It seems like a normal plan, but a very weak main character, too weeping, for an agent fbr. In this series, this department was exposed as clowns, run away from them and hide like children. The first part of the series is aimed at the complete release of employees, and in the second part, either Red or evidence that appears from somewhere helps to find the wanted person. Do we shoot at once and three times? No, you haven't heard. And this is just the first episode, the first season, which is so praised!
Overall, it’s probably a good show for its time. But the actors are selected... let’s say, for an amateur. Overplay, too much pathos and clichés... After a couple of episodes, I decided not to watch.
About five years ago I watched a couple of seasons of this series, still James Spader in the title role. The ultimate primitiveness of the scenario
Killed any desire to continue watching. And recently I was amazed to see that this masterpiece still exists. Watched the last season. Well, trees and sticks, how we, the audience, are undemanding!
The intrigue, which has been swirling for 10 seasons, is actually running in a circle with slight deviations to the side and a constant return to the old track. Heroes constantly “chew” the same ideas and feelings and reflect on the occasion and without it. And the viewer already understood everything a couple of seasons ago, and the heroes will not reach. Poor guys!
So, what are we being told? I’m not afraid to spoil it, because 10 seasons are impossible to tell. But if anyone is not familiar with this (words cannot be selected!) television, let them know at least approximately what awaits them. Some first-class and elusive fraudster Reddington suddenly surrenders to the FBI and announces that he will help this organization catch criminals only if he works with an “extraordinarily smart” woman. Elise Keen. It’s okay that this prodigy girl is only the first day in the FBI and, as subsequent events will show, not so smart, the main thing is to start somewhere. As you can see, the plot is very “plausible and original”. However, it happens that the beginning is so so, and then the plot captivates and, as they say, delays or charismatic characters do not let go and you follow their fate, worry and worry. It's a collection of scumbags for whom human life is worthless. After hundreds of corpses in the first season, you realize that living with such people is disgusting and nothing normal remains in them. And the creators of the series are trying to appeal to our compassion and pity poor Zlizabeth or her husband or Reddington, I don't know, maybe someone succeeded. But definitely not for me. These advocates of justice pull the trigger more often than the average person sneezes or coughs. In other series about the American security agencies, we are shown how to investigate any case of the use of weapons, how to remove the offender, here the blood flows and not only criminals, notes and innocent people die. And everything is solved simply: bam - and there is no problem. And yes, on the eyes of the main character sometimes comes a stinging male tear (most likely from powder gases).
Another huge disadvantage of the series is its secondary. Almost every episode is unoriginal and repeats the plot moves previously used in dozens of films. And the Russian, Belarusian, Chechen and Uzbek mafia sue a separate “raspberry”. What is the view (snow-covered!!) worth? Tashkent, where an Orthodox priest reads a sermon, and the flock, sitting on benches, listens to him, and then goes to the bowl with holy water. Just the unforgettable "Red Heat." Well, she at least in the late 80s of the last century was filmed, and here ... And this is the whole series.
Acting also raises big questions. In fact, there is one “star” – James Spader. And the background in a couple of episodes appears Famke Jansen. They're good -- no words. They play quite well, especially given the obvious weakness of the script. The rest are school drama clubs! The main character has two facial expressions - grief and joy - on that palette and ends. Characters’ feelings are as logical as their actions. Honestly, after season 3, there was a faint hope that a new heroine would appear, and somehow dilute the stereotype of what is happening. Wherever! The same old horses are crawling along the furrow.
Someone in the reviews wrote that many good TV shows are closed after season 1, and the Black List has already gone 10 rounds. Perhaps the American public is funny and interesting to see how brave feds smash the foreign mafia to dust. Maybe. I don't. Of all the TV shows on this topic, this is one of the weakest. It is fair that the spin-off "Black List." Redemption was closed after Season 1.
I like it. Russian traitors are annoying, but thank goodness all topics about Russians are contextual. And the Russians are cool, albeit bad. Unlike other TV shows. In general. You can really watch it. The actress is quite an American by Zadornov!
Apparently, the script was written to a large extent for lovers of the phrase ' all people wear masks' because for seven seasons, all the participants in the main line of the series, even those who seemed crystal clear and transparent, suddenly take a little aside the wand with a masquerade attribute and as if hinting at us: ' We have secrets! We're not what you thought!'
You are watching the next season and waiting for the last episode of it, hoping that the main mystery will finally be revealed. And the writers do not fail, the mystery is really revealed, but you immediately kindly slip a new, even more mysterious and intriguing, they say, sit and wait for the next season.
Undercover intrigues in the White House and internecine wars of all US law enforcement agencies, terrible family secrets and, like the icing on the cake, very unused detective stories, because secrets are secrets, and the work of agents has not been canceled.
Scientists, businessmen, doctors, policemen, rich and poor, young and old, smart and not so – everyone has their own price, their goals in life and their cockroaches in their head, so sometimes quite unexpected people are guilty.
Employees of a specially created department of the FBI, solve crimes that do not faint even in a whirlwind, bring out corrupt politicians who are mired in crime, organize chases, hunt for heads, shoot and explode, and all this is not without the help of one charming man.
He dresses with a needle, quotes classics, likes tasty food and knows a lot of interesting things, but never says more than necessary. He is the keeper of many secrets, but he is not in a hurry to reveal them. In his arsenal there is a whole clip 'smiles' with which he can depict the whole range of his feelings, without a single word. From one of his smiles, the viewer trustingly spreads around the chair, and from the other in the veins cold blood. He is the number one criminal in the United States, the most wanted and malicious, but one day, he turned himself in red-handed to one of the FBI offices and surrendered to the authorities. Why?? It is not a matter of civil liability...
Owners of free time and fans of the detective genre, definitely recommend at least to start watching this series, and then believe me, you can not pull even by the ears of the TV, well, or you are not a real fan!
The actors are pleasing to the eye and do their job perfectly. Particularly noteworthy are Diego Klattenhoff and Hisham Tafik. And James Spader, in the lead role, undoubtedly makes this film even better with his talent and style!
