Pilot

"The Blacklist," Season 1, Episode 1: "Pilot" (2013) is a professionally produced crime drama about an ex-government agent turned top FBI fugitive, Raymond Reddington played by James Spader, after he turns himself in to capture other top criminals. The only catch in his deal is that he refuses to speak to anyone other than newly hired FBI profiler, Elizabeth Keen played by Megan Boone. This episode is 45 minutes of suspense, action, and intrigue through excellent acting. Reddington is dapper and controlled, while his counterpart, Keen, is uneasy and can be easily compared to the viewer. This show has major potential to go in any direction.

This pilot is captivating and draws the viewer into the different levels of the storylines. This show has several storyline layers that with the overall story continuing throughout the season and the episode storyline concluding by the end of the show. I love how the writer, Jon Bokenkamp, some how makes Reddington likeable enough to root for even though he is a notable "bad guy." I will continue to watch this show as long as it is on the air and recommend all viewers who enjoy a great storyline with twist and turns.

The injuries sustained by Lizzy (on her foreheard) in this episode kinda triggered my trypophobia.

Was it just me?.

A good introduction to what will turn out to be an amazing series. Spader nails his performance as Reddington, and there's a lot of mystery waiting to be uncovered over time.

Also, why are people arguing about whether or not someone's name matches his country? My first name is Italian and my last name is German, and Im from neither of those countries.

SEEN ALOT OF SHOWS BUT SHORTY GOING THROW IT ON DAY 1 OF THE JOB. Ive held back watching this show but now I'm in the for the long haul 8 seasons hopefully every episode is great!

This is a pilot. As is the case with any series that I start, I recognize that the characters aren't developed, the plot is somewhat preposterous, the FBI looks incompetent, and so on. So, now, what do they do to fix the sharp edges and get us involved. Our psychotic puppeteer must have some reason for doing what he is doing. I suppose it starts to involve kindred spirits and all that. This episode is so over the top. The thing that sent me into the kitchen to chop vegetables was the abduction of the little girl. It's as if a secret document was opened, saying, "Act as stupidly and as incompetently as you can and get the little girl kidnapped." She could have been protected in so many ways, but off to the highway with danger lurking around every corner. Anyway, give them a chance and see how well written this show is.