The Blacklist (TV Series) Pilot (2013) User Reviews

Spader Makes the Show!

[ShelbyTMItchell · 9/10 · 27 September 2013]

James Spader need we say more. Makes the show. As he really has thrived on TV with "Boston Legal", last two years of "The Office," and now puts on the charm in the "Blacklist!"

He uses that charm as Red Reddington who has been wanted by the FBI. For numerous terrorism activities. He calmly surrenders himself to them in the DC office. And says he will help them catch every other terrorist for them. But only will talk to rookie profiler, Elizabeth Keen who is starting her first day.

She worked in NY for four years but now is, a criminal profiler rookie. As Red really laid out her past for her. As she was even stunned by it. Even her colleagues at the Bureau did not know she had that past.

But in the end, he helps them rescue a little girl, whom bonds very quickly with Liz. As she and her husband are trying to have a child of their own by adopting. And nail the terrorist in the pilot.

Red is so cool, calm, and collected. Nothing ever scares him. As he used to also be a government agent himself before going rogue. It will be one heck of a combo he and Liz.

Also Liz's husband, who seems so mild mannered is hiding secrets of his own too. Really a great start to hopefully a great show!

Start Here

[nycweboy1 · 9/10 · 12 February 2021]

At first, Spader's scenery chewing and the over the top plot elements may suggest something like 24, or a somewhat less horrific Silence of the Lambs, or a tv size Bourne. But as the storytelling keeps going sideways, it's clear this is all, and none, of that: The Blacklist stands primarily on 2 mysteries - what is the list and why has Red compiled it; and how does Elizabeth Keen fit into his plans? Trying to find out both, or either, makes for some pretty addictive watching. A solid, strong pilot that sets up many interesting possibilities, and doesn't insult the intelligence of the viewer, with solid performances - including Spader, whose over the top approach has a lot more going on than is apparent at first blush.

Strong start

[foamythefearsome · 8/10 · 29 June 2022]

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.

The Watch list

[shadow_blade-89459 · 9/10 · 22 May 2018]

"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.

Best pilot in all tv

[fpythdw · 9/10 · 26 August 2021]

After watching the entire series (until season 8) I must admit that this is the best pilot in all TV. In this first episode you already want to know everything, it leaves you with a lot of questions.

Mistakes in the Storyline

[boba-92 · 14 March 2016]

I like this TV-show very much, but I have to mention some apparent mistakes in the story of this episode.

Firstly, the terrorist Zamani was said to be Serbian, but Zamani is actually an Albanian family name.

Secondly, Reddington said that he is Serbian (Christian) Orthodox and that he would not have a tattoo because of that (when Lizzy was calling him from the park). The Christian Orthodox church does not forbid tattoos and it is common for Serbians to be tattooed. Also Albanian's are mostly Muslim, and definitely not Christian (Serbian) Ortodox. So this is double false.

I understand that it is only a small group of people who watch the show and understand this, but a show loses it's appeal if such apparent mistakes are made.

'Red'

[ZegMaarJus · 9/10 · 6 July 2020]

The beginning of The Blacklist, one of the most wanted criminals of the world Raymond 'Red' Reddington walks into the FBI building to let arrest himself by the FBI. 'Red' only wants to speak with the new FBI profiler Elizabeth Keen. 'Red' gives the task force a case, Ramko Zamani plans a kidnapping on a child. Zamani threatened Tom and Liz at their house Zamani pulled a knife in Tom his leg and stumic. 'Red' has a meeting with Zamani at the park. The girl who was kidnapped has been armed with a bomb by Zamani. Zamani was shot down by Ressler, he fell of the building he died instantly. The bomb was been disabled by the Ukrainian man. 'Red' introduced 'The Blacklist' to Harold and the task force. Very strong beginning of 'The Blacklist', i'm re watching the show i have seen all the seasons James Spader is my hero and a example for me in acting.

the best pilot I've ever seen

[kaioenzobr · 10/10 · 2 October 2023]

Its just the perfect start for a mysterious and unpredictable tv show. The way the story goes on just really catch up you, and the time goes fast, so many things happen but you feel that every step has his own value to tell this initial story. The direction is very good, the cuts are smoothly good and the action is very nice for a pilot, you can expect high emotions and feelings even in a few contact with the characters, also, the music and the soundtrack is good, make you go to this FBI atmosphere with tension and excitement, and thanks for the final reference to jayz 99 problems, this was legendary.

