The Blacklist - Ruslan Denisov (No. 67) - Review "A Simple Game Of Chess"

"Every step of the way
I found grace
If I lead or follow change my pace
I get tired lose my way
My lord he knows me every step of the way"
- "Every Step" - Mavis Staples

The Blacklist has been one hot show this TV season. Returning from their nearly three month long Winter break, the first episode of this season two’s second part was aired to nearly 26 million viewers in the coveted post-Super Bowl time-slot. The two-parter, “Luther Braxton”, included an incredible story line for The Blacklist that ignited the flame concerning The Fulcrum. An important item that will, no doubt, reach through every episode this season, culminating in the finale. Now The Blacklist even has guest celebrities taking the reigns behind the camera with Andrew McCarthy, James Spader's colleague from 'Pretty In Pink', directing last Thursday's episode and there are plans for two more. News for The Blacklist getting better and better each week.

The blacklister this past Thursday night, Ruslan Denisov, was an interesting criminal to focus on after the crazy escapades of ‘Luther Braxton’ from the previous two episodes. Denisov is a criminal who abducts executives while looking to fund and further his cause. His compound is based out of Uzbekistan. He brings Liz and the Task Force there to settle a disputed pipeline controversy. What we know about Red is there is always an angle with the blacklisters he brings to Liz and this week's villain is no different.

The "B" story this week is a plot thread I thought had been over for quite some time. If you recall, in the first part of season two, Liz had Tom chained up at the harbor for four months attempting to extract information on Berlin and his whereabouts. During his captivity, the Harbormaster visited the rig they were on and Liz came up with a cover she thought was sufficient to keep him away long enough for her to move Tom or conclude her business, but not before giving him her business card. The Harbormaster's curiosity got the better of him and he discovered Tom and the Samoan bodyguard Liz had watching him. Tom ended up killing the Harbormaster because of this and now his death has caught up with Liz through the efforts of Detective Wilcox, who has been assigned to the missing person case initiated by the Harbormaster's wife. This is an interesting story line and I’m excited to see where it goes. We have to wonder what will happen to Liz and how she will get out of this dire situation. Especially if she is upset with Red at the moment and reticent about seeking his assistance in any way.

The "C" story this week is about an item we have been hearing about for quite some time - The Fulcrum. We don't learn much about what Liz found in the stuffed rabbit from the last episode, but it was present and at least we see Liz asking some important questions. We see her go to Aram (whom I think should have his own spin-off show) with the secret item and even he has no idea what this object is or what it's about. Liz will have no choice except to go to Red with it and ask for his assistance. Eventually, she will have to overcome her trust issues she is currently having with him in order to do so, however.

Although this episode was not one of their best, it was still enjoyable. I do like that The Blacklist has gone back to its first season’s roots after the Berlin story line has now concluded. The Blacklist has always done an exceptional job at balancing the procedural part of the show with the serialized portion; it is what makes The Blacklist such an amazing show to keep up with week after week. The way The Blacklist sets up its story lines parallels with the way Red conducts his affairs with his friends and acquaintances - like a simple game of chess. His 'angle' this episode is to make a profit off the new company which would get the contract to build the pipeline through Uzbekistan after helping to oust the old one. Of course, this is what adds to Liz's distrust of Red and wavering loyalty to him. Red may be winning the chess match with every blacklister and executive he goes up against, but fails to win Liz's trust.

Red's Quotes

- "I hope I'm interrupting."
Red to Liz & Aram

- "I know a wonderful little hole in the wall, that's actually in a hole in the wall."
Red to Liz

- "In this world, there are no sides, only players"
Red to Liz

- "It's the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution."
Red to Leonid Zhabin

- "Give my regards to the wife...and the mistress."
Red to his new business associate

Music from the Episode

- "Want You" by Vika
Ressler & Red discuss the current situation with Denisov

- "Every Step" by Mavis Staples
Red leaves a crate for Denisov; Liz confronts Red about his 'angle' concerning this week's blacklister; Aram tells Liz about what he discovered about the device

Thoughts and Discussion

- Do you think Liz will ask Red for assistance regarding the Harbormaster case and the predicament she has found herself in now?

- Do you think the Samoan will rat on Liz to Detective Wilcox? Or, will Red get to him first?

- Did you notice...At one point Red says, "rich as Croesus'. Since classical antiquity, this phrase has come to mean anyone with great wealth.

- Where has Tom been? When do you think he will appear in this second part of Season Two?

- We still have yet to find out what the key is used for that Red got from Pepper at the end of episode five. When will the key's purpose be revealed? Does it have anything to do with The Fulcrum?

- Why has Red not searched for the safe Fitch told him about at the end of episode eight? What is in Fitch's safe? We know the combination is 8-30-44. We know it is in St. Petersburg. does Red know what is in the safe?

- What is the object Liz found in the stuffed bunny? Even Aram could not figure what the object was by the end of the episode. He comments that it is some sort of 'beta technology'; spy equipment from the late 80's, early 90's; and/or a possible recording device; he doesn't have the faintest idea of how it works.

- Who will Liz turn to now regarding the object?

Thank you for checking out my Review this week! Please comment below so we can discuss the episode and season some more! Have a great weekend everyone!

About the Author - Geo N

Geo N is from Detroit, MI. His favorite shows include The Blacklist, Hell On Wheels, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, LOST, The Leftovers, The Strain, Sons Of Anarchy, Sleepy Hollow and countless others. When he's not watching tons of TV, he enjoys reading, playing hockey, comic books, weightlifting, and writing. Thanks for checking out my post.

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