Ok for once I feel like I need to go back and watch it again immediately. Between being confused and a lot of information they thew at us tonight, my head is spinning.
The Blacklist storyline was ok, but I was happy with the "B" storyline with the "group." No preview means a break I am guessing... :-( We know Red will survive, but I am still on pins and needles. I hope this makes Lizzy get over her anger fast.
- Roger Hobbs is with the Cabal afterall... or was. - The number Fitch gave to Red looks to have been Jasper, another Cabal member. Was that Raymond J. Barry of Justified and the 100? - The new director of the Cabal does not mess around! - Mr Kaplan is more than just a cleaner!
I thought this was a fairly average episode for The Blacklist, but the ending pushed it up a notch or two! Yes, I have to go there... It went out with a bang!
Well we had an episode or two f Lizzie on an even keel, so this episode we had to have her go into Hate-Red-Mode saying she is done with him and wants it all to end. Then run back to him seconds later trying to save Red! I guess she does not want it all to end afterall! XD
Sub Plot was better than the blacklister storyline. Also this whole Liz gets mad at Red & is over it very quickly is getting abit too much now god knows how many times they have done it now but it needs to stop
HOLY CRAP RED GOT SHOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!so Hobbs wasn't just some one-off villain, he was part of The Alliance, surprising. IT MAKES ME SICK THAT LIZ KISSED TOM!!!!!!!!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Godfather 2, time to fake your own shooting. At the moment Lizzie presents Red with what she presumes is the fulcrum, he is shot. Objective achieved as the Group now is certain Red has possession of the list and can fear it coming out soon. Other Objective achieved, Lizzie is free to leave or so she thinks. Remember before they meet Red tell Dembe it is time for them to g. I do not think he meant leave but rather disappear, vanish and this does that.
And im gonna say that ending was staged. Reddington needed to get out (he told Dembe to prepared everything), he once faked his death, could he have done it a second time?. Of couse he could. Love Ana de la Reguera, she was amazing. I need to see her more on this. Is she gonna be Mr. Kaplan pupil now?. Tom said everything to Liz and of course she was shocked about it. We didnt have that much answers but as for now Liz knows a ittle bit more. So Roger was part of the group, i houht they were just friends and now his loyanlty to Reddngton got him in trouble. For a second time Red couldnt get a hold on smeone from the group, his leverage depends on the fulcrum. I hope Tom gets his boat before the Major gets his hnads on him. :v
At this point, I don't know if I want Red to be Liz's bio-dad or not. I think I'd settle for godfather. Or uncle. And though it has been hinted at before tonight that Red inserted Tom into Liz's life, the whole situation is just giving me a Scandal feel a la Rowan/Papa Pope and his need to control Olivia's life... and that never bodes well.
of course he is or he would not have sent Tom, merely shown up. Tom was able to find out how little Lizzie remembered of her childhood and what her aspirations are, as well as figure out who was interested in her.
Subplot as I think you are referring is part of the storyline if you think about it, The target used Red's people to create the shelf companies which is how Red knew what she was doing and how Tom's shelf company was similar. Red had it set up. This of course tells Red that Tom is talking to Lizzie behind Red's back so Tom needs Lizzie to runaway with him, protection, that does not happen so plan B tell Lizzie who sent him. Red uses the meeting to as Hobbs asked show the syndicate the Fulcrum does exist, but as he says to Dembe before hand it is time to go. Pretty sure that is not the Fulcrum but the syndicate does not know that and neither does Lizzie.
Even if they are done it doesn't mean she should let him bleed to death in the street. I think she's going to be mad for a while (and understandably so), until something about his role in her past gets revealed maybe?
Did you notice how fast Dembe grabbed the box off the car with the supposed ( but probably just a lead to the real thing ) fulcrum as soon as Red went down ?
I find it really aggravating that she doesn't wait to hear an explanation. She is all about getting answers, but then she just storms off. Even she didn't choose to believe what he said, you would think she would want to hear it. She is the worst profiler ever. LOL Her character annoys me to no end. Unlike some posters who think it was staged, I believe he was legitimately shot, and I think this will cause her to forgive him pretty quickly. (Good). My hopes are he gets to explain what happened with Tom because I am curious myself. My guess is there is a role reversal coming up. He needs help and needs to go underground, and she helps him secure this business with the fulcrum etc. I don't think the rabbit device is the fulcrum, or at least isn't readable in just that form. I am actually happy Red was "bested" by someone. It makes him more interesting to know he doesn't always have things under control. (just most of the time...) I think this goes to show just how much he cares about his relationship with Liz though. He could have done various things to force her to give up the fulcrum. But, he chose to wait for her to give it to him/gently try to withhold information to get her to give it.... He definitely could have strong-armed her, but he still puts that relationship above his own safety. If she was a good profiler she would think of these things, but alas.... LOL
Next time i will stay away from spoiler pictures, because we predicted how it went down to a T...cliffhanger usually include either hurt Liz/hurt Red - Angry Liz - Red & Liz at odds again round 100. I get that she is hurt, i would be too. But for someone who hungers for answers, is a 'gifted' profiler she gives up pretty easily, she albeit shoved the Fulcrum in Red's face and told him to leave. Again. Basically giving up on their connection, her past, her job and what was she suppose to do afterwards? Join Tom on his boat? That kiss was nauseating but understandable. She had to let him go. Red understands what it is like to be drawn to something that is bad for you health - i hope he meant Naomi & not Liz. Although i hope that Tom is responsible for shooting him, i guess it had something to do with the director [who now i guess knows about Liz] - i liked Tom the 'spy' - not so much Jacob the boring redeemable character - and Mrs/MrKeen working together was a glimpse into the future? is that where Tom's storyline is leading too - a second CI?
