The Blacklist broke its three week streak of increasing ratings with last Thursday night's episode, 'The Major'. The hour gave The Blacklist its lowest 'live' ratings of the series with 7.49 million viewers. It was not The Blacklist's best episode, by far, although it was, as they say in the comic book world, a great jumping on point.
The reason 'The Major' is 'a great jumping on point' is because of the way the episode is crafted. A new fan could easily learn quite a bit about the mythology of the show and start watching this week without having seen any other hour of The Blacklist (except for last week's episode). However, they would miss out on some amazing scenes and story arcs crucial to the shows story.
The episode felt more like a part one of two. I was waiting for 'To be continued' to flash on the screen when it felt like the episode ended abruptly. This week's episode should continue the investigation into the Harbormaster's death with Judge Denner learning virtually everything there is to know about the task force and everyone involved. I am a little concerned about the judge and the questions he has been asking, which appear to be out of the scope of his investigation. It is a story line that, although borders on the mundane, I am interested to find out how it will all play out. It was the first time I thought the blacklister of the week took back-stage to a 'B' story in the series. However, this week's episode should restore balance as we couldn't ask for a better blacklister to date with 'Tom Keen'.
- "Of course not. Inviting him for a chat with one of your most wanted criminals would be ludicrous. You'll have to abduct him..."
Red to the FBI about abducting Minister Krishnan
- "I find cock-fighting to be abominable. However, truth be told, I do love fried-chicken."
Red
Music from the Episode
- "The Heist" - X Ambassadors
Past blacklisters flashbacks
- "Jungle" - X Ambassadors & Jamie N Commons
Flashbacks
- "Dancing in the Moonlight" - King Harvest
Arms dealer driving in his car (singing along) before Tom shoots him
- "Von dr Alb ra" (feat. Moggi) - Rock und Rollinger
Beginning of episode when Tom is in the bar in Germany.
- I like to think of last Thursday's episode as part one of two; this week's episode is part two with Tom being the blacklister of the week. One thing I noticed was two episodes ago (T. Earl King VI) we see a montage of Tom preparing for his new undercover assignment along with the song, 'Major Tom' performed by Peter Schilling. I thought it was interesting that it became his theme music and the following two episodes after that are 'The Major' and 'Tom Keen'.
- Did you notice...I'm not sure if we have seen this before or have been told about it, but during one of the flashbacks, Tom's fake brother, Craig, is the one who marries them and presides over the wedding. Does that mean that the whole wedding was void? Or possibly the fact that Tom was married prior to marrying Liz makes his marriage to her invalid. Not to mention his real name is not even Tom Keen.
- As usual, the music selection in the episode was exceptional. The songs were well placed and perfect for the ample flashback scenes. any fan that loves a clip show would love this episode of The Blacklist.
- So now that we know that Red hired Tom to get close to Liz there are more questions that pop up. For instance:
"WHY did Red hire Tom for this purpose?" - Was it to protect her? This is my theory as I don't think Red would have nefarious reasons to do so towards someone he cares so deeply for such as Liz.
"Why did Berlin steal Tom from Red?" - Did Berlin know something more or was it just to get back at Red?
"Did Red and Tom know each other personally, or did The Major just tell Tom he had an assignment for him without telling him who he would be working for?" - This would explain Red and Tom's conversation outside the hospital the day Sam died a little better.
Here is my theory involving all this: Tom was hired by Red to "protect" Liz. He did that. Then Berlin comes around and finds out that Red thinks Liz is important enough to need protection and hires Tom. Red realizes that Liz is again in danger because now she is living with an enemy spy - Tom. This is what I think is the catalyst for the entire series. The moment Red finds out that Tom jumped ship is when Red decides to do what he did in Season 1 Episode 1 which is be a CI for the FBI. This would explain why he wanted Berlin dead in S2E8 - not just because Berlin killed Fitch, but because he stole Tom and put Liz in danger as a result of that. It would also explain why Red had Ranko Zamani stab Tom in S1E1, remember that? So, ultimately I think the events that started the blacklist Red has been giving to the FBI is when he realized that the person he had protecting Liz, Tom, started working for someone else. I don't think Tom really loves Liz. I think being captured at a young age has destroyed all emotional synapses in his brain. He was protecting Liz, however, but when he got hired by Berlin it was less about protecting and more about gathering intel on her and Red for his new boss, Berlin. I would love to know what all of you think about this and also read all of your theories.