For those who do not like to think a lot and make guesses - strictly past.
1. Acting game
James Spader draws most of the attention of the viewer, the game is so unmatched that his character can not but impress.
It is also worth paying attention to Hisham Tafik, it is strange that he did not receive any awards for a supporting role, all at a decent level.
Megan Boone is something about average but not higher, in some episodes it seemed that she was forced to come to the set, many emotions simply do not believe, and it is not completely clear whether this is the idea of the writers, or just the actress is weak for such a role.
2. Plot
If you evaluate them separately by season and give them an estimate, then
1) 9
2) 9
(3) 8
4) 6
5) 4
(6) 3
7) 2
If you still decide to watch, prepare for the long seasons.
I didn’t just mention this topic.
You will have to put up desperately with the ideas of the writers, because they will be filled with complete nonsense, starting from the 5th season, and every new fact will put you in such a stupor and not logical that it will start to drive you crazy in places.
What's inspiring about this series is the relationship between Reddington and Elizabeth, and that made it necessary to dance. But, apparently, under someone’s external pressure, all the efforts of the first 4 seasons were completely crossed out. And someone clearly could not accept the fact that the daughter stayed with her father and they together had to build life further, knowing this truth.
I will not write about the characters, a lot of spoilers, I will only say about the main characters, and what to be ready for about watching:
Reddington is the one you’ll love the whole series, he’s mysterious and attractive, erudite and just as dangerous, but he’s the one who reveals the meaning of love in a special way.
Elizaben Keen is a charming girl who does not know the truth, and to whom she will be led. With each new episode, more and more often it will irritate you with its lack of logic and outright stupidity, constant throwing from one point of view to another greatly cripple the plot, and kill the series.
Conclusion
The creators wanted to make a good detective, with interesting main characters and plot, but their desire to make the plot more confusing, just killed this series.
7 out of 10 more upfront for a pair of Spader and Boone.
I don't like watching TV series... All right. For some reason, I associate the series with Santa Barbara or some Carmelita. I guess it's childhood. But, since cinema every year shoots worse and worse movies and there is simply nothing to watch, I decided to look at the series.
I should note that the series ' Blacklist' rightfully has such a high rating. It's mostly a detective and a good thriller. I’ve already watched the fifth season and I want to say that this is a quality thriller in its classic sense. Intrigue, mystery holds all five seasons. It's like a ball of thread that you can't untangle. Just sorted out one knot when you run into two others. But the elements of drama and action are also present here.
What is pleasing, there are no candid blunders and very rarely there are stupid moments not matching the plot or the logical chain. The series looks very easy and does not heap different events, everything is very measured, but at the same time and dynamic.
The work of the sound engineer deserves special praise. The soundtracks and just the music are very well matched. You can watch this series at least to replenish your playlist.
I really liked the acting. These two main characters are just amazing. But, still, I am most impressed by the negative character Reddington, played by James Spader. In my opinion, it can not be called negative, on the contrary, the further you delve into the series, the more you fall in love with this character. You begin to understand his inner world, what makes him do certain things, you begin to understand that he is not at all what most people see him and why he should be so cold-blooded and immoral for everyone. The series touches on various topics of human behavior, makes you think about how I would act in this situation.
Unfortunately, I can’t say that I’ve finished watching the last episode and I’m ready to give my opinion. I was only able to handle 3 episodes. There are some series that are through force, but watch. That's not even an option. In fact, you could throw right after the first series, but I wanted to give one or two more chances. But the following series only confirmed the conclusions made after the first series.
Sometimes you can criticize the series for the plot or quality of filming or acting. You can criticize everything. There is nothing in the series that is done at a high level. The plot is primitive and predictable, in most cases it is easy to predict the further development of events. These events are some crumpled and fast, replaced by some protracted and boring dialogues. All actors are wooden. Only Spader plays, but he still has experience behind him. But he can't take the series alone.
In recent years, it seems that the series began to try to shoot as believable and close to real life. The authors of the same series apparently did not notice this trend and decided to remove everything in the absurd form of militants of category B, who outlived their own in the 2000s. Such a primitive image of the special services, and in particular the FBI, I have not seen anywhere recently.
In fact, the series could be “watchable” if it was shot 30 years ago, when any action replaced the plot and acting and everything. Remember only a bunch of militants of the late 80s - early 90s, completely talentless, but nevertheless popular. But today, when other series compete with full-fledged films in the plot, quality of filming, cast and other moments, such a primitive series simply has no chance.
Sometimes you wonder why good series often do not extend even for the 2nd season. This is a 5-season series.
James Spader plays great. He's basically pulling the whole series on himself.
The other actors are average. Although I still want to celebrate the role of the actor Dembe. Remarks are rare, but there is something appealing about his role and play.
The initial meeting of the main characters, well, this is a pure reference to the meeting of Hanibal Lector and Clarissa. In general, the beginning of the first season has a lot of references to other films/series. It's really interesting. And in some ways the story is similar to the story of Blindspot (series), which is now in its second season.
Back to the Blacklist, I loved the first season. I really liked it. It's been 3 days. I started watching the second season with hope. But there was trouble. The style has changed.
Began to appear “cliched” twists of other series. Worldwide conspiracy, secret organization, interweaving with parental history (constant nausea with Elizabeth Keen's past). And the last one is terrible. Then she returns her memory, then her father, then her mother. The actress falls off the game quality of 6 out of 10 on 2. The bottom is getting closer and close-ups of Elizabeth's shaking eyes are getting bigger. She never understands anything, but she always wants and demands everything. The story becomes like a broom in porridge.
Overall, the second season is 5 out of 10.
Season three just needs to be thrown out. To overcome to the end of this girl's story is powerless. Returning to the story of Elizabeth’s mother, pregnancy, marriage, a worldwide conspiracy, the emergence of a powerful new enemy. The end of the season is not more than 3 out of 10.