First day on the job

[louis2681 · 9/10 · 13 August 2022]

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!

Gone wrong!

[kellykelvinuzo · 9/10 · 2 June 2021]

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

Was it just me?.

A Bit Too Much!

[Hitchcoc · 6/10 · 22 May 2017]

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.

Beginning of a Hit Show

[shelbythuylinh · 8/10 · 25 November 2021]

Red Reddington ex-government agent and former military man as he turns himself in for a dozen or more charges like that over in murder, treason, just to name a few.

He says that he has a list hence the title to catch on those that are more dangerous than he is. That over in the one condition to talk to newly rookie FBI agent and newlywed Elizabeth Keen.

At first everybody at the FBI is not so sure of her or even Red. Despite surrendering himself to them calmly and without incident. But for Liz it will change her life there.

Really liked Liz to begin with anxious and innocent but then she really got on my nerves as a self righteous and self absorbed later on. Just IMHO!

So many plot holes you could drive a truck through

[msghall · 6/10 · 8 August 2021]

Right at the beginning, the plot holes open up with one unbelievable (but convenient for the story) event after another. You can only suspend disbelief for so long. Lazy scripting is only the beginning. But I guess the whole point of this series is to satiate the less critical among us with lowest common denominator acting and direction. I can't believe this pilot is well received by IMDB reviewers. Says a lot.

Homeland Light with a Bit of Silence of the Lambs

[arfdawg-1 · 4/10 · 13 October 2015]

The Plot: x-government agent and one of the FBI's Most Wanted fugitives, Raymond "Red" Reddington (James Spader) mysteriously turns himself in to the FBI and offers to give up everyone he has ever worked with including a long-thought-dead terrorist but under one condition - he'll only talk to newly-minted female FBI profiler, Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone) with whom he seemingly has no connection.

For Liz, it's going to be one hell of a first day on the job and what follows is a twisting series of events as the race to stop a terrorist begins.

I REALLY wanted to like this show because of all the buzz.

James Spader is very good,but the female lead is over her head. She's a weak actress who brings the action down.

Further, the story line is very derivative reminiscent of Homeland only not as good. And Spader is very much a throw back to Silnce of the Lambs without the fava beans and liver.

The show is also rather amateurishly directed.

I'm reviewing the pilot but will be giving a few more episodes a try.

Correcting some reviews

[ratkove · 6/10 · 18 May 2019]

First of all about the episode. It's decent. Average. Just another crime show with a bit different plot. Now onto some reviews that were misinforming on some facts: 1. Ortodox church does forbid tattoos and that is a correct thing they did in the show. A reviewer said they don't and many Serbians have tattoos. Truth is not so many Serbians have tattoos and that doesn't mean that church doesn't forbid them. It does.Religion itself to be precise. 2. Zamani is not a Serbian last name. True. At least his name is Serbian. 3. Albanians are mostly muslim. Not true. Albanians are mostly Christian, both Catholic and Orthodox. Most of the Albanians that are muslim live outside Albania- in Serbia (Kosovo), Montenegro, Macedonia.

What is wrong in the show is the Serbian language. That is not Serbian at all. Most likely Russian or Ukrainian and that is a huge mistake for a show. A google translate would do a better job on showing you how to speak Serbian than whoever this show hired.

Average pilot, Average plot. Good acting. All in all just another crime show like any other.

Zamani is muslim name :)

[CursedChico · 7/10 · 26 November 2020]

Zamani is muslim name :)

Probably he is muslim and in islam, tattoos are usually forbidden. Maybe they wanted to mean this in this episode.

Other than that, it was nice pilot. Nice music and always mystery.

I felt it would be like white collar series but not same.

Remington seems very strong.

Clichéd, not enjoyable

[fallowdeer · 2/10 · 10 September 2022]

I don't find torture and violence entertaining. Creepy doesn't do it for me either, this episode has both. So this was unpleasant for me. Cheesy, 'high octane