Thank you for checking out my review! Please comment below so we can discuss the episode and the series some more. Have a great week everyone! Also, don't forget we are conducting a "Live Discussion" this, and every, Thursday night during The Blacklist. If you would like to participate, just check SpoilerTV's Homepage and click on the "Live Discussion" link for The Blacklist that will be posted a few minutes before the episode begins to air.
Well, this review was much shorter than usual, but then again, "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all" or something like that xD. I agree that the episode seemed the first part of the story.
ReplyDeleteAs for your theory, it makes a lot of sense to me. However, remember that Red criticized the Major because Tom got emotionally involved in his mission, so I think that maybe Tom did have some feelings for Liz. Unless "emotionally involved" means something else entirely, which knowing this show is possible xD
Lol, yes I have not had much time to write the review this week which is the cause fot it being shorter than usual.
ReplyDeleteIt's possible Tom became more emotionally involved than normal but that could be anything in his line of work. I just don't think he loves Liz all that much. If he did, then he would not have treated her the way he did or said the things he said.
Interesting comments , as usual. I never thought Tom and Liz were legally married. That would have been impossible since Tom Keen is not his real name and the bogus brother marrying them just doubled that impossibility. Of course, Tom knew they were not really married which made it interesting that he was so keen ( no pun intended) on their adopting a baby. You, of course, just bravely stirred up trouble in some parts when you said you do not think Tom loves Lizzie ! I have no idea but he has at times showed he feels a connection to her. Was the desire for a family just a latent missing part from his youth.... I agree with most all of your Theory about what kickstarted The Blacklist and Red's involvement except for one point as I am not so sure why Tom jumped ship to Berlin - I don't know that it was just for more money. It could possibly have been another way to protect Lizzie if he actually cared about her well being. Because I think Red would would have killed him if it had been a simple matter of betrayal by working for Berlin ,as instead Red paid him off in the bar after it was over. I really dislike this whole court and judge junk and wish I had not even watched those parts as it made no sense for the judge to be asking those questions or Lizzie to be littering the floor with government secrets so casually in front of not just the judge, but a stenographer as well. Would not be surprised if the judge is in with the cabal or someone else and is headed for a quick demise. Not sure why I found the whole detective/judge storyline so irritating other than it detracts from the interactions we prefer, and it is ludicrous as well.
ReplyDeleteVery good points! And I am brave for saying so, lol, you're right! I hope I don't start a whole war over this, Lol
ReplyDeleteI just don;t think he cares for her as much as everyone thinks he does. It's not that typical story where you see in the movies or on TV where the 'bodyguard' ends up falling in love with his 'assignment' under his better judgement. Then we see in the third act his handler come out and say, "Oh great, you've fallen for her haven't you?". Yes he has feelings for her and yes he cares for her. However, no its not the mushy "I love you more than life itself" feelings.
I kinda agree with you on the part of the judge asking questions outside of the scope of the investigation and Liz should not have revealed so much especially in front of the stenographer.
I have been pretty busy with a few things which is why I created such a short review and didn't list nearly as many ideas about the storyline as I had wanted to. But next review I will to make up for it, especially now that there are only 7 episodes remaining this season and believe things are going to start getting really good.
Agreed on the overall weakness of the episode..
ReplyDeleteSad that.
I also agree with your assessment of Tom and Red's history prior to the start of the series for the most part. My first impression has always been Red hired Tom to protect Liz only to be betrayed by Tom when Berlin hired him. I always assumed it was for money, but this episode did make me rethink that to some degree....
Now I think Berlin told Tom what he believed to be the truth of who Red is, that Red killed his daughter and sent her to him piece by piece. Having fallen for Liz emotionally, Tom could have seen Red as more dangerous to Liz than Berlin and jumped ships trying to protect Liz. It could explain his reasoning for telling Liz not to trust Red and he is not who she thinks he is. It would also explain Red's conversation with The Major.