Watch the first couple of seasons and leave. In total, 7 out of 10 series two seasons earned. Thank you for bringing James Spider back (after the Boston Lawyers, this is his first appearance on screen for me). He's still a cool actor.
God, I even signed up for a movie search to leave a review! I'm so hooked on him! And, mainly, on Spader, who pulls the series from the bottom.
So, I’ll put 10 on this series and also for Spader because he is divinely magnificent!
I'm being honest and I'm being honest.
The plot - yes the plot as a plot, stuffed the highlight in the form of a relationship ' kind of like a father-daughter, and kind of no' in the spy-criminal series and chased.
Actors – I honestly don’t like Megan Boone (because I don’t like such heavy fleshy faces that hardly display a meager palette of human emotions) as an actress... and I don’t like Elizabeth Keen as a character (I can’t believe she’s a tall professional working in an elite unit). So, somehow unconvincing, wretched. I hope in season 4, the actress will give the heat when she is born.
I am sure that the series would break all ratings if the main female role was played by my beloved Claire Danes (the main actress of the American series Homeland).
I like the way Ryan Eggold’s character plays (the transformation is well shown). There is nothing to say about the other characters.
Of course, the game of the series is decorated with guest stars, I think that the new season prepares us a lot of new surprises, the series is worthy of viewing, if only because Spader plays (this is the most magnificent actor and, alas, underrated) his head tilt, oval faces, bent lips, an angry and cynical look, a nervous tic, beautiful hands holding a gun in combination with gentle, touching care can fix everything! !
I’m not a big fan of the procedures that CBS and, quite often, NBC produce. Therefore, I am wary of whether to watch another novelty of these channels, even if it is praised by critics, viewers and in general it is popular in my homeland.
Procedures are series on detective, medical, mystical, fantastic - yes, on any topic where there are permanent characters, but there is no main storyline. In each series, there is mainly an investigation of a new case, where there are their secondary characters, and in 40 minutes there is a denouement. Oddly enough, it is such series that Americans love, it is the procedures that collect the highest ratings in comparison with series with one or more main storylines that run from the beginning of the series to the final.
I am especially concerned about the espionage procedures that are now popular. Probably since "The Wire" and "Shield" there have been no normal series on this topic (except for this are "Homeland", "Americans" and "Spy"). I did not include in this list of exceptions the British TV series “Backback” (I will write a separate article / review about this series).
I’m less supportive of some hybrids of vertical and horizontal plots, although I prefer horizontal ones. Hybrids (as I call them) are a mixture of both. It could be one or more storylines that run through or occasionally pop up throughout the series, which doesn’t prevent each episode from being dedicated to a single cause. It is even more interesting when these cases are somehow related to the main topic, and one follows from the other.
For example, the same “Mentalist”, the main character got a job in the CBD in order to help local law enforcement officers catch criminals, but pursuing personal goals. But in this review, we will not talk about the beautiful Simon Baker, but about a completely different actor and his character.
That is actually such a hybrid is a successful novelty of 2013, the TV series "Black List". Our protagonist is Raymond Reddington (James Spader), who was and remains one of the 10 most wanted criminals in the world, wanted by the FBI, CIA and Interpol. In the first episode, this dangerous criminal is announced in the FBI building, who in exchange for his freedom begins to help the FBI in investigating cases that the FBI would never take up. And because they would not assume that they have no idea about those criminals and crimes about which the main character has information. It offers a blacklist of criminals, and each episode is dedicated to capturing and exposing one of them. And of course, what is he doing all this for? Why would a criminal who, without any particular problems, was hiding from all possible American and world intelligence agencies decide to surrender? Of course, he pursues personal motives, they will not go into details, since it is necessary to watch and watch until the end, in order to catch the whole point and how this game will end! The main storyline is that the main character is ready to work exclusively with a young agent - Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone), about whom he knows more than it seems at first glance. Throughout the season, there is only one question in the air: “Is he not her father?” And the other question is, "What's wrong with her husband?" And here are the main questions one way or another begin to be revealed as the investigation of all these crimes in each series. A little bit, millimeter steps, but moving towards the truth, which can be unpredictable.
The author of the idea is John Bockenkamp, known for his work on the scripts of such successful thrillers as "Alarming Challenge" and "Taking Lives". In total, the team of the show includes almost two dozen talented authors who are well versed in the laws of the genre. Among them are J.R. Orsi("Over the Line"/Fringe), Joe Carnahan("The Fight"), Patrick Massett("Caprica"/Caprica) and Amanda Kate Schumann("Followers"/The Following).
The director of the impressive pilot series was Joe Carnahan, the following episodes were shot by Michael W. Watkins ("Storage 13"/Warehouse 13), Vince Misiano ("Agents of S.H.I.T."/Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Jayce Alexander ("Doctor House"/House, M.D.) and other experienced directors.
Psychological thriller from NBC is a dynamic action story with its own unique atmosphere, style and rhythm of storytelling. From the first shots, the viewer plunges into the fascinating and dangerous world of secret agents, state secrets, high-profile crimes and shocking revelations.
The series revolves around former government agent Raymond Reddington (James Spader), who once chose a criminal path, and now decided to surrender to the FBI and share valuable insider information with this organization. In particular, he offered information on criminals, who the Bureau has been hunting for a long time and not very effectively. But Red is far from a philanthropist. He manipulates former colleagues and without a blink of conscience surrenders criminal authorities of international scale for a specific purpose. In addition, this Concierge of Crime has one condition of cooperation - he will deal only with the agent-newcomer Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone).
Experienced serial lovers know that the name of James Spader in the credits is actually a guarantee that the project will not be passable, but, most likely, will be out of the ordinary and very high-quality. Spader won three Emmys for his work on TV, and the 1989 film Sex, Lies and Video won the Silver Award at the Cannes Film Festival. And of course for the role of Reddington. Spader received the nomination in 2014 and 2015, but lost twice, first to Brian Cranston and then Kevin Spacey. In the Black List, his character is the core of the whole story. Red is a charismatic and cunning cheek with an excellent sense of humor. He is also a gambler, but at the same time a calculating gambler. Moreover, he sets the rules of this dangerous game himself, and all the others are nothing more than puppets.
