Better, but still not the original
Megan Boone didn't appear in this, but that doesn't mean it's suddenly a 10/10. Decent score no doubt, but too loud at the wrong times. The story is better than they've been in the last couple years; but, it's still not the quality that the first 4-5 years produced. James Spader is surely better than 90% of the actors out there - but he doesn't seem very enthusiastic about the show anymore. The throwback to an early "Blacklister" seems like a weak attempt to recapture former glory. The thinking of this supposedly top group of FBI agents is simply beyond the pale of bad choices on top of bad performance. Poor stake-out protocols and poor execution. Bad players get bugged too easily, and the whole "lay low" cliché just reeked of writers who have simply run out of quality ideas.
People like Glen (RIP), and Mr. Kaplan really made the early years pop. Now sub-standard actors perform with cardboard emotion. When the characters don't show emotion, why should we? This week was a decent storyline, and could have been even better had it been dealt to us as a smooth operation (on either side). Instead we're treated to shows of "who can screw up the least". Cooper and Ressler are giving less and less.
When Red had leverage and the where-with-all to manipulate this crack FBI unit, and when criminals were actually interesting - we had a reason to suspend belief for an hour and just enjoy the show. Now, Keen is on the run from the FBI (who don't really seem all that interested in catching her). Red on the run from Liz just doesn't get anyone interested. Almost no one is interested in seeing or hearing from Boone. Wrong person for the wrong part.
There's still a few Spader moments sprinkled here and there, but they are far and few between. Spader's lackluster performance comes across as just plain bored. Arison (as Aram) continues to improve, and IMO has entered the "break-out" quality of actor we all enjoy. Tawfiq (as Dembe) continues to impress (when he has the chance). Still, in the end, I can only give this a 7/10 (7.5 at best).
People like Glen (RIP), and Mr. Kaplan really made the early years pop. Now sub-standard actors perform with cardboard emotion. When the characters don't show emotion, why should we? This week was a decent storyline, and could have been even better had it been dealt to us as a smooth operation (on either side). Instead we're treated to shows of "who can screw up the least". Cooper and Ressler are giving less and less.
When Red had leverage and the where-with-all to manipulate this crack FBI unit, and when criminals were actually interesting - we had a reason to suspend belief for an hour and just enjoy the show. Now, Keen is on the run from the FBI (who don't really seem all that interested in catching her). Red on the run from Liz just doesn't get anyone interested. Almost no one is interested in seeing or hearing from Boone. Wrong person for the wrong part.
There's still a few Spader moments sprinkled here and there, but they are far and few between. Spader's lackluster performance comes across as just plain bored. Arison (as Aram) continues to improve, and IMO has entered the "break-out" quality of actor we all enjoy. Tawfiq (as Dembe) continues to impress (when he has the chance). Still, in the end, I can only give this a 7/10 (7.5 at best).
- cheddavis-85503
- Feb 28, 2021