How do they do it?

The Blacklist never fails to provide unexpected results. Whether it's the person on the Blacklist or the secrets that are slowly revealed, the writers continually find a unique twist that fits the theme and tone of the episode.

On The Blacklist Season 1 Episode 13, a seemingly normal case about abducted children being illegally adopted turned out to be much more perverse and shocking. It wasn't the children that were being abducted, but their mothers. Even more appalling, the mothers were impregnated and gave birth while sedated in a coma state. What?!?!

Watch The Blacklist Season 1 Episode 13 Online

It was such a disturbing sight to see when Liz walked into the room full of comatose pregnant women. The women had their lives taken and were violated in such a terrible way. They are pregnant and have children out in the world that they know nothing about. The unraveling of that situation will be devastating for all involved. 

It was bad enough to see the adoptive parents putting their children through a DNA test. I can't even imagine the pain they will go through when they find out the truth. It's probably a good thing that not something we'll actually see on the show. 

Michael Shaw took his pain out over being "returned" as a child out on innocents and didn't even realize the paradox of what he's done. His children may have been "perfect," but he created a horrible situation for them. Of course he was deluded enough to believe he'd never get caught.

If a set of circumstances didn't collide, he may have gotten away with it. If the combination of Red bringing the case to the FBI didn't correspond with Kate Ellison escaping and being found, it's unlikely the FBI would have figured out the women were being used as comatose incubators. It was the drug in Kate's system that led them to the women.

Despite that wrinkle, it was one of the better cases Red has brought to Liz and the FBI. Of course, he had his own motivations. He wanted to stop Liz from adopting a baby with Tom. If there was one ongoing mystery that I'd like to see play out more quickly it's the secret about Tom.

It's frustrating. Does Red really know something about Tom? Or, is he just suspicious of the guy? Would any man be good enough for his Liz? Liz called off the adoption and was left alone at home crying. Tom took off to meet up with the substitute teacher, Jolene. We know she's up to no good and a plant, but it's unclear if she is working for Red or someone else. 

Red's manipulations in Liz's personal life is a bit annoying. Liz is smart enough that she should recognize what's going on. She needs to push Red and/or Tom for answers. That seems unlikely though. Instead, Tom probably will be seduced by Jolene and that will cause marital woes. I hope I'm wrong.

Meanwhile, Red used Malik to track down the leak that lead to his capture by Fitch and the death of his associate. It was Diane Fowler. She ordered Malik to disclose information under the guise of a security check. Red didn't hold back. He confronted Diane and shot her. And, then killed her. Not even information about his family was enough to save her.

The incredible Mr. Kaplan showed up to clean up the scene. Got to love her!

Overall, it was a great episode. The adoption scam and investigation both played out in a fresh and unique manner. The search for the mole didn't drag out too long and Diane's death should create a few new threads. The only downside was Liz's marriage woes with Tom.

What do you make of Liz and Tom's situation?

Carla Day is a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.