Megan Boone has a more modest track record, but the young actress is not lost against the background of her experienced colleague. In addition, many critics have already noticed that the working relationship between Elizabeth Keane and Red is somewhat reminiscent of the strange relationship between Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling from the cult film The Silence of the Lambs. The series also stars Diego Klattenhoff (Homeland), Ryan Iggold (The Single Moms Club), Harry Lennix (Ray), Parminder Nagra (Alcatraz) and others.
The only procedure (and then not in the full sense of the term), which I watch and with great pleasure, although to a greater extent I like the main storyline running through all the series than the “criminal of the week”, which in each series is different. For a change, I recommend it. Although at the end of the 2nd season begins to gradually get tired of wanting a denouement, but successful procedures in America live for years, or even more than ten years, and here only three years have passed.
Imagine buying ice cream in a beautiful wrapper that says the following. Composition: cotton wool, sweetener, baking powder, preservative, sorbent, flavoring identical to natural with the taste of "Raspberry". How do you like ice cream?
Or imagine people who are grieving: the loss of a father, serious crimes, murder, kidnapping a child. It's all from the pilot series. And that's how they sit. And one of them, to lighten the soul with the song, takes a guitar and starts playing something from Kirkorov's latest album. It's ridiculous, isn't it?
So is this series: ridiculous and tasteless. Everything that happens can be described briefly. Adventures of an FBI agent girl, a tough villain and stupid FBI men. The problem here is that the viewer is also given a place in the line of stupid simpletons. As if the viewer, like the stupid FBI, will also hang his ears and be fascinated to listen and watch as the main villain and the girl agent coolly and effortlessly handle all situations.
Watching this is like watching concerts of talentless pop artists, where everything is plywood, from scenery and light to music and voice. Nothing real. One panty with a taste enhancer.
The main thing is to endure the first two series. . .
I started watching the first episode and dropped in the middle. It's just an unreal template nonsense.
A month later, I decided to watch the series again. The first series was not inspected, the second flipped through in 15 minutes. The third was interesting. On the fourth I understood why the series has such a rating.
James Spader's signature humor is fascinating. Yes, he is very old, but he is very good.
The main character, Lizzie, slightly frostbitten, does not notice the obvious, and solves ingenious puzzles. The expression is the same everywhere.
There are a lot of bodies, in each series and not one. There is also a lot of crime.
Russian bandits look at the rarity stereotyped, even through the chur Fantastic possibilities of the agency are surprising.
The usual shoals of the series about the FBI are just dark, but intrigue and humor all more than compensate. Overall, I liked it. I would recommend watching.
I fell in love with this series not just from the first series - with a short commercial on SET. I'll admit, I've got Reddington playing Spader. In order to describe his skill as an actor, there are simply not enough words. What can I say, as soon as I saw a shot in the commercial, where Red calmly takes off his coat and sits on his knees at gunpoint, in these short seconds of advertising, I decided that I would definitely not miss this series, although I am very skeptical of American cinema. But this time I have never regretted my decision – the series captures from the first series, it is original, dynamic, every new case ends completely unexpectedly. And Spader -- 99 percent of the success is undoubtedly his. Great! Charming!
Only, perhaps, because Spader plays too chic, or because the writers got carried away, describing the character of Red, but the rest of the characters are well, quite template. And the casting isn't good. Liz and the blonde FBI are so clothy, sorry, muzzles, and their acting talent ... not distinguishable without a microscope.
But overall, the series is awesome. Was. Until the moment when all this noodle brewed in 2014. And then the series slid into a dull political ... substance. It is a pity, but sometimes the script rewritten on the knee was too bright. From everywhere climbed "hebists", evil Russians, sometimes even evil Serbs, and in general, anyone who is not with us is against us, and what are our main weapons? Cinema, that's what Lenin said! And how can you miss America’s most popular TV series and not make it a propaganda mouthpiece? As a result, unfortunately, due to political claims, the series has significantly “sank” in quality. It is a pity, but it became impossible to look further even for the sake of the brilliant Spader.
I'll bet 7 and neutral, just for Spader.
Sometime back in 2013, I started watching this series, but it didn’t go. It seems that everything is in place - action, intrigue, criminals, tension, but the overall picture was emerging, to put it mildly, boring. A beautiful girl-agent, a nasty-looking criminal element, moderately cheerful and noble fabeers, a charming husband... In short, we parted with the “Black List” until recently, when I found that there was already a full series, and the series for viewing ended, and decided to give it another chance.
And it was more than right. Yes, it seems clear almost from the first series, who is who and why. But the further you look, the more reasonable doubts arise that everything is so transparent in the “Black List”.
The only drawback of the series, in my opinion, is the main character. She is very annoyingly does not correspond to her own verbal portrait. In the first episode, she says, "Colleagues think I'm a bitch." Well, if I were her colleague, I would rather designate the lady as a “sentimental rummy”, which in stressful moments occasionally condescends the moon prism and helps her not to lose her young life and not to fail.
But Reddington and Tom are just great in terms of character drawing, that in terms of acting and casting. That rare case, when frankly disgusting bald uncle causes some sympathy, and a cute touching eyeglass makes you look with fear at the movements of his not according to the status of trained hands.
In short, it’s not that I’ve never been so wrong, but this first seemed like a passing series really deserves all the attention.