I give the overall episode a B. The subplot of which we had seen so little a B+.
If it was staged, I think the only way for it to "trick" the cabal was if Red had their designated sniper in his pocket. If he staged someone else to do it, I think they would think it was too coincidental that someone took him out right as they were planning on it. Alda made it clear that they could have shot him every day for the last 20 years, so I think his time was up. It is lucky, however, that he didn't get shot in the fedora holder as any good sniper would aim for. So it is possible, he planned it. I kind of hope not. Realistically, he was due to get shot. Lol. You can't live that life forever and come out unscathed.
I think that is the weakness to his character though which is why I hope the shooting was real. Trust me, I love badass Red, but his omnipotence is borderline cartoonish. He can't be untouchable or infallible because all the conflict with the antagonists would be removed.
I think so, yes. That would not necessarily keep him out of play forever though.
It just feels like too big of a coincidence to me that a sniper shoots Red and Red had a sniper on his payroll earlier in the season...Obviously though they may be completely unrelated!
I understand what you are saying and respect your opinion but I do differ from you in that I love his guile and in no way find it cartoonish or a weakness to his character , rather it is his charm. He can run rings around everyone all the time and I would not consider it as detracting from the story. I still see conflict and I still enjoy him coming out on top. But I also still appreciate that you just like your drama done differently than I do. ( PS I have been known to sacrilegiously read the end of books before I start them too. ) Each to his own pleasures.
No, could not see which of the three pulled the box down or started to return fire first but the only blood seen comes out of Red's mouth as in blood capsule . This fake death works to his advantage in many ways, it forces the syndicate into the light as they wonder who planned the hit and how to get the decoy. My guess is the supposed fulcrum is the Football Red removed from the presidential limo which gives him unfettered access to secure files and command computer systems. People have all but ignored that moment but it makes sense to be his next move after Luther's attempt to do the same thing during the prison break. the important scene was the one where Red talked about staying with some one who was dangerous for him against his better judgment. Most likely referring to Lizzie's mom, perhaps Lizzie, perhaps Tom but the former makes for the better story as it creates a double Romeo and Juliet twist with a catch. But this is looking more and more Godfather each day and less and less Hannibal Lector,
Dembe definitely made a deliberate move to grab that box off the car - it looked interesting to me because Red was on the ground. I did not mention it to disagree with you because I find your theory plausible but I mentioned it because it almost supported your theory.
I think her reaction is perfect and understandable, she has asked him and he hanst said anything, she found answers in other place, of course that place is not the best but she found some answers and then when she confronts Red, you expect her to hear what he has to say?. She is mad, she doesnt want to hear more lies and for the moment she doesnt trust him. Getting shot would be the way to prove to her that he is really in danger so if she has the Fulcrum she will deliver it fast. Red is a mastermind in manipulation and i think he will do anything to save himself even stage getting attacked.
Well give her a break red is the resin Liz's life is ruined he put Tom in her life and ruined it. And it took her finding out the truth on her own for him to admit the truth!
He already has the "fulcrum" in hand so no need to stage it just to prove that. He is the anti hero so they have to be careful how much he manipulates Liz. It always has to be somewhat for her own good... Even if also benefiting him.
What I mean is that it struck me as a bit odd that Dembe seemed as concerned about grabbing that box off the car as he did about the state of his mentor/friend/employer on the ground. Which had me wondering if he knew something we did not.
When Reddington and Dembe find Tom coming out of Lizzie's room that gave me a being caught making out on the porch with your boyfriend by your dad kind of vibe.
Reddington being shot after he hired Vanessa Cruz is possible but not probable, I think...
He didnt know she was gonna give it to him in that momment. He could have had everything set for the momment they meet. I too believe what happened to him was real that the Alliance kept their promise and acted agains him but something also tells me that he is capable of set his own death. I think that's the good thing about his character, he is such manipulative and crazy that you dont know if something is real or not.
Like I said I did not see who grabbed the case but the logic to securing it is to make its importance apparent to those watching. Too late to protect Red or Lizzie though it would make sense to do the latter but I am certain this was fake. The fact that the next episode in three weeks has a case file name tells you Red will not disappear completely and most likely the case will be locked into evidence. Then again Dembe could disappear with the case as rd really never needs him. he is the worst body guard on record.
Simple answer, because there are no steps to this game. He is not ahead of people it is simply his board and he has had the board for going on 25 years. It is a Zen thing as in been here done this before world. But the game is simple and has limited moves, kill , be killed or leave the game. The assumption is Red chose option 2, but did he?