I think when you look at Red's willingness to kill Tom by having Ranko Zamani stab him, and then his willingness to kill Tom after learning he was working for Berlin it fits with how Red would treat someone who betrayed him. Then look at how Red let Tom live and even paid him for his previous contract after learning Tom did not tell Liz about his past dealings with Red. Maybe it was partly out of respect for Tom's "loyalty", but also partly because Red knew that at some point his killing Tom could come back to haunt him since Liz still loves Tom.
I think this theory best explains Tom's motivations and Red's reactions, but...
I have wondered if maybe Red did have a more nefarious purpose to hiring Tom. If following his instructions from Red could have hurt Liz in some way then Tom would have another reason to switch over to Berlin's side.
Only season 2. Way too soon for a clip show.
ReplyDeleteInteresting points.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think the writers believe Tom loves Liz, and Red believes that, and Tom believes that. I think they haven't done a great job of showing the viewers that though. So far, he has been pretty much straight villain. We haven't been shown much to have sympathy for Tom and/or seen much of his behind the scenes feelings/thoughts. Which, we couldn't, because for a long time we weren't supposed to know he was bad. If they are going to go in this direction, which they obviously are, they need to start giving him layers quick.
ReplyDeleteThis was definitely my least favorite episode. Very much agreed, Geo. The courtroom scenes were preposterous and a convenient way to provide recaps. A lot of blacklisters are holding out hope that Liz had a reason (unknown to us yet) to divulge so much top secret information to the Judge so willingly. Sadly, I think they write her character that dumb.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't surprised that Tom was linked to Red from the beginning really, but I really hope, like the scene suggests, that he didn't plan for Tom to become emotionally attached to her. I assume it was to provide some sort of sentry position for her. Protect her... perhaps guide her/help mold her. I don't think it is coincidental that she ended up in the FBI. I think this has been a part of her grooming and Red's ultimate plan which Sam probably helped orchestrate. I think a lot of people in Liz's history have probably been lookouts for Red.
I feel like the writers are getting a lot of threads going, and this is going to get more and more confusing for them to write. They are going to get caught up and make mistakes.
I guess Red does lie to Liz. When she asked him how he originally caught wind of Tom, he said a year ago when Tom bought 5 passports through his agency, or something to that effect. I suppose that could be considered a "not a lie, but not a whole truth" in that that is when he came to know he had switched sides to Berlin, but I don't know. I tend not to trust that part of Red. I think he has and would lie to Liz if he thinks he needs to. But in his mind, they are justified/half lies...
It is interesting that Tom remained loyal to Red with Liz in the boat but gave up a ton about Berlin. That means he either fears Red more, or Red re-acquired him as an asset again at some time in season one. I always found it a bit suspicious that Tom, a trained spy, missed Red and hit him in the shoulder instead of killing him. And, also, that Red dropped his weapon and went to just go grab Tom's gun out of his hand. I think that might have been a "show" that went wrong when Liz accidentally shot Tom initially.
Also, I always had trouble reconciling why Tom's go box seemed to have the same symbol on it that Lizzy had as a scar. Since Berlin is not a major player, that didn't seem to fit with the story. But, it DOES fit, with Red being the original "boss" of Tom, and that goes to further link the scar with Red and further connect the two. (Full disclaimer: it might just look the same).
ReplyDeleteAll of the plots you mentioned don't make any sense.The writers definitely change the directions as the episodes go by.What bother me is the inconsistency and the SLs are contradicted.
ReplyDeleteI think they need to rein in the story a little bit. With so many writers on the show, and so many storylines, they are losing control... I mean they had to write the laughable and implausible scene of Lizzy spilling all the government's secrets to help explain the story to the audience.. haha
ReplyDeleteI was initially bothered by the scene with Red and Tom at the hospital where they first "meet" as far as we know. I didn't think it jived with him having hired Tom originally. But, I am not sure Tom knew he had worked for Red at that time. He was probably just assigned by the major, and it is possible Red never had him meet with him. That is the only explanation I can come up with for why they didn't talk with more familiarity.
