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The Blacklist, Ep. 1.21 “Berlin”: Answers push story forward to finale

The Blacklist, Ep. 1.21 “Berlin”: Answers push story forward to finale

The Blacklist

The Blacklist, Season 1, Episode 21:  “Berlin”
Written by John Eisendrath & Jon Bokenkamp
Directed by Michael Zinberg
Airs Monday nights at 10 pm EST on NBC

The one major strength about The Blacklist is the secret information Red Reddington is holding in, and while his secret is still hidden, the tension that the show produces by making Red the target of this week’s Blacklister is among the most compelling on television this week.

One of the major highlights of this episode is watching the guard succumb to the illness he has been injected with. Practical make up effects really sell the intense agony this person is experiencing. The idea that the bank he is delivering to is contaminated and that he could’ve possibly infected other people undoubtedly made many viewers squeamish in their seats. The other interesting part of that plotline is Liz’s interview with Dr. Nickolas Vogel. His attempt to intimidate Liz is laughable, as we know she can outplay weak villains. The twist to have Vogel injected with the very virus that he had forced upon others is a masterstroke by writer John Eisendrath.

The direction of the action in this episode by Michael Zinberg is steady and tension-filled. Special mention should be given to the interesting angles and close ups used to display the deteriorating condition of those Vogel had blackmailed. I also like how Zinberg films the two brief but important scenes between Red and Liz. The first conversation that takes place on the plane has a fantastic two shot that feels completely claustrophobic and showcases the emotional distance between Red and Liz. The second conversation on the bench at the end of the episode has many interesting angled shots that visualize that danger is closing in.

The big revelation of this episode, of course, is the idea that some, if not all, of the Blacklisters have connections to each other. Audiences will no doubt feel that this was an obvious piece of plotting, but every Blacklister having different connections and no one person being connected to another in their crimes makes this revelation feel earned. The struggle with learning answers in an episode and a show as tightly plotted as this is that with each creative answer given, there has to be an even more unique question asked somewhere down the line.  As of late, The Blacklist hasn’t solved as many problems as it’s created for the viewers.  In the end, that’s what makes TV watchable and keeps this show one of the highest rated network dramas this year.  Let’s hope the finale brings more answers about the problems these unique characters are facing, so that a stronger mythology can be woven.

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