Where do you see him as being all powerful? He does not seek power and that is his role in this world. He assists those who do seek power meet those of like minds for better or worse. If you think about it the "Cabal" gets more powerful each move he makes but you have to be in charge of it to take advantage of that power. Red is not in charge. He is the "Rubicon" that line outside a democracy that once crossed makes one a dictator of a great Empire but up until now the agreement has been not to bring troops cross the Rubicon. The Director has been setting up to do that for quite the while. Fitch tried to slow him down but that cost him his head. Red could not stop that but then again Fitch betrayed Red first. The thing about the Rubicon which is most interesting at present is that its exact location is unknown. If you want to review your Roman history, Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon to be named Emperor and was assassinated for doing so creating a Civil War between Marc Antony and Octavian ending in the deaths of Cleopatra and Anthony and Octavian becoming Augustus the Emperor who caused the whole pilgrimage to Bethlehem thing that lead to Christianity and the ultimate fall of the Roman Empire as it could not control the power it had and in the end the the territory end up being the seat of the Christian Empire not what Caesar had foreseen. "The die is cast" and cannot be uncast, "Let the dice fly" how they might. Red has no power. He just signals the coming of those who may.
At this point people should be asking themselves why there is a fulcrum, who ordered its creation, what its purpose is and how it could still be relevant 20 years down the way. Oh yes and how Red and the "cabal" came to know it exists and is missing. That might show you who has the power.
Unfortunately you're right. I was thinking along the lines: in Tom's twisted mind a thought appears - Red is the main reason Tom and Liz can't live happily ever after so Tom removes the obstacle and then lives happily ever after... Dark, twisted and crazy.
Red is always shown as 10 steps of everyone else. He always seems to know the end. He easily outsmarts the FBI (which isn't hard on this show) every week by a great margin. He makes the other criminals look idiotic. His character seems to have connections everywhere and he seems to have been everywhere. He wins handily and charmingly every time. He is written as being nearly beyond error. Even when he does make a mistake, he is able to fix it easily. At the prison, he walked through the nest of "baddies" with ease (in an awesome scene btw). He made the big bad Berlin look like a putz etc. He just never gets tripped up too much. From the perspective of character, he never seems to struggle much. He might take a while to figure something out, but he always does before he undergoes any real harm (at least physically). That's why I think it would be good to have him having really been shot because its realistic. He was able to walk around for 25 years because they believed he had the fulcrum. Fitch is gone. They don't anymore. Bang. I really would like to see a role reversal with Liz With her, A. Being the one to see Red as vulnerable (which I believe he is in this situation. And B. As the one that gets to save him... Like she did in the Earl King but times 10. Plus, I do think this will be a great revelation for their relationship (which I view as paternal) because she should (hopefully) see that he really was in danger and that he didn't force her hand for the fulcrum. I don't think he is "only interested in the fulcrum" as she suggests. I never like to see a character that is impervious. It is interesting to see Red, once in a while, as in need of real aid. 98 percent of the time I want him to be his witty self, but some of the time, he needs to show real vulnerability.
Let's see. the one time would be admiral,. leaves his position in the pentagon to sell secrets in a group when a fire happens one Christmas and supposedly someone is killed. leaving a little girl fatherless. Years later that will be motherless as well. If you listened to the people talking that night, one of the parents stole the fulcrum. (The question should be from who?) The presumption is that at the end of all this Red has the fulcrum, had the fulcrum or know where the Fulcrum is. He does not get killed because as seen time and time again he does not work alone. (Clue: where is the mother? Do not presume she is dead) Perhaps you are missing the fact these cases are coming from past dealings as if from a file. You are also missing the fact he has a 40 million dollar bounty on his head, literally his head as that is where his list resides and perhaps something else. You must have missed the episode where he was actually tortured but you seem to want him dead. He is the show. No him, no cases. But let me spoil some more for you. It has already been established what he is looking for, what and or who he is protecting and the fact that people are out to kill him as soon as they feel safe to do so. Did you see anything that would make someone feel safe about killing him in this episode? No. The Director asked for permission but that was fast even for dominoes to send out a hit. The only one in place to know where he would be is Conolly and not exactly sure who he works for. One thing is for certain only a president can appoint him Attorney General. Have you seen a president yet? Limo yes, president no. You saw a football and probably did not consider the timing of it. You saw a federal judge go after a federal agent but did not consider why. You saw a professional assassin set free after confessing to murder and just because one thing says it was predictable you accept it.
Okay so Red ends up being shot, either he has a punctured lung explaining the blood in his mouth and not in his head or chest, and miraculously he will be able to talk by next episode, or as I think , he is faking it and like Michael in Godfather 2 setting up for a knife of 1000 knives where in episode 22 many die and not just one or two.
BTW, if Red were omnipotent either Tom or Lizzie would be dead already and he not be out in the open so much , and yet he is and they are very much both alive.
No, information= money in his world. Money can be power or it can be a huge weight around your neck. Red sacrifices money time and time again not to be the big dog and hold the power which is why he is the rubicon and nothing more. He had power in the navy and gave it up. Position can be power as well. Red is the Concierge or Crime, a servant to those who seek power in many forms. Information will not save Red, as it must be shared to be effective and Red only deals in secrets. In order for Red to be powerful he must tell everything he knows and then they would kill him. So he has no power at all.
Uhh... I do not want him dead. He is the only character on the show worth while other than the smaller supporting characters (cabal). I have also not missed any episodes. I have seen Anslo Garrick multiple times in fact. Garrick was an idiot who red outsmarted yet again. The only reason he got tricked was because of the dumb FBI and the mole, meera.
