From the very first episode of the Blacklist, and throughout the first season, there was an underlying question with respect to the relationship between the two main characters: FBI Agent Elizabeth Keen and criminal mastermind Raymond “Red” Reddington. Although there was the occasional clue here and there to satiate the fans of the show, we still don’t know for sure what their relationship is because every time a clue is given, conflicting information is presented that suggests the complete opposite is true, not long after. So, what is the truth and when will writers finally reveal it to us? Who knows, but by the looks of season 2 thus far, we may have a while before we find out. In the meantime, I’ll give you two reasons why the writers needs to consider doing it sooner rather than later.
It’s Just So Obvious
Unlike other television show reveals that no one sees coming, the relationship between Agent Keen and “Red” on the Blacklist is way more obvious. Back in season 1 when Agent Keen’s adoptive father, Sam Scott, died (but really was killed by “Red”), it was strongly implied during the emotional exchange between Scott and “Red” that “Red” was perhaps Keen’s biological father. Due to the fact that Scott was probably the only person who knows “Red’s” true identity (in relation to Agent Keen that is), “Red” then killed him to protect the secret from Agent Keen. Yes, he is a criminal mastermind which pretty much implies that he practically kills for sport; but if you watch the show, you know two things about “Red” that puts this information into perspective. The first thing is that he never does anything that doesn’t benefit himself (whether it’s killing someone or giving them up to the FBI) and secondly, he will stop at nothing to protect his family. Unless the writers really surprise us with something really crazy, which by the way would have to explain a lot of the previous clues in season 1, we already know where they are headed with the storyline. Besides, it could be really interesting to the show once they do reveal their relationship, but most importantly it would be great to finally move on to something else.
Losing Traction
So far, season 2 of the Blacklist is a little slow on the uptake with no new and exciting deviations from last season’s major plot. The main reason for that is due large in part to the continued dependence on a storyline that was integral to season 1. Sure, it was interesting back then to go along with the back and forth of is Agent Keen or isn’t Keen “Red’s” kid, but that is no longer the case. Enough already, the reveal of their relationship is being needlessly dragged out and it’s starting to affect the show because “Red’s” relationship with Agent Keen is once again tied into the major plot of season 2. Only time will tell as the season just started, but thus far it looks like “Red” is strategically keeping Agent Keen close by so that he could protect her from his nemesis (an equally devious criminal by the name of Berlin). As a result, it is becoming predictable, which is not why I originally tuned into to watch the show.
Although it is quite annoying that the Blacklist have yet to confirm the relationship between Agent Keen and “Red”; I still watch hoping that they will finally move beyond the relationship between Agent Keen and “Red” as well as the weekly targets on the Blacklist. The show has a very interesting concept (most wanted criminal teaming up with the FBI) and quite frankly they are being held back by a plot that should have been resolved by now.