The Blacklist Review: It Begins

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It's all connected. 

That's really been a theme that's played throughout The Blacklist season 1, but it took on an entirely different meaning in The Blacklist Season 1 Episode 21. It's been clear from the beginning that Red has a connection to Liz, though the details have remained a mystery.

The viewers also have seen Red bring specific cases to the FBI in order to get something he wants, whether it was the ViCAP ID number for Lucy Brooks, access to that system, the picture from the Stewmaker, revealing Gina Zanetakos, and maybe even getting that bomb into an ally's hands.

While Red did use the cases to his advantage, there was a specific purpose behind them. 

Red's being targeted. 

When Liz went through the files and found all the connections, I think we were supposed to be shocked, but I found it anti-climatic. It's been no mystery that Red has someone on his trail. We've known that for a long time. Despite that, I was glad that Liz figured it out and took it to the FBI.

She started out the season as a fierce agent who didn't hesitate to put a pen into Red's neck. As she worked on the task force, she fell apart and turned into an incompetent agent, was whiny, too emotional, and just annoying. Okay, that might be a little harsh, but the sentiment is accurate.

Given everything she's been through, an emotional break would make sense, but not the extreme lapse in smarts. Once she dropped her Red and Tom baggage, she was able to look at the evidence and events more clearly. She was back on her game and she found the clues necessary to save lives.

Props to Liz! She decoded Dr. Sanders mystery partner, UD-4126 and brought in Dr. Vogel for questioning. She pushed the limits by poisoning the doctor with his own virus to get the names of his victims. It all led to the FBI almost apprehending the prisoners on the plane. Almost. They got there just a few minutes too early.

I liked this Agent Keen. It's when she turns into Lizzie that it's a problem. Despite pushing Red away, she went after him when she figured out his life was in danger. She has a connection to him and I don't think she even understands why. As a viewer, this ambiguity has become irritating.

Since this was the first hour of a two-part finale, it was mostly set up. As Red said, "Now it begins." The plane crashed and Berlin will be in the wind. Can they find Red's nemesis before it's too late? Maybe. I'm guessing there will be a cliffhanger going into next season and that will likely involve Red's life and/or freedom.

Before the credits roll, I'd like to see Red finally confide in Liz and tell her the truth. That's the only way I can see them continuing to work together. He needs to buy some trust with the truth. I don't want to see this wishy-washy relationship between the two of them. Liz either needs to see Red as an ally or an enemy. 

Will Liz see Red as an ally or enemy when the season ends?

Berlin Review

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

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The Blacklist Season 1 Episode 21 Quotes

Liz: Who? Who is this mysterious someone?
Red: I don't know.

Berlin. It's not a place. It's a person. And that person is coming for Red today.

Liz