There are more moles and now he uses this knowledge to not be fooled again. Lizzie is the only one Red is certain is not a mole, but what else could she be? Yet to be seen
Oh, so you completely didn't understand me. I wasn't talking about physical power. Plus check the scene with the Director, again. The Director wasn't unsure of the existence of fulcrum. No, he didn't know what Red knew. It's clear when they both exchange violent words and then Red dares the Director to call Red's bluff and then the Director backpedalled. This isn't what one does when one deals with a powerless opponent. This is what one does when one deals with an opponent who has a leverage.
ivan, case in this part refers to the plastic case the device was carried in , looked something like a gun case and it was in the middle of the action when the bullet was shot. Case is not referring to a person
This is what one does when your opponent has the drop on you and it is credible he might kill you. It is a cheap writing ploy as old as time to allow the nervous person to talk with the person currently gloating. Many people laugh at it. If you have that much time to talk you can not possibly be in danger.
I look at that face off as Red summing up what viewers may not have been smart enough to figure out, that Luther's deal with the Director in combination with the air strike on the platform, says that the Director does not want the fulcrum, he wants to be sure it is real, and if it is real kill anyone who might have it. Luther was never intended to leave the platform, The helicopter and agents were never intended to show up on the platform. The code would be given to reboot and the missiles would be launched on confirmation of a break in.
Red showed up to deliver proof to the Director his plan failed, and to ascertain if the Director knew about Lizzie yet. I would imagine if he said one word about her, Red would have shot the Director then and there, BUT, there is a degree of Mario Puzo to this writing and the Director is the equivalent of a Don, meaning the only way he can be wacked is by a counsel vote. One Don may kill another but only if he is willing to risk reprisal. Red who is little more than a cappo in the Cabal could kill the Director but only in such a way it shed suspicion on another Don. (Clue: that is exactly what Cruz is a master of, making it look like someone else committed a crime.)
Do not put too much stock in the dialog of any one scene. That is how you get misguided.
By the way the only way to call a person's bluff is to go all in.this exposes all of the Director's assets while keeping Red's face down. Visualize this and imagine the Power that is behind the Fulcrum says enough and rather that show cards, kills everyone on the Director's side. Is it that difficult to figure this out? Red need only duck and cover, the battle will happen with or without him.
To buffer her from the huge mistake she is about to make in joining the FBI. Husband changes name yet again. He keeps her from talking to others about her lack of a past.He also reports any suspicious people in her life. And they want Red to seem psycho talking about a code like with Dexter but it is more like the Marine code of conduct in A Few Good Men. "Did you order a Code Red!" (pun most likely intended)
And more than just being two separate identities, Jacob has really never had a chance to mature or evolve as himself since he has always been playing other people. Tom may have been the first steps toward becoming someone close to the "real Jacob" with emotional traits from his true self seeping into the identity he was portraying, but it was still a role.
If he does get out of the game, he can then become someone with his own identity... find his own likes, dislikes and personality.
NOTE: Name-calling, personal attacks, spamming, excessive self-promotion, condescending pomposity, general assiness, racism, sexism, any-other-ism, homophobia, acrophobia, and destructive (versus constructive) criticism will get you BANNED from the party.
Mr. Kaplan ! My joy knows no bounds.
ReplyDeleteAn average episode. But the ending was very good!
ReplyDeleteOk for once I feel like I need to go back and watch it again immediately. Between being confused and a lot of information they thew at us tonight, my head is spinning.
ReplyDeleteThe Blacklist storyline was ok, but I was happy with the "B" storyline with the "group." No preview means a break I am guessing... :-( We know Red will survive, but I am still on pins and needles. I hope this makes Lizzy get over her anger fast.
ReplyDeleteCausing less time spent in a snit . Yea.
ReplyDeleteA lot of small answers in this episode!
ReplyDelete- Roger Hobbs is with the Cabal afterall... or was.
- The number Fitch gave to Red looks to have been Jasper, another Cabal member.
Was that Raymond J. Barry of Justified and the 100?
- The new director of the Cabal does not mess around!
- Mr Kaplan is more than just a cleaner!
I thought this was a fairly average episode for The Blacklist, but the ending pushed it up a notch or two! Yes, I have to go there... It went out with a bang!
Well we had an episode or two f Lizzie on an even keel, so this episode we had to have her go into Hate-Red-Mode saying she is done with him and wants it all to end. Then run back to him seconds later trying to save Red! I guess she does not want it all to end afterall! XD
ReplyDeleteSub Plot was better than the blacklister storyline. Also this whole Liz gets mad at Red & is over it very quickly is getting abit too much now god knows how many times they have done it now but it needs to stop
ReplyDeleteshe can'y help it can she? she truly and totally cares about him
ReplyDeletei DIDN'T even expect Hobbs to appear until at least next season
ReplyDeleteHOLY CRAP RED GOT SHOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!so Hobbs wasn't just some one-off villain, he was part of The Alliance, surprising. IT MAKES ME SICK THAT LIZ KISSED TOM!!!!!!!!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGodfather 2, time to fake your own shooting. At the moment Lizzie presents Red with what she presumes is the fulcrum, he is shot. Objective achieved as the Group now is certain Red has possession of the list and can fear it coming out soon. Other Objective achieved, Lizzie is free to leave or so she thinks. Remember before they meet Red tell Dembe it is time for them to g. I do not think he meant leave but rather disappear, vanish and this does that.