On re-thinking the scene, it is obvious Tom knew of Red (by reputation at least), and Red knew that. Obviously, Red's words wouldn't be a threat, as they were meant to be, if otherwise...
I am just not sure what they can do long term with Tom. I love him as a villain, but they are really pushing this "he really loves Liz" thing which I don't think they have supported enough. It'll be interesting to see what they do next.
I just don't hope they go off the rails like they did in this episode.
The writers have made a few mistakes along the way with timeline. I think in the first episode Lizzy said she was 14 when she got her scar, and then late said 4, and now forever it has been 4. They are not above error obviously. That's why I try not to put too much stock into some of the things people on other boards do.. flashes of passports, pieces of paper, etc. People get nuts over this show. lol
Agree.Red/Tom thing was very forced,this was my first impression when it came out in 208.The hospital scene Tom absolutely knew that's Red.He's hired by Berlin at that time.I don't buy "Tom loves Liz or Liz still loves Tom" either.It's zero chance they'll be back together. Tom's annoying. Hope they get rid of him asap.The show has the most inconsistent SLs I've ever seen in a while.I read a review,quoted:"The Blacklist should move forward from its past and create a new
ReplyDeletepath for itself, rather than forcing us to remember all these faults in
this unfortunate and unnecessary episode." ditto!
I disliked Tom in the beginning last season because he often made Liz think too hard and that all too often led to yet another 180-degree turn with her feelings about Red. That said, by season's end I thought he was one of the best characters on the series.
ReplyDeleteI'm still not sure I agree with the story lines being so inconstant...
The show uses red herrings and unreliable narrators a lot to mislead viewers and tries to manipulate them into thinking the wrong things. Once all the pertinent details are revealed the story lines tend to make sense in retrospect. To me at least.
I'm still not sure what to make of when Liz thinks she got the scar honestly. I heard 4 the first time I watched the pilot, but cc said 4 and I can hear that when I watch it now....
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure it matters though honestly since Liz's memory is unreliable for more than one reason. Confusion from trauma or the fact she seems to have been brainwashed... She may not be aware what happened when. So I don't think we can say anything is a mistake or inaccurate just yet....
All That Geo, i agree - Red was willing to sacrifice for Lizzie over and over again - Tom did not. He wanted to live and will do anything to survive another day. It is all he knows to be, all he is - Lizzie showed him another side of life, he may never had experienced before.Love. But to say he loves her soooo much, is simply untrue. He may care for her, but realised it too late, otherwise he would have dropped Berlin a long time ago, instead he stuck with him till the end.
ReplyDeleteAt this point, i am just trying to figure out what Tom's character still brings to the table, either way he is underused or overused. I guess we need him for??? counter intel?personally, I won't miss him when he's gone...
You give them probably more credit than I do. At the time of the pilot, I get the feeling they hadn't even imagined what now is the plot. I think they have a rough idea of a lot of it, but I think the details are coming along as we go!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your comments, I really do, however, something doesn't make sense. How does an FBI agents bullet casing, matching an FBI's gun PLUS the Harbormaster saying she was there AND having her business card that she gave him NOT put her at the scene of the crime?
ReplyDeleteShe is in a lot of trouble right now and the only person who can clear her is Tom - Her fake spy ex-husband that is now undercover as a Nazi... I have never had to type a sentence like that before...Lol
The only major thing I can't accept storyline wise is loose lips Liz. I am willing to accept almost anything else. Fortunately for the blacklist, the story is convoluted enough, the characters villainous enough, the plot already absurd enough, they can, and we can, pretty much come up with an excuse for anything having happened. ;)
ReplyDeleteDe be can't go. Dembe is awesome. You want to kill everybody. Haha Someone has to act as the voice of reason/conscience for Red. Somebody has to see the whole picture.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the judge is working for Red, but I do think he is working for someone. The fulcrum should have never been mentioned.
