The Blacklist returned to NBC for its third season Thursday October 1st. Last season left off on a bombshell event that put profiler Agent Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone) on the top of the F.B.I.s most wanted list. Along with her on that list is the Concierge of Crime Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader), who has an unknown connection to Liz from her past.
Latest episode “The Troll Farmer” picks up shortly thereafter with Red and Liz on the run together from the U.S. government. Former allies like Liz’s old partner Agent Donald Ressler (Diego Klattenhoff) and agency tech guy Aram Mojtabai (Amir Arison) are now pitted against her, albeit with some reluctance. A new villain steps into the light, the mysterious Mr. Solomon (Edi Gathegi). Solomon kidnaps the grandchild of Red’s associate Dembe (Hisham Tawfiq) in order to presumably get information from him on his longtime employer. Red and Liz attempt to escape the city, but run into some roadblocks that separate them, leaving one behind. In typical Blacklist fashion, we’re left on a bit off a cliffhanger.
Without a doubt the true draw to this show is James Spader and his completely delightful portrayal of Raymond Reddington. Snarky and smart, dark and threatening, warm and inviting- he’s a multifaceted character being played by an actor with a firm grasp on the most minute of details. The mystery of his relationship with Liz is another reason to keep returning, as we are given crumbs of information here and there as seasons progress.
With the premiere ratings up around 13% higher than last seasons finale, this season of The Blacklist is off to promising start.