ReplyDeleteso if it's true, Red's trying to protect Liz?
ReplyDeleteAnd im gonna say that ending was staged. Reddington needed to get out (he told Dembe to prepared everything), he once faked his death, could he have done it a second time?. Of couse he could.
ReplyDeleteLove Ana de la Reguera, she was amazing. I need to see her more on this. Is she gonna be Mr. Kaplan pupil now?.
Tom said everything to Liz and of course she was shocked about it. We didnt have that much answers but as for now Liz knows a ittle bit more.
So Roger was part of the group, i houht they were just friends and now his loyanlty to Reddngton got him in trouble. For a second time Red couldnt get a hold on smeone from the group, his leverage depends on the fulcrum.
I hope Tom gets his boat before the Major gets his hnads on him. :v
At this point, I don't know if I want Red to be Liz's bio-dad or not. I think I'd settle for godfather. Or uncle. And though it has been hinted at before tonight that Red inserted Tom into Liz's life, the whole situation is just giving me a Scandal feel a la Rowan/Papa Pope and his need to control Olivia's life... and that never bodes well.
ReplyDeleteof course he is or he would not have sent Tom, merely shown up. Tom was able to find out how little Lizzie remembered of her childhood and what her aspirations are, as well as figure out who was interested in her.
ReplyDeleteSubplot as I think you are referring is part of the storyline if you think about it, The target used Red's people to create the shelf companies which is how Red knew what she was doing and how Tom's shelf company was similar. Red had it set up. This of course tells Red that Tom is talking to Lizzie behind Red's back so Tom needs Lizzie to runaway with him, protection, that does not happen so plan B tell Lizzie who sent him. Red uses the meeting to as Hobbs asked show the syndicate the Fulcrum does exist, but as he says to Dembe before hand it is time to go. Pretty sure that is not the Fulcrum but the syndicate does not know that and neither does Lizzie.
ReplyDeleteEven if they are done it doesn't mean she should let him bleed to death in the street.
ReplyDeleteI think she's going to be mad for a while (and understandably so), until something about his role in her past gets revealed maybe?
Did you notice how fast Dembe grabbed the box off the car with the supposed ( but probably just a lead to the real thing ) fulcrum as soon as Red went down ?
ReplyDeleteawesome cried sooooooooo bad but when is next ep???
ReplyDeleteI find it really aggravating that she doesn't wait to hear an explanation. She is all about getting answers, but then she just storms off. Even she didn't choose to believe what he said, you would think she would want to hear it. She is the worst profiler ever. LOL
ReplyDeleteHer character annoys me to no end.
Unlike some posters who think it was staged, I believe he was legitimately shot, and I think this will cause her to forgive him pretty quickly. (Good). My hopes are he gets to explain what happened with Tom because I am curious myself. My guess is there is a role reversal coming up. He needs help and needs to go underground, and she helps him secure this business with the fulcrum etc. I don't think the rabbit device is the fulcrum, or at least isn't readable in just that form.
I am actually happy Red was "bested" by someone. It makes him more interesting to know he doesn't always have things under control. (just most of the time...)
I think this goes to show just how much he cares about his relationship with Liz though. He could have done various things to force her to give up the fulcrum. But, he chose to wait for her to give it to him/gently try to withhold information to get her to give it.... He definitely could have strong-armed her, but he still puts that relationship above his own safety. If she was a good profiler she would think of these things, but alas.... LOL
April 23.
ReplyDeleteA three week break after that episode? Come on, NBC!
ReplyDeleteI wonder what Red wants with Cruz.
Was that Raymond J. Barry of Justified and the 100?
ReplyDeleteNo, it wasn't.
Next time i will stay away from spoiler pictures, because we predicted how it went down to a T...cliffhanger usually include either hurt Liz/hurt Red - Angry Liz - Red & Liz at odds again round 100. I get that she is hurt, i would be too. But for someone who hungers for answers, is a 'gifted' profiler she gives up pretty easily, she albeit shoved the Fulcrum in Red's face and told him to leave. Again. Basically giving up on their connection, her past, her job and what was she suppose to do afterwards? Join Tom on his boat? That kiss was nauseating but understandable. She had to let him go. Red understands what it is like to be drawn to something that is bad for you health - i hope he meant Naomi & not Liz. Although i hope that Tom is responsible for shooting him, i guess it had something to do with the director [who now i guess knows about Liz] - i liked Tom the 'spy' - not so much Jacob the boring redeemable character - and Mrs/MrKeen working together was a glimpse into the future? is that where Tom's storyline is leading too - a second CI?
ReplyDeleteI give the overall episode a B. The subplot of which we had seen so little a B+.
ugh too long to wait, my Lizzington <3
ReplyDeleteI want Tom to be the shooter!
ReplyDeleteAssuming it is staged...
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if Ezra, Red's man following Liz in the beginning of the season may be the shooter...
Awesome episode, interesting ending.
ReplyDeleteRed has always been 2 steps ahead of everyone else so why are we assuming that is not the case now....
ReplyDeleteI don't think he was, but that would be a good twist!
