After a few months away, The Blacklist has once again returned to our television screens. I’m not sure how to feel. On the one hand, it’s the same show and characters that I’ve come to know and love. On the other hand, I’m not sure the show feels the same as it has in the past. Although after this episode, it’s at least somewhat likely that the status quo will have almost completely reestablished.
This week on The Blacklist: Harold attempts to get Liz reinstated into the FBI now that Kirk is gone, but struggles convincing the proper authorities. Samar’s divided allegiance to the FBI and her own country gets in the way of their mission, and gets her kidnapped. Samar and Aram grow closer.
The more I think about the purpose of this episode, the more that it had to be to resolve a few hanging threads and reset the board for what’s to come. All that really came from this is a rift between Aram and Samar (which we all know won’t last), and Reddington getting Liz reinstated as an agent. I always knew that the latter would happen, and the former was also inevitable, especially given the secret keeping nature of this show. There wasn’t a ton of meat to it, but there was still some merit.
First of all, I’m glad that Elizabeth is an agent again. It makes The Blacklist feel more like the earlier show that I loved. I still love it, but Season 4 has gotten a little stale, and I think that will improve when she’s back in action. It was a nice payoff that Reddington’s bribed senator from earlier in the show was elected president, and that he was able to get her pardoned. Far-fetched? Perhaps, but I appreciated it nonetheless.
I was less thrilled with Aram and Samar not going on their date. Though I predicted that Aram would shoot her down when he found out about her issues (not wanting to be deposed again), I’m ready for the show to shake things up in that way. Of course, maybe they’re waiting until Tom’s departure to change things up for other characters romantically. Arison and Marno have great chemistry, and I really would like to see that relationship explored further.
Here are some other thoughts:
- Here’s my weekly reminder that James Spader is incredible as Reddington. You’re welcome for the reminder.
- I’d like for this President-Elect to become a regular character. He’s been great.
- I really missed Dembe.
- I will be happy to see the Samar and Aram relationship evolve. Any romance on this show that doesn’t involve Liz and Tom is most welcome.
Overall, this was a nice welcome back, but it lacks the same spark that has slowly been disappearing from The Blacklist during this season. Hopefully, the reset of the status quo and the departure of Tom will bring some much needed revival to the show. I can see the potential in it for sure.
What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know in the comments!
The Blacklist airs Thursdays at 10/9c on NBC
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