Series, series, series. I used to equate this word with soap operas, almost plotless movie miles watched by those who have nowhere to put their eyes and time. Now the series is a serious business, involving not only housewives tired of the fun of life, who, in principle, do not care, and the plot, and the characters. Now the series (let me make a reservation, shot at the level, and not any sloppy) is a successful enterprise, a well-thought-out gold mine that enriches its creators, glorifies actors and entertains the viewer. If you want to know how a psychopath thinks, start with Dexter and have a snack on Hannibal. Interesting boring everyday life of consumers - "Desperate Housewives", "Mad Men", "Helen and the guys", "Friends" Help you. Various series about crimes and their investigations in general are a pond (“True Detective”, “Sherlock”, “Mentalist”, “Bones”, “Detective Agency “Moonlight”, “Twin Peaks”, “Lie Me”, “X-Files”, “Colombo”, “Poirot”, “Dead on demand”). Series about families with criminal florism are also available: "Hotel Bates", "Sharp Blinders", "The Sopranos", "Purity". And “Game of Thrones”, “Vikings”, “Rome”, “Spartacus”, “Downton Abbey” – this is for connoisseurs of historical or pseudo-historical and very exciting, from which you can not draw by the ears! Also "House", "Interns", "Damn Service at Mash Hospital", "ER", "Body Parts", "Notes of a Young Doctor" with their charismatic leaders in white coats. “The Walking Dead”, “Lost”, “Supernatural”, “Scary Tales”, “Under the Dome”, “Dead on Demand”, “Buffy”, “American Horror Story” – this is for lovers of mystery, undead, mysticism and similar prose à la Stephen King and his team. And then, then, then, then. Guest stars, high-quality OST, brightly spelled characters, plot twists and a feeling of close denouement (which does not smell), almost the end and is about to answer, with which the viewer is teased like a rabbit carrot - all these components - notes of classical melody, prose bestseller, palette in the hands of the master, that is, success.
We start with the pilot series, unaware that if we swallow it, each successive one is the event of the week. The main characters of the story are almost our relatives, whose lives we sometimes think more about than our own. And if the twist in the plot differs from expectations, then Annie Wilkes immediately comes to life in us, ready to take everything into her own hands. Does that ring a bell? Addiction. But it is pleasant and without any negative consequences.
Now for the Blacklist. There is something rock and roll in this series. And not the fact that this is a musical selection, which, by the way, is gorgeous without exaggeration. Of course, this is the case with James Spader. To whom, but personally to me it is very parallel that his appearance over time has changed somewhat. The angelic appearance of an aristocrat-intellectual with a bow sponge and "bedroom's eyes" gave way to the appearance of an average official with claims to chic and elegance. Who cares? The pro remains a pro. In my view, Spader’s sexuality of “Sex, Lies and Video,” “White Palace” and “Car Crash” has been transformed into the sexuality of a confident manipulator, a top-class puppeteer, a sociopath with imagination. And isn't it curious to watch Hannibal Lecter's twin brother manipulate? I am. In addition, Reddington is practically invulnerable, less bloodthirsty and personally pulls the trigger rarely and solely for practical reasons. He is dexterous, not just smart, but has almost the flair of a prophet and the insight of an X-ray. Taking the FBI on the hook, Red turned the whole case in such a way that the bureau's smarts did not immediately guess that their business was in the hat if the guy in the hat was in charge, albeit staying behind the scenes, only occasionally coming to the forefront. The feeling that he, like a hydra or a snake Gorynych, has several heads and paws, because with one head and a pair of hands it is simply impossible to simultaneously pull so many strings and think about so many scams. Agent Keen, the liaison between Reddington and the FBI, is in the most troubled position of being the first to get punches from both strangers and his own. It’s not that simple, of course, and she quickly gets bored of the role of a ball in pioneerball or roulette, which is both wanted and twisted. Elizabeth, albeit a fragile girl, but, having passed an accelerated course of survival “by Reddington”, instantly grew up and left the illusions of a peaceful life behind. Now it is a worthy piece on the chessboard of Ray Reddington, with its own secrets of the Madrid court.
“The Blacklist” is extremely dynamic, in it in each episode there is a new supercriminal, as in “House” there is a new patient or in “X-files” there is a new weirdo. As a result, as in a large puzzle of a thousand pieces, all these criminal elements are part of the main puzzle, over which it is difficult not to scratch your head. Reddington, almost like the pope, omnipresent, widely educated, and speaking many languages, is not as sinless as the head of the Catholic Church, although he has his own unwritten Bible and canons, to which he adheres and the word he keeps. It is simply impossible to deceive such a person. He always has a trump card up his sleeve and a dozen new tricks. The viewer decides what kind of character Spader is a villain and antihero, albeit resourceful and charming or a hero worthy of attention and admiration, by the will of fate turned on a crooked path.
Good news for those who were afraid of the posters of the third season of the series “Hannibal” with the skin-tight Mads Mikkelsen – NBC filmed “Black List”, not declared as a remake of “The Lambs”, but appealing to them up to time-lapse playback. The series is successful, but unoriginal, template to tooth grinding, as evidenced by a diverse, but politically correct cast, characters-types and patriotic cranberries. Here you and mandatory in the “very spy movie” camera spans, and rapid movements from place to place, and villains in the top, and the credits, notifying the viewer to what exotic point on the map the main characters had to move again. At the plot level, the project also does not invent the bike, but compiles all the old, forgotten well and not so – the final episodes of the first half of the season resemble Ridley Scott’s Hannibal and the finale of Abrams’ Spy. In this scenario, the actor Diego Klattenhoff, who played a harsh operative, may well pass for the plenipotentiary of “Homeland”, the main character of which so wants to resemble the character of Megan Boone, entangled in the vicissitudes of personal and professional life.
The series is very reminiscent of the CBS project Elementary, which took its interesting spin, fashion for a “new reading” and brazen “modernization”, lasted a season and a half on chemistry between the main characters and drowned irrevocably in monotonous story arcs and affairs that have little to do not only with deduction, but also with logic and common sense. And it’s hard to say who was more honest – the creators of “Elementary”, without shudders tried to attract the audience, brandishing big names and references to Conan Doyle, or the creators of the “Black List”, who shot a reproduction of the film Demme without specifying it.