ReplyDeleteIf it was staged, I think the only way for it to "trick" the cabal was if Red had their designated sniper in his pocket. If he staged someone else to do it, I think they would think it was too coincidental that someone took him out right as they were planning on it. Alda made it clear that they could have shot him every day for the last 20 years, so I think his time was up. It is lucky, however, that he didn't get shot in the fedora holder as any good sniper would aim for. So it is possible, he planned it. I kind of hope not. Realistically, he was due to get shot. Lol. You can't live that life forever and come out unscathed.
ReplyDeleteWasn't he arrested?
ReplyDeleteI think that is the weakness to his character though which is why I hope the shooting was real. Trust me, I love badass Red, but his omnipotence is borderline cartoonish. He can't be untouchable or infallible because all the conflict with the antagonists would be removed.
ReplyDeleteI think so, yes. That would not necessarily keep him out of play forever though.
ReplyDeleteIt just feels like too big of a coincidence to me that a sniper shoots Red and Red had a sniper on his payroll earlier in the season...Obviously though they may be completely unrelated!
I understand what you are saying and respect your opinion but I do differ from you in that I love his guile and in no way find it cartoonish or a weakness to his character , rather it is his charm. He can run rings around everyone all the time and I would not consider it as detracting from the story. I still see conflict and I still enjoy him coming out on top. But I also still appreciate that you just like your drama done differently than I do. ( PS I have been known to sacrilegiously read the end of books before I start them too. ) Each to his own pleasures.
ReplyDeleteHe is definitely one of the best characters on tv no doubt. I love James Spader and the wit and charm of Red, but he has got to lose sometime. ;)
ReplyDeleteBased on the snippets we know about his past, he has lost big time in his life.
ReplyDeleteNo, could not see which of the three pulled the box down or started to return fire first but the only blood seen comes out of Red's mouth as in blood capsule . This fake death works to his advantage in many ways, it forces the syndicate into the light as they wonder who planned the hit and how to get the decoy. My guess is the supposed fulcrum is the Football Red removed from the presidential limo which gives him unfettered access to secure files and command computer systems. People have all but ignored that moment but it makes sense to be his next move after Luther's attempt to do the same thing during the prison break. the important scene was the one where Red talked about staying with some one who was dangerous for him against his better judgment. Most likely referring to Lizzie's mom, perhaps Lizzie, perhaps Tom but the former makes for the better story as it creates a double Romeo and Juliet twist with a catch. But this is looking more and more Godfather each day and less and less Hannibal Lector,
ReplyDeleteDembe definitely made a deliberate move to grab that box off the car - it looked interesting to me because Red was on the ground. I did not mention it to disagree with you because I find your theory plausible but I mentioned it because it almost supported your theory.
ReplyDeleteHe will definitely win in the end. Too bad we have to wait until the 23rd for the answer to the shooting. I hate breaks.
ReplyDeleteI think her reaction is perfect and understandable, she has asked him and he hanst said anything, she found answers in other place, of course that place is not the best but she found some answers and then when she confronts Red, you expect her to hear what he has to say?. She is mad, she doesnt want to hear more lies and for the moment she doesnt trust him.
ReplyDeleteGetting shot would be the way to prove to her that he is really in danger so if she has the Fulcrum she will deliver it fast. Red is a mastermind in manipulation and i think he will do anything to save himself even stage getting attacked.
Well give her a break red is the resin Liz's life is ruined he put Tom in her life and ruined it. And it took her finding out the truth on her own for him to admit the truth!
ReplyDeleteHe already has the "fulcrum" in hand so no need to stage it just to prove that. He is the anti hero so they have to be careful how much he manipulates Liz. It always has to be somewhat for her own good... Even if also benefiting him.
ReplyDeleteMe too.
ReplyDeleteWhat I mean is that it struck me as a bit odd that Dembe seemed as concerned about grabbing that box off the car as he did about the state of his mentor/friend/employer on the ground. Which had me wondering if he knew something we did not.
ReplyDeleteWhen Reddington and Dembe find Tom coming out of Lizzie's room that gave me a being caught making out on the porch with your boyfriend by your dad kind of vibe.
ReplyDeleteReddington being shot after he hired Vanessa Cruz is possible but not probable, I think...
He didnt know she was gonna give it to him in that momment. He could have had everything set for the momment they meet. I too believe what happened to him was real that the Alliance kept their promise and acted agains him but something also tells me that he is capable of set his own death. I think that's the good thing about his character, he is such manipulative and crazy that you dont know if something is real or not.
ReplyDeleteBut Tom and Liz are meant to be together :v They could make a great team in the task force dont you think?
ReplyDeleteLike I said I did not see who grabbed the case but the logic to securing it is to make its importance apparent to those watching. Too late to protect Red or Lizzie though it would make sense to do the latter but I am certain this was fake. The fact that the next episode in three weeks has a case file name tells you Red will not disappear completely and most likely the case will be locked into evidence. Then again Dembe could disappear with the case as rd really never needs him. he is the worst body guard on record.
ReplyDeleteCould swear Tom just picked Aidan Quinn's pocket
ReplyDeleteSimple answer, because there are no steps to this game. He is not ahead of people it is simply his board and he has had the board for going on 25 years. It is a Zen thing as in been here done this before world. But the game is simple and has limited moves, kill , be killed or leave the game. The assumption is Red chose option 2, but did he?
