopter arrives as Reddington says he'll only deal with her.
By the halfway and 3/4 mark, a child is kidnapped in a dramatic car crash and the bad guys escape by speed boats after jumping off a bridge scene. A chemical bomb attack in Washington is imminent. Lizzie's husband is hospitalised when Zamani, a terrorist, tortures him to extract information from Lizzie.
The stakes are raised. We don't know Reddington's agenda or why he has an obsession with Lizzie. We discover Reddington orchestrated the attack on Lizzie's husband and has been working with Zamani. This adds to the tension and mystery of the episode.
Those heart racing moments create a desire for more. That's what great story telling is about.
By the end of the first episode, Zamani is dead. Reddington helped stop a chemical attack at the zoo (planted by Zamani) and was central to finding the kidnapped little girl.
The closing scenes have Reddington dangling a blacklist of criminals for the FBI to catch; meanwhile, Lizzie discovers her husband has a secret life and Reddington may be able to shed some light on this.
It's the questions and hooks which capture our attention.
The Characters
Both Lizzie and Reddington have secrets. They are intriguing characters.
Reddington, played by James Spader, is especially charismatic and the actor makes you believe the fictional world is real. Reddington is odd, but that's part of his appeal.
In a 2016 interview with Stephen Colbert, Spader said:
“I always look for the eccentric; the strange. I’m definitely one of those people on the street when there’s something strange and maybe even disturbing going on in the street, I tend to be drawn to it.”
Reddington's actions drive the story forward. He's not a "good guy" or likable, creating conflict and drama, though we are never sure of his objectives. This is a protagonist of many talents and very unique.
The Other Elements
Throughout The Blacklist, the audience has lots of why questions. We are always wondering what will happen next.
There were moments during episode 1 that I kept thinking of Silence of the Lambs. It felt like Hannibal was talking to Clarice.
Humour is another ingredient which adds to the entertainment. We see Reddington living it up in a hotel. He has negotiated it so that he is no longer in prison and able to get what he wants.
Also, there were surprises. You think Lizzie is coming home to her husband, but Zamani is there and holding her husband prisoner. Subsequently, Lizzie stabs Reddington in the neck with a pen and Reddington escapes from the hospital. In another scene, we think Reddington is about to be captured, but it turns out Zamani has Reddington's tracking device and it is the terrorist who meets a dramatic death.
We feel sympathy for Lizzie. She lost her parents and raised herself. In the beginning, we thought her husband was a teacher and the perfect husband. Instead he has multiple passports, lots of cash and a gun under a floorboard in the living room.
Episode 1:
- introduces us to a new world and its characters;
- sets up character relationships, eluding to their history and backstories;
- suggests the characters wants, needs and motivations;
- establishes the pace, tone and stakes; and
- leaves us wanting more.
I'm looking forward to re-watching The Blacklist. It might help add more drama into the novel I'm writing. There are definitely aspects of The Blacklist's plot and characters I want to incorporate into the first chapter of my novel.
It's time for bed. I've a busy week ahead of me.
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