Obviously,TPTB want to keep Tom around and bond him with the key SL and the two central characters as much as they can,but it somewhat shakes the foundations of the show: Red/Liz relationship a little bit. Let's see what's next.
ReplyDeleteI don't mean this as a real criticism of the show though. Especially in pilots, things gets revamped, and many shows don't make it out of the first year. There is not reason to think they would have 6+ years of plots, or even 2 years of plots, all mapped out... Even now, the Blacklist can't guarantee it will have more than a third season (It will.). Shows come and go so fast on NBC.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I wonder... last year, when Red didn't know who Berlin was, when he figured out him and Tom were connected, why didn't he contact the Major then. Wouldn't that have been an easier way to find out who Berlin was?
ReplyDeleteThe writers didn't come up the idea how to write Tom's backstory then.LOL
ReplyDeleteNot surprised that this was the lowest rated episode. A lot of viewers probably got bored and switched channels. Definitely not one of their strongest episodes. I didn't hate it, but it was a little boring.
ReplyDeleteI'm not totally convinced that Tom loves her either, and I don't want her to ever forgive him or take him back! Tom is way to cruel and dark to really love her. BTW, wasn't the flashback of Craig renewing their wedding vows? I thought they just did it like that. Are renewals that serious? Wouldn't their first marriage still be legal (fake name aside...)
I wondered that too.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he could not track down any connection to the Major until more recently?
I think Red stated he could not find the Major in the last episode, that was why he used the Deputy Minister Mahmoud as a middle man.
I loathed Liz's loose lips as well...
ReplyDeleteI agree Ashley. I'm not sure who the judge is working for but I think he is definitely after something asking the questions he was asking to Liz.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right, Dembe can't go. He is a fan favorite and Red's voice of reason - as little he listens to anyone, he still needs Dembe.
I think you are right! Maybe that was just them renewing their vows instead of the real wedding. Probably doesn't matter though, I just thought it was interesting to see.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very cool theory...I am seeing that a lot. It would explain him asking questions outside the scope of the investigation.
Lol
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome point Ashley. What I think is that The Major didn't know who Berlin was at that time. Maybe he made a deal with Tom without using The Major to get to him? That could be possible.
ReplyDeleteVery good points Ashley. It was a convenient way to provide recaps and get non-viewers up to date. I actually thought of this when my employee mentioned that this episode helped her catch-up and understand a little more of whats going on.
ReplyDeleteI also like what you said about people in Liz's life guiding her toward a career in the FBI.
I also think like you that there are a few too many story threads going on at once and they will need to come to a finish soon with only 7 episodes remaining this season.
Very good theory and observation about last seasons finale. I hope we get more info in tomorrow night's episode. I'm looking forward to it, it should be great!
She did say 14 during the pilot and read that it was just a production error because Pilots are usually prepared well in advance of the second, and remaining, episodes. I think canon is that she was 4 years old when she got the scar. It also plays into the whole thing of why we see "4" in a lot of places. Red is number 4 on the FBI Most Wanted List, The number 4 appears in many places in the background, that sort of stuff. But thats my theory. But her being 4 years old is real.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like Tom that much either, until a certain scene. It was in season one and he was putting away his Spy Box and the POV was from the whole in the floor going up, with a clear shot of Tom's face. I could swear he had a little smile on his face. It was at that moment I knew he was a spy, but it was not revealed on the show for a few episodes later. I still don't know if he was meant to smile or not (I think I mentioned it in my review too). But after that I started to like his character a lot more. Now I think he is one of the best characters on the show.
ReplyDeleteLoose Lips Liz, LOL!
ReplyDeleteHeres my take on that...
ReplyDeleteIf that symbol is part of an organization then Red would know of Tom without having to go to The Major. So, how did Tom (and Gina) get that box? It's possible there are agents that Red doesn't know about in that organization I suppose if he is a part of it.
Right now I am 65/35 that Red is her father. So if he is her father then he is the one who gave her the scar, which means he is part of that organization.
I probably opened a big can of worms by saying that, huh? Lol
Red is connected to the symbol I am sure. But, everything opens a can of worms on this show. Lol
ReplyDeleteVery good points, all of them.