All the accents in this fairy tale, reversing a favorite wound with threats to national security, in comparison with the same “Lambs” or even broadcast on the same channel series Brian Fuller, of course, softened. No chianti and vice to you - the local Lecter, as in his previous incarnations, wears hats, tests the patience of his jailers and prefers to chic around manuscripts, but he is no longer the devil in the flesh, but only a defector selling information. And really – why not once again turn to the actualized Snowden, Manning and other topics. In fairness, it is worth saying that the season finale writers slightly lower the reins, allowing Reddington to go into all serious (which is pleasing, because the acting work of the chic James Spader is almost the only thing that generally justifies the existence of this series).
By the way, it is funny to watch how the police and the FBI in series designed for a mass audience, “tied” characters who left seemingly irrevocably on the other side of the law – and Lecter from Fuller advises the FBI, and the “concierge of the criminal world”. Red Reddington in the Blacklist, and even Satan himself (!) in the Fox series.
The sympathetic antagonisms between Red Reddington and budding FBI intern Elizabeth Keen are also far from anything disturbing, vicious or ambiguous. The laudable absence of romantic speculation is replaced by the paternal guardianship of the monster over the beauty, but for those to whom the “love story” of Lecter and Graham in the Fuller series seemed insufficiently canonical, it may seem especially interesting to look at their interaction.
It is a shame that the writers of the Black List do not even try to imitate the stormy detective or espionage activities of their heroes. Reddington, like God, shoots out of the car “anamnesis”, the villain’s past merits and his outstanding track record, reveals his location and leads the FBI sneezing him by the hand to a happy future for reasons that the viewer does not understand. These very reasons are the very naive tasty cliffhanger that should move us to view. It works! Despite the cliches, brazen self-repeat, neutral soundtrack and borrowing, the writers of the federal channel still eat their bread for good reason, turning the List into a dynamic and alluring “kill time”. And extraordinary antagonists, the acting work of James Spader, Jane Alexander and Alan Alda as guest stars add color to the series.
Nowadays there are many different detective series.
Some of them are difficult to call detective. Most of the serial films of this subject are quite similar.
However, there are those who favorably differ from the gray majority of their counterparts in the genre. The blacklist is one of them.
Here everything is brought together quite organically - and the characters, and the plot, and the actors.
I can’t help but mention the quality work of those people who were engaged in their selection for the series. Such a good organic combination of “actor-image” is not in all films. And in this aspect, the series surprised me.
Quite unexpected to see in the role of CIA agent Parminder Nagra.
She also looked great in this role.
The main characters are not without charm (each in its own way).
And it's not just about Reddington and Liz Keen.
Even those who in the storyline represent the negative side, too, it happens, are quite impressive and cute.
As for the most important of them, the images of both Red and Liz, created by James Spader and Megan Boone, eclipse everyone in this series.
A successful move of the filmmakers can be called the choice for the role of Agent Keen Megan Boone. Although before that she played in romantic films, the image of an FBI agent suited her well.
And this image is not as simple as many may think. And as many people think.
In the beginning, Liz Keen looks a little insecure, shackled. But that’s understandable: the first day of work and just like that!
And this condition lasts almost half of the first season. But already in the second part of season 1 her confidence, assertiveness, sharpness is visible. And in the future, these qualities are increasingly manifested. The second season is: Elizabeth is changing. It's changing for the better.
I won’t say much about Raymond Reddington himself – he, like James Spader who played him, is simply magnificent.
Yes, and there are disadvantages in it (and who does not?), but they are shown in such a way that sometimes even add positive features to Red.
The series is exciting from the beginning.
It has everything - and detective, and drama, even there are comedic notes.
The first two seasons were almost in the same breath.
I'm glad you got a third extension. I look forward to continuing
Conclusion:
The blacklist is worth a look.
Especially if you consider yourself a fan of detective series.
9 out of 10
Raymond Reddington was once a government agent, but once he disappeared and became one of the most wanted criminals. Twenty years later, he returned and brought a blacklist of criminals the world has never even heard of, so what drives Red, patriotism, and the desire to settle scores?
Most of the American TV series are based on the fact that one key character literally pulls the series on his back for many seasons, and the plots of the series are not intricate and quickly fly out of memory. An example can be called the same "Castle" or "Mentalist" for many years, the two heroes delighted the viewer with their humor, wit and charisma. But times are changing and the disclosure of simple crimes has become commonplace, especially when you consider how many police series have appeared on the screen.
The Black List gives us a new, completely different character, cynical, greedy and ready to do anything to achieve his goal. James Spader is better known in the 90s actor, rose from the heat like a phoenix, and breaks off to the full program, his hero is amazing, the image is built perfectly, what would be with this series, if not so significant an actor who literally drags on and makes you look further.
The main advantage of the "Black List" is that, despite the standard scheme of the series - business, a secondary storyline develops, and immediately, and not as usual in portions, it is the secondary storyline that makes the series more rich and interesting. As for the main plot, of course, you can not say that it is standard, no, the idea of the series is very attractive, the idea is interesting, plus wonderful characters.
Blacklist is a great TV series, which is not a pity to spend time, a good plot, a great protagonist.
The great thing about this series is, of course, old James. Quite good sets of individual series, at times, original badgai, a good sound range and a couple of good supporting characters ... Actually, this is where the positives end, and the main disaster of the whole series begins... namely, the main character.
I have long given up hope to see in American TV series about cool special agents, at least some adequacy, but it breaks many records. A young lady in the form of Keira Knightley for the poor, puzzles at first, depresses towards the middle and leads to a state of permanent rabies towards the end. Here, even, it is useless to list all the shoals, absurdities and amusing stupidity that the main star of the department demonstrates for 3 dozen episodes.
Looking at her actions, I could hardly restrain myself from spitting on the monitor every five minutes, shouting ' dumb sheep!'. And the attempt to turn her into a superheroine, who constantly pulls on himself from the oven of hefty men, causes deaf irritation and vague suspicion that among the sponsors of the series crowded a powerful coalition of feminists.
