The title speaks for itself. This wasn't as bad an episode as I expected, but it was still a very brutal one. Criminal Minds can keep its brutal murdering gore - preferably it doesn't continue to venture out into The Blacklist.
Elizabeth continues to attempt to investigate the crime involving the gun she found in her house. The storyline here was very limited, which was disappointing. I think the show will drag this out as long as possible, which I feel is a mistake. They should get out in front of it now, and develop it.
Predictable - the word I'd use to describe the courtroom scene. There was little doubt that the juror wasn't having a routine heart attack. Similarly with the kidnap of the witness, the faked agent is a routine used far too often.
What I wasn't expecting was Hector Lorca's connection to The Stewmaker. Reddington's hesitation gave it away, even before we saw The Stewmaker with Pena. Once Lizzy knew about Reddington's connection, the fun finally began. In the form of a firefight.
Blowing up the helicopter was unexpected, as was Lorca kidnapping Keen. Reddington's response was quite brilliant. Nothing is a joke with him, yet everything he says sounds like one. James Spader is sublime in the role, he has a perfect temprament to play the character.
One way this episode could have been improved is if the chefs had been making a stew in the kitchen where Lorca was hiding. That would have been the most ironic moment I've seen on TV in a long while.
Ressler isn't quite as unintelligent as I suggested in last week's review. His improvisation when Red gave him up was very resourceful, and his problem with trusting Red was probably the smartest thing he's ever said.
After much persuasion from Reddington, we find out who The Stewmaker is. He's actually a dentist. I'm honestly not sure which aspect about him is worse. I rather enjoyed Reddington's attempt to find The Stewmaker by way of tracking his dog. He thinks of everything, and is always a mile ahead of the FBI. Ressler might want to adjust his views on Red.
Watching Lizzy profile The Stewmaker was quite cool. Of course, it couldn't prevent her from being tortured. One thing that I found strange about The Stewmaker is that he is always naked when dissolving people. However, his failure at keeping Lizzy captive is probably the reason why he always deals with dead people.
What a nice save from Reddington. His anecdote was odd, something I didn't really understand at first. I was hoping that he would dissolve The Stewmaker, yet I had doubts as to whether he would or not. Of course, it wasn't like the FBI was hot on his tail. His justification of the murder was unsurprising. Everything he does is for Lizzy, and hopefully we'll get an explanation as to why soon.
I actually enjoyed this episode. The relationship between Reddington and Elizabeth seems to be developing, from Red's side at least. The storyline was better than last week, but it lacked the subplots. The Blacklist writers obviously know their music, finishing the episode with Matt Corby's 'Heart of Stone' made me smile. 7/10
Promo for next week, it looks like a good one:
15 year old in England. Love Hawaii Five-0, NCIS, NCIS LA, Person of Interest, Elementary, Criminal Minds, Nikita and Arrow, and the new The Blacklist, Hostages and The Tomorrow People. I am reviewing The Blacklist, Person of Interest and The Tomorrow People for Spoiler TV. Aside from TV, a keen cricketer.
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