ReplyDeleteTom could have believed Berlin about Berlin's daughter storyline, but why would he? I don;t understand why Tom would jump ship if not for an insane amount of money. Makes no sense, right?
Lol, very true...
ReplyDeleteWhy wouldn't he believe Berlin's story? Berlin himself believed it...
ReplyDeletePlus, even if he did not know the story or did not believe it there are other reasons to switch sides like you said...
Money could certainly be a motivator if not the prime motivation, but it would make more sense if Tom does love Liz (or thinks he loves Liz). After falling for her emotionally (which he was not supposed to do) he started to feel protective of her and considered Red a threat to Liz after hearing Berlin's story.
I think there is a case to be made that he loved her....I know Tom often acted outwardly emotionally ambiguous towards Liz, but many times he went out of his way to avoid harming her. He killed the woman Berlin sent to keep tabs on him (and Liz), he went underground without eliminating Liz, and he left Liz basically whole after she tried to interrogate/ torture him.
Simple and to the point and she says this in the interview. the evidence is circumstantial. She could have handed the man the card any time. Her gun could have shot Aleko any time and by any person holding the gun. Aleko's story, now recanted involved Tom being part of the story but there is no evidence tying Tom to the crime scene. He is supposed to be dead, and supposed to be willing to talk about being tortured other wise, Not going to happen. If he testifies like with Cooper he will support Lizzie. Let's face it she is not even accused of murder, and the best they have is tampering. Even there they have to prove she was there at the time of the crime. They can not do that. They can not even prove that she shot her gun.
ReplyDeleteThat is not even true. Red knows that Absent Aleko there is no case. Kill him or have him take the fall for everything and then give him amnesty for testimony towards the capturing of the Major and Berlin. It is like he never existed. Too bad for the harbor master but without Aleko the card means nothing, the bullet is not in the deceased, Alek did not die from being shot, there is no case here. What's more the Judge broke with both due process and miranda in his questioning so everything Lizzie said is inadmissible and no way the FBI or the White House would let that go.
Dembe, while outdatedly cool as the tokenblack guy, Like Pompie in 'The Man who shot Liberty Valance" is not necessary and curiousity has me wondering why he has not been brought in for questioning as he is always around Red so the feds have to think Dembe is a source of incriminating information. Me personally I find it odd for the person who takes him out to both use a stun gun and apologize for doing so when Dembe strikes me as a body guard/killer, the kind of person you shoot first and then ignore. I was scanning back over old episodes and Red looking more and more to be behind this as Aimes was only on boat because of an anonymous tip.thinking that is Red too as Tom goes to Red after getting free. Doubt red trusted Lizzie to kill Tom and doubt Red trusted Tom to leave quietly or without incident. Calling the Harbor master assured Red that Tom would either be killed or let go in a hurry. Heck they have given cooper terminal brain cancer. Shooting Dembe is no worse.
ReplyDeleteYou kill fan favorites to keep the writing fresh and the audience engaged. For all we know Dembe has a twin brother who can avenge his death.
ReplyDeleteRed does everything in a deliberate manner so no need for a voice of reason as that all but assumes viewers need a crutch to understand Red's dilemmas. Does Red always need to be spoon fed his options? No.
Again kill Dembe as his advice is to get people talking when Red is all about dealing in secrets. Why not tie a pork chop to Lizzie's neck and scream " Come and get her!" The more she knows the more she is at danger. A reasonable person would target the Judge like Red targeted Aleko but that most likely is not necessary. An anonymous tip sent Aimes to the boat, now what if that was Red looking to speed things up and to get Lizzie back into his trusting group once more.
Fitch, the Octoberist was the bigger target, so no need for the Major until it was certain he could not lead to a bigger target. Berlin was going to come to Red so that was a sure kill. Fitch had to be set up learn the truth about him. Major is only a middle man but he is a middle man to all. He supplies spies and assassins. Take him out and a Captain will take his place.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I don't think we're ever shown the original wedding. Lol Craig was even creepier than Tom at his worst!
ReplyDelete