ReplyDeleteWhere do you see him as being all powerful? He does not seek power and that is his role in this world. He assists those who do seek power meet those of like minds for better or worse. If you think about it the "Cabal" gets more powerful each move he makes but you have to be in charge of it to take advantage of that power. Red is not in charge. He is the "Rubicon" that line outside a democracy that once crossed makes one a dictator of a great Empire but up until now the agreement has been not to bring troops cross the Rubicon. The Director has been setting up to do that for quite the while. Fitch tried to slow him down but that cost him his head. Red could not stop that but then again Fitch betrayed Red first. The thing about the Rubicon which is most interesting at present is that its exact location is unknown. If you want to review your Roman history, Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon to be named Emperor and was assassinated for doing so creating a Civil War between Marc Antony and Octavian ending in the deaths of Cleopatra and Anthony and Octavian becoming Augustus the Emperor who caused the whole pilgrimage to Bethlehem thing that lead to Christianity and the ultimate fall of the Roman Empire as it could not control the power it had and in the end the the territory end up being the seat of the Christian Empire not what Caesar had foreseen. "The die is cast" and cannot be uncast, "Let the dice fly" how they might. Red has no power. He just signals the coming of those who may.
ReplyDeleteAt this point people should be asking themselves why there is a fulcrum, who ordered its creation, what its purpose is and how it could still be relevant 20 years down the way. Oh yes and how Red and the "cabal" came to know it exists and is missing. That might show you who has the power.
Information=power, at least in his world.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately you're right. I was thinking along the lines: in Tom's twisted mind a thought appears - Red is the main reason Tom and Liz can't live happily ever after so Tom removes the obstacle and then lives happily ever after... Dark, twisted and crazy.
ReplyDeleteRed is always shown as 10 steps of everyone else. He always seems to know the end. He easily outsmarts the FBI (which isn't hard on this show) every week by a great margin. He makes the other criminals look idiotic. His character seems to have connections everywhere and he seems to have been everywhere. He wins handily and charmingly every time.
ReplyDeleteHe is written as being nearly beyond error. Even when he does make a mistake, he is able to fix it easily. At the prison, he walked through the nest of "baddies" with ease (in an awesome scene btw). He made the big bad Berlin look like a putz etc.
He just never gets tripped up too much. From the perspective of character, he never seems to struggle much. He might take a while to figure something out, but he always does before he undergoes any real harm (at least physically).
That's why I think it would be good to have him having really been shot because its realistic. He was able to walk around for 25 years because they believed he had the fulcrum. Fitch is gone. They don't anymore. Bang.
I really would like to see a role reversal with Liz With her, A. Being the one to see Red as vulnerable (which I believe he is in this situation. And B. As the one that gets to save him... Like she did in the Earl King but times 10.
Plus, I do think this will be a great revelation for their relationship (which I view as paternal) because she should (hopefully) see that he really was in danger and that he didn't force her hand for the fulcrum. I don't think he is "only interested in the fulcrum" as she suggests.
I never like to see a character that is impervious. It is interesting to see Red, once in a while, as in need of real aid. 98 percent of the time I want him to be his witty self, but some of the time, he needs to show real vulnerability.
Good episode.
ReplyDeleteToo long.
ReplyDeleteThe ending was more than likely staged.
ReplyDeleteRed is a phsyco. Why would he hire Tom and then make Lizz all suspicious? God. I really enjoyed this one and Vanessa was great too.
ReplyDeleteLet's see. the one time would be admiral,. leaves his position in the pentagon to sell secrets in a group when a fire happens one Christmas and supposedly someone is killed. leaving a little girl fatherless. Years later that will be motherless as well. If you listened to the people talking that night, one of the parents stole the fulcrum. (The question should be from who?) The presumption is that at the end of all this Red has the fulcrum, had the fulcrum or know where the Fulcrum is. He does not get killed because as seen time and time again he does not work alone. (Clue: where is the mother? Do not presume she is dead) Perhaps you are missing the fact these cases are coming from past dealings as if from a file. You are also missing the fact he has a 40 million dollar bounty on his head, literally his head as that is where his list resides and perhaps something else. You must have missed the episode where he was actually tortured but you seem to want him dead. He is the show. No him, no cases. But let me spoil some more for you. It has already been established what he is looking for, what and or who he is protecting and the fact that people are out to kill him as soon as they feel safe to do so. Did you see anything that would make someone feel safe about killing him in this episode? No. The Director asked for permission but that was fast even for dominoes to send out a hit. The only one in place to know where he would be is Conolly and not exactly sure who he works for. One thing is for certain only a president can appoint him Attorney General. Have you seen a president yet? Limo yes, president no. You saw a football and probably did not consider the timing of it. You saw a federal judge go after a federal agent but did not consider why. You saw a professional assassin set free after confessing to murder and just because one thing says it was predictable you accept it.
ReplyDeleteOkay so Red ends up being shot, either he has a punctured lung explaining the blood in his mouth and not in his head or chest, and miraculously he will be able to talk by next episode, or as I think , he is faking it and like Michael in Godfather 2 setting up for a knife of 1000 knives where in episode 22 many die and not just one or two.