Why the story added a spitting line with an indestructible love for the ex-husband is beyond my comprehension. Any sane woman in a situation like this would have let his guts out long ago. Not that it is only in a figurative sense. Why from the very beginning it was to position it as a psychologist, in general, is not clear, since the fact of using such knowledge surfaced only a couple of times.
You can talk for a long time, but one thing is for sure: I will watch this series only because of Red. However, given the growing nonsense of the plot, I can not vouch for it.
Yeah, and Pearlman just burned! Only for him I will throw an extra point, everything else is the merit of Spader.
7 out of 10
Very, very exciting series. As always, “at first nothing is unclear”, just in the life of another heroine there is another mysterious or mentor, or partner, or someone, and dramatically turns over her landscaped and quite happy world.
But in the course of the action, you begin to understand that all this is a complex multi-step combination, and started not by one single unfortunate Reddington ... and becomes curious.
The acting also leaves in full satisfaction - a little mixed, of course, these immutable agents in their strict suits, running with pistols mixed with special forces at any capture, but of course, you have to show off them.
Even by the second season, perhaps, begins to tire somewhat that the poor heroine is endlessly fooled by the opposing groups, and she has to rebuild the whole concept of the world in her head about three or four times a season. Give a poor woman a little happiness, a husband and children. But by the end it will come true, but for now it is still very exciting to watch.
9 out of 10
Recently, I began to notice that television and producers in the course of filming the series begin to adjust them in the first season. For ratings and viewers, of course. Adding where you need a little more romance, a little bit of humor, a detective or whatever.
I don’t think this series has escaped that either. I can’t explain why it’s getting better from series to series. And even duplicated scripts for episodes from the big screen do not spoil it. For example, there is an episode almost entirely copied from the original "Die Hard."
Generally speaking, most of all in a movie of this kind, where I am attracted by a selection of soundtracks and a stylistic approach in the entourage. The meeting places of the two main characters always look great, as well as the music that plays with it. Then on the gram record, then behind the scenes. But it's always fine-tuned. Bravo!
The action, however, is also worthy for the series, even by today’s strictest standards. This movie is a must-see for fans of "Person of Interest" (Person of Interest) and the first seasons of "Fringe" (Fringe).
One day, at Christmas, Raymond Reddington, then a Navy officer, arrives home late and finds his family murdered. Period. It has since disappeared from all radar. Since then, he has changed his life. Since then, he has operated in the shadows, from which the only reminder of him is a line in the ranking of the most wanted criminals in the world. Top line. Years later, he is billed as a loose-headed Fedor sitting on a bench opposite the FBI headquarters. He speaks to someone in his aristocratic-panibratical manner, easily gets up and in the most ordinary way, almost whistling ... goes to surrender to the authorities. Why? He offers them a deal: a list of delinquents so sophisticated that the government is unaware of their very existence, and so dangerous that they simply cannot be ignored. But why? He says he'll only do business with Elizabeth Keen. But why? The intrigue tries to attract the viewer, only bribes him with another.
Do you know James Spader? Now, who heard? Laureate of the Cannes Festival, among other... He was the one who became Raymond Reddington. A man you'd love to shake hands with, a man you'd love to call a friend. Raymond Reddington has no friends. Raymond Reddington is a sociopath. From that wonderful breed of sociopath, which is so nice to watch on screen. Here is a comparison ... yes, with Hopkin Hannibal. It is from this bright and familiar to the general public image that it is easiest to start when describing. But where Lecter is emphatically manneristic, Reddington is simple in his own way, and the sensual aesthetics of the doctor echoes the professional curiosity of our hero. Both are easily controlled by life: people of action, for whom the very concept of “man” is only an intermediate stage, which they with special grace long ago passed. However, with all the enchanting characters, it is worth understanding that “Silence of the Lambs” without Hopkins will still remain a strong thriller, but if Spader leaves the “Black List”.
You know, it is generally difficult to say what shines for the creation of people who are not able to saw down even a competent trailer; and what you need to do to pull such a series on yourself is only God knows. Based on creative ideas, but tailored to a secondary pattern, unexpected and dynamic, but surprisingly superficial "Black List" is held by James Spader, with his impeccable intonation and pretentious domineering, a daring consciousness of his own superiority. He is not hindered by the shift of the narrative in the direction of Elizabeth Keen, nor by the somewhat excessive heroization of the character. Of course, someone will put the relative originality of the criminal minds that fill the list to the top; others will find their interest in unraveling the tangle of intrigues that juicily flavor the narrative: Who is your real father, Liz? - Who is your husband really? - hell, and the friend is not fake? And all the same.
There will be its own melodramatic note: the constant emotional throwing of the main character and the occasional reasoning of Red about how bad it is to be a sociopath. (In the end, an enthusiastic viewer will not believe an inch.) There will also be a sudden superenemy, someone called Berlin, on whom almost all the central characters will eventually be tied and who personifies all the intellectual infirmities of the writers in the field of building an intelligible storyline. But it doesn’t matter because we have a hero who wants to shake hands. Well, then? Goodbye Berlin, hello Reddington! I hope you're here for a long time.
Perhaps the most disappointing thing is when a project fails to live up to its expectations. Especially the series, the release of all episodes of which you are willingly waiting, so that in one fell swoop to enjoy, and ultimately - puff. So in this case, this series created by John Bockenkamp and is the same puff. Since if initially impressed the trust of a very decent audience rating, and the extension for a full season only strengthened this opinion, then after watching the series it becomes obvious that in vain.
Of course, to call this series outright suck is extremely difficult. You can see that the creators of the series tried to create the most intense, dynamic and intriguing environment in combination with numerous action scenes. Whether it's shootings and chases, or fights with other destruction. Here it is worth admitting that Joe Carnahan really intrigued the pilot he set and only raised the bar so high that subsequent directors alas did not reach it.
In fact, as in the framework of the plot, which at the very beginning really intrigued and tuned into something really interesting. Only after the series really begins to pull to the bottom the lack of any originality and ingenuity. Since from series to series, only the main villains with their own specific styles of committing a crime are repeated and changed.
