The Blacklist’s Mr. Solomon Saga: A Devastating Turn of Events

by Nick Hogan Published Apr 14, 2016

The Blacklist

A Bold and Heartbreaking Episode

Initially, I was uncertain about this episode of The Blacklist. Even in episodes heavily involved with the serialized story, the show usually sticks to the status quo. However, the “Mr. Solomon” saga has taken the show completely off the rails in the last two weeks. After some reflection, I realized that this bold and devastating turn of events was precisely what The Blacklist needed.

This Week on The Blacklist

In this week’s episode, Mr. Solomon’s pursuit of Liz goes beyond the church. Liz gets injured during the escape, leading to the immediate birth of their baby. The baby is born, but complications arise. Reddington blames the security breakdown, and the task force sets out to find Mr. Solomon. The team faces a devastating blow.

Is Liz Really Dead?

(SPOILER ALERT) I cannot believe they killed Liz. Realistically, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of her. All the secret sidebar conversations that Mr. Kaplan had obviously mean that Megan Boone’s real-life maternity leave is starting…right? What I absolutely loved about it is that there is no indication of a fake-out. This episode handled the death realistically. The final scenes from each character, whether Liz turns out to be dead for real or not, were absolutely heartbreaking and truthful. It felt so real. The fact of the matter is, I don’t know whether or not Liz is dead, but the fact that we’re made to wonder is the real entertainment value in the show.

Two Complete Stories

Following last week’s epic episode, this one picked up right where that left off. I usually don’t like the way they end the first episode of a two-parter, but the way these episodes were programmed really worked for me. It would’ve been fine as back-to-back episodes, but this actually told two complete stories. I wouldn’t pick up on something like this if it wasn’t particularly well-executed, so I have to give my kudos there.

Ensemble at Its Best

This show functions at its absolute best when they use the ensemble well, and that happened in this episode. Using Ressler, Samar, Aram, Harold, and everyone else just makes Liz’s final moments that much more devastating. I don’t think that they all have to be forced into prominence, but just used smartly within the confines of the story. None of these characters were particularly prominent this time around, but I could nonetheless feel their impact on that final blow.

James Spader’s Acting Prowess

Sometimes I get wrapped up in the story and things happening around the other characters that I forget to talk about this. However, it’s pretty much true all the time. James Spader is an absolute revelation. When I think that the Reddington character cannot grow anymore, he simply performs the next episode and proves me wrong. Spader did nothing short of put on an acting clinic in this week’s episode. He transformed before the viewers’ eyes from a man who always has a plan, to a desperate, defeated man who simply wanted to save the life of someone he loved. It was incredible to watch. Are you listening, Emmy voters?

A Satisfying Episode

I wasn’t sure what to think of this episode while I watched it, but even if Liz never comes back, I have to admit that I would be satisfied. This episode was action-packed, emotional, and devastating. Frankly, I’m not sure what more you could want.

What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode? Do you think Liz is gone for good? Let us know in the comments!

The Blacklist airs Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC