The Blacklist - TV Series Review

The Blacklist tells an intricate story of Raymond ‘Red’ Reddington, criminal of the highest caliber and walking encyclopedia of criminals who voluntarily turns himself in to the FBI to help them capture other criminals. The only thing he insists on is that they must work together with Elizabeth Keen, a profiler who has no experience at all. This setting unfolds into a story of concealment and realistic duplicity owing to Reddington’s real motive and relationship with Keen creates intrigue and expectation.

Themes of loyalty and treachery and ethics form the backbone of the plot while presenting the grey area of law and justice. The nature of the show is always rather serious and most episodes end on rather tense and dramatic notes which are occasionally interrupted by more comedic dynamics focused on the characters themselves. To some extent Megan Boone’s Elizabeth Keen is a perfect combination of fragile femininity and strong-willed heroine. Diego Klattenhoff and Harry Lennix are also impressive and mail support players which add a lot to depth of the show.

Andrew McCarthy, Michael W. Watkins, and Bill Roe directing give the show complete vision and the concept of the show is as complex as the narrative presented in it. The series consists of episodes where conflict rises progressively and where development arcs are emphasized.

It has great music that enriches the shows, which delivers deep and intense feeling of drama and suspense at crucial moments. Music is employed sparingly meaning that it is an important part of the show that supports the story without over powering it.

The show employs good shooting styles, lighting to create atmosphere and tension. Aesthetically lit and well-staged, it incorporates the series’ elements of mystery and the dramatic perfectly.

The sets and the props used back the show displaying the production’s ability to provide an excellent escapade. The details of developing multiple environments contribute to the show’s overall spy and criminal atmosphere.

Visual effects are used consciously but are useful to make the series as real and dramatic as possible without losing its sense.

The cutting in The Blacklist is efficient and has specific aims, with transition between scenes that don’t interrupt the show’s rhythm and storyline. In execution, it does not allow the viewers to get bored and makes them involved in the story.

The series is fast-paced with episodes that move rather quickly though at the same time important shifts in the story are reasonably easy to follow. The proportion of action and dialogue-oriented scenes is well managed to maintain viewers’ attention.

Written conversation is one of the key aspects of The Blacklist , sharp and bitter in most cases. It is a testament to the characters’ wit and charisma that is frequently revealed to be something more The Blacklist ‘s storytelling and character development are top-notch, but sometimes, its twists and turns push credibility. Occasionally some of the storylines may seem quite forced and in order to appreciate the show fully one has to put a lot of things into a consideration.

The Blacklist I would say is an exemplary of crime thriller show that narrate a powerful story of shade and darkness. Through its highly interesting storyline and memorable performances, it becomes possible to watch this production over and over again. Even here and there we find issues that could be categorized as inherent in the narrative structure, it is a riveting series that attracts viewers at several levels.