BTW, if Red were omnipotent either Tom or Lizzie would be dead already and he not be out in the open so much , and yet he is and they are very much both alive.
No, information= money in his world. Money can be power or it can be a huge weight around your neck. Red sacrifices money time and time again not to be the big dog and hold the power which is why he is the rubicon and nothing more. He had power in the navy and gave it up. Position can be power as well. Red is the Concierge or Crime, a servant to those who seek power in many forms. Information will not save Red, as it must be shared to be effective and Red only deals in secrets. In order for Red to be powerful he must tell everything he knows and then they would kill him. So he has no power at all.
ReplyDeleteWhy would he kill Lizzy or Tom? He is an anti-hero, not a villain.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is Tom was like Ezra the sniper gone wrong. He was meant to protect Liz or gather information from her.
ReplyDeleteUhh... I do not want him dead. He is the only character on the show worth while other than the smaller supporting characters (cabal). I have also not missed any episodes. I have seen Anslo Garrick multiple times in fact. Garrick was an idiot who red outsmarted yet again. The only reason he got tricked was because of the dumb FBI and the mole, meera.
ReplyDeleteyou only need one person to succeed you and it is either him or her One of them will be the Rubicon going forward
ReplyDeleteThere are more moles and now he uses this knowledge to not be fooled again. Lizzie is the only one Red is certain is not a mole, but what else could she be? Yet to be seen
ReplyDeleteGrab the next episode and share a link with some faithful fans. Please... it's too long. Too cruel when they leave us all like that!
ReplyDeleteOh, so you completely didn't understand me. I wasn't talking about physical power. Plus check the scene with the Director, again. The Director wasn't unsure of the existence of fulcrum. No, he didn't know what Red knew. It's clear when they both exchange violent words and then Red dares the Director to call Red's bluff and then the Director backpedalled. This isn't what one does when one deals with a powerless opponent. This is what one does when one deals with an opponent who has a leverage.
ReplyDeleteno i don't think that UGH!!!!!!!!!!!! i still can't believe this SOB isn't a FULL sociopath
ReplyDeleteno it's a Blacklister's name, not a case file name
ReplyDeletewow differentiating between "Tom" and "Jacob", that's a first
ReplyDeleteand DEFINITELY sociopathic
ReplyDeletesame thought, he was never supposed to meet her just watch but then Tom turned to Berlin
ReplyDeleteYou know they are :v Here is Tom and Liz http://cdn.thatssotrue.com/2012/3/11/thatssotrue_4458_1331514318.gif
ReplyDeleteivan, case in this part refers to the plastic case the device was carried in , looked something like a gun case and it was in the middle of the action when the bullet was shot. Case is not referring to a person
ReplyDeleteThis is what one does when your opponent has the drop on you and it is credible he might kill you. It is a cheap writing ploy as old as time to allow the nervous person to talk with the person currently gloating. Many people laugh at it. If you have that much time to talk you can not possibly be in danger.
ReplyDeleteI look at that face off as Red summing up what viewers may not have been smart enough to figure out, that Luther's deal with the Director in combination with the air strike on the platform, says that the Director does not want the fulcrum, he wants to be sure it is real, and if it is real kill anyone who might have it. Luther was never intended to leave the platform, The helicopter and agents were never intended to show up on the platform. The code would be given to reboot and the missiles would be launched on confirmation of a break in.
Red showed up to deliver proof to the Director his plan failed, and to ascertain if the Director knew about Lizzie yet. I would imagine if he said one word about her, Red would have shot the Director then and there, BUT, there is a degree of Mario Puzo to this writing and the Director is the equivalent of a Don, meaning the only way he can be wacked is by a counsel vote. One Don may kill another but only if he is willing to risk reprisal. Red who is little more than a cappo in the Cabal could kill the Director but only in such a way it shed suspicion on another Don. (Clue: that is exactly what Cruz is a master of, making it look like someone else committed a crime.)
Do not put too much stock in the dialog of any one scene. That is how you get misguided.
By the way the only way to call a person's bluff is to go all in.this exposes all of the Director's assets while keeping Red's face down. Visualize this and imagine the Power that is behind the Fulcrum says enough and rather that show cards, kills everyone on the Director's side. Is it that difficult to figure this out? Red need only duck and cover, the battle will happen with or without him.
To buffer her from the huge mistake she is about to make in joining the FBI. Husband changes name yet again. He keeps her from talking to others about her lack of a past.He also reports any suspicious people in her life. And they want Red to seem psycho talking about a code like with Dexter but it is more like the Marine code of conduct in A Few Good Men. "Did you order a Code Red!" (pun most likely intended)
ReplyDeleteYou would be surprised ;) it is not. Tom is Liz's fake ex husband - Jacob is the man behind the mask. The man with a sad past..
ReplyDeleteYes! ;)
ReplyDeleteExactly.
ReplyDeleteAnd more than just being two separate identities, Jacob has really never had a chance to mature or evolve as himself since he has always been playing other people. Tom may have been the first steps toward becoming someone close to the "real Jacob" with emotional traits from his true self seeping into the identity he was portraying, but it was still a role.
If he does get out of the game, he can then become someone with his own identity... find his own likes, dislikes and personality.
This is literally scene from 2.20 preview, haha. Nice prophecy.
ReplyDelete