The Blacklist is a captivating television series that intertwines thrilling episodes with narratives that may not resonate with every viewer. Spanning an impressive ten seasons, the series does inevitably include its share of filler and lackluster episodes, which prompts some viewers to consider skipping these less engaging segments. The long runtime offers a mix of riveting storytelling and less impactful content, contributing to varying viewer experiences.
Featuring standout performances from James Spader as the enigmatic Raymond Reddington and Megan Boone as FBI agent Elizabeth Keen, The Blacklist kicks off with Reddington’s dramatic surrender. He proposes his expertise to aid the FBI in apprehending criminals while pursuing personal motives, particularly his intricate relationship with Keen. Despite its core structure revolving around weekly cases, some episodes fail to deliver the excitement or depth that fans anticipate.
5 Anna-Gracia Duerte
Season 5, Episode 17
“Anna-Gracia Duerte”is set against the backdrop of a conspiracy involving US Marshal Ian Garvey and centers on a young woman embroiled in a murder case linked to the Nash Syndicate. Despite its potential, the episode takes a troubling turn concerning themes of agency and child marriage. Unfortunately, it misrepresents Brazilian law, crafting a narrative based on inaccuracies more aligned with sensationalism than factual integrity. By episode’s end, many plot elements feel disconnected from the main storyline, rendering it less impactful.
4 Lawrence Dane Devlin
Season 5, Episode 21
This episode pivots around Samar’s kidnapping by the titular character, plunging the team into a desperate search to save her. While it is designed to be a thrilling ride, it ultimately suffers from shallow character development. Samar, portrayed as a capable operative, is inexplicably reduced to a damsel in distress, and the ineptitude displayed by her colleagues detracts from the urgency of the situation. Moreover, side plots involving Reddington feel disconnected, diminishing whatever tension the episode tries to build.
3 Between Sleep And Awake
Season 9, Episode 7
In a departure from the series’ norm, “Between Sleep and Awake”centers on Donald Ressler’s personal struggles rather than the infamous blacklist itself. This divergence offers a detailed glimpse into Ressler’s past and his relationship with Elizabeth, but it feels more like a different show entirely. While the shift in focus is intriguing, it lacks a connection to the overarching narrative, making it a less essential viewing experience unless one is particularly interested in Ressler’s character.
2 The Bear Mask
Season 9, Episode 19
“The Bear Mask”ranks among the lower tiers of The Blacklist’s episodes, focusing primarily on Aram’s psychological struggles rather than advancing the central narrative. Set against a backdrop of anxiety and hallucinations, this episode diverges significantly from the action-oriented style that characterizes the show. Although Aram’s therapy sessions offer an interesting exploration of his character, they detract from the primary plotlines, suggesting that a more relevant context would have served both Aram and the series better.
1 The Major
Season 2, Episode 15
In an era where viewers binge-watch content with ease, the inclusion of recap episodes is increasingly seen as unnecessary. “The Major,”despite being only the second season, dedicates valuable screen time to summarizing previous events. For those consuming the series in a continuous viewing format, such recaps add little value, highlighting the episode as an avoidable segment in the overall journey of The Blacklist.