That is why even being in principle quite not a bad series, really intrigue and keep this mood creators still fail. Except for the lead role of James Spader. This is the main advantage of this series. Not only that, he got an incredibly interesting character, very cynical and unpredictable. So and wielding his unique acting talent and indescribable charisma, Spader really plays one hundred percent.
Thus, even the numerous flaws of other actors and the absence of really bright characters in the background in principle compensated for this. Although the performer of the main female role Megan Boone pretty spoils the overall impression. Since in principle having quite an interesting character, she plays without much enthusiasm and she frankly do not believe.
6 out of 10
The blacklist is the main disappointment of this serial reporting period for me personally. Since even being quite not a bad series, it alas did not make the impression on me that was expected initially and is unable to keep a sense of interest even until the middle of the whole season.
From the series “Black List”, according to the plot, I expected something really interesting – a game at the highest level! After watching the pilot series, the level was really high.
The Blacklist is a stark contrast to the detective soaps that flood our screens! The creators of the series with all responsibility approached the creation of the plot and the main characters. Since the first series, the storyline is not overloaded with empty information and long monologues! The series has its own unique style. Atmosphere!
James Spader, playing virtuoso Raymond Reddington, does not give the impression of "playing"! This is a former government agent and now a criminal genius. Reddington is a rather complex and calculating character, while he is a team player who has not only trump cards. What else? The season is rapidly gaining momentum!
The genre of the series is quite complex... Creating a good versatile plot and suitable main characters is not an easy task! It can be a boring spy story and nothing more. "The Black List" clearly shows us that acting is the most important component of any picture and, it is the actors who make it truly spectacular!
The first season comes to an end, revealing various interesting moments of the storyline. Would I like a sequel? On the one hand, the Blacklist is a success within a single season, subject to a logical conclusion. On the other hand, you can develop the plot in completely different directions and, if the creators approach this issue also creatively, the result may be even more exciting!
10 out of 10
Extremely good, competently built "procedural". At the same time, neither the plot, nor the characters of the characters, nor the dialogues shine with originality. The series for rest - I watched and forgot after an hour, but at the same time you are waiting for the next series. In its genre, the best novelty of autumn. I don’t think it’s going to last 10 seasons like NSIC, but it’s keeping its 10ml viewers for the first two months, so there’s plenty to keep.
And most importantly – James Todd Spader, since the days of “Boston lawyers” the best at his age television actor in the United States. Not a single purely passing series for him yet is not listed, everything is super: “Practice”, “Boston Lawyers”, “The Office”. Spader is a sign of quality, and if the show goes down, I think he'll go first. While the role holds decently, does not slide in the direction of "Hanibal Lector", although we must assume there is a temptation. The image is complex, the suffering of the “negative character” is perfectly shown. Do not look for deep meanings in the series - enjoy the work of the master.
Solid
Frequently found phrases in the style ' ... was the opening of this season'. And now, without too much pathos, I want to say that this series was the opening of the 2013/2014 serial season for me. In terms of the impact I can compare with the effect on me of the first seasons 'Suspect' (Person Of Interest) and 'Justice' (Justified).
Now a little bit about the show itself. Let’s start with the music – in the first episodes at the end sounded quite good music, maintaining the mood from watching the series, pity further disappeared. It was good.
Actors. I won’t single out anyone, in general, a good lineup, to note, of course, that Spader and Boone. Great parts. Klattenhof, after Homeland, looks good. In general, the same role, only more time and action. Charles 'Skinny Pete' Baker is also pleasing to the eye, a rather charismatic actor, I would like to see more often. The only complaints about Parminder K. Nagre, nothing to say about the actor at all. No bad, no good.
What a story. The series is interesting, on the wave of interest, I would like to say that smart. Not at all. The main storyline is banal. Honestly, I’ve watched 6 episodes so far, and from the end of the second, I want to put something on the monitor when Red and Kim don’t talk about her being his daughter. Seriously, in the background of all the spy games & #39, did no one have the idea that she could be his daughter? Not the audience, no. The participants in the action. And even if it's not, ask someone if they should!
Overall, I liked the series. As mentioned above, nothing has been so exciting for a long time. The only thing that is alarming is whether the creators will be able to withstand the pace, because by the middle of the season it noticeably subsides. . .
If you like spies and intrigue, the series is for you. Personal assessment:
8 out of 10
The score is lowered for not always convincing play, and potentially (!) a failed plot.
Raymond Reddington, one of the ten most wanted criminals according to the FBI and his former employee, suddenly decides to surrender. Dozens of years of working in the criminal world did not go in vain for Raymond: he has connections, money, government secrets and an offer for the agency - a list of the most dangerous criminals that the FBI does not even know about. And in return, he asks for an amnesty (which a person with his connections does not need for nothing) and a chip to track him, but most importantly, he will only talk to Elizabeth Keen. Why it is with her, and what goals pursues Raymond we learn from the series, the events in which do not stand still.
Immediately recalls the “Silence of the Lambs”: the criminal (a kind of Hannibal without schizophrenia, although who knows him...) chats with an FBI agent, and it is not clear whether he is messing with her brains or trying to atone for guilt and help, but unlike the hero Anthony Hopkins, he is very influential and not chained in an iron cage. Of course, compared to the legendary film, the series is just “naive”, but I must say quite intriguing. In the first series, we were asked so many riddles that it is now simply impossible to overlook. Plus, I have already twenty times changed my point of view regarding the main question - who is the villain?
The series is not devoid of hilarious moments (a couple of times laughed), but mostly it is a detective with a mixture of experiences of the main character (tears on the screen in the presence). The actors are not repulsive, it is nice to look at the picture. He did not immediately admit to Raymond not anyone, but Daniel Jackson himself, that he jumped across the galaxy through the stargate in 1994. The action is available (albeit slightly crooked).
It is enough to watch the first series to know whether you like the series or not, and, once again, the plot develops quite quickly.