“the blacklist” series premiere review

Posted on September 23, 2013 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

Title: The Blacklist
When/Where: 10PM, NBC
Original prediction: Appointment TV
On 2nd thought: Appointment TV

Monday night will prove itself to be a busy night for television thanks to the addition The Blacklist starring the brilliant James Spader, last seen creeping out the employees of The Office. I’m calling it now, Emmy nomination for Mr. Spader for his role as a well connected, highly intelligent criminal, on par with network mate Dr. Hannibal Lector, minus the desire to eat people.

I mention Hannibal for a couple reasons: appreciation for luxury, but when in custody is kept in the most intimidating prison cells, and of course the obvious is aiding an FBI profiler that’s out catching bad guys they normally would have difficulty catching. And did I mention they’re both on NBC?

Granted this is only the pilot episode, but when it started, it didn’t let up. I tweeted the following and many agreed.

Gotta admit, I admire a show that refuses to take a commercial break until they convinced you that you're hooked. #Blacklist

— t. sterling watson (@indoob) September 24, 2013

Yes, I just wanted an excuse to post my own tweet but whatever. There were more than enough twists and turns after the first commercial break that kept me guessing… to the point I stopped guessing and just went along for the ride all the way to the shocking end.

I think this may be a show that a viewer can come in later in the season or afford to miss an episode, but why would you want to? I gave it the DVR pass but as long as I’m home and after Sleepy Hollow goes off, I’ll more than likely be flipping over to The Blacklist. There is an ongoing story, but this is setting up to be a “criminal of the week” format, which isn’t a problem since it’s not a typical cop procedural

The only show battling for my attention at this time slot is Hostages, which, as of now I have not yet seen. But I recommend this show and give it the DVR season pass/appointment TV vote. Come for the brilliance of James Spader, who owns this role, stay for the twisting story and drama.

Will you watch? Have you watched? What did you think? Leave a comment, tweet me @indoob or leave me a message on The Lost Dial line (860-342-8423) and I’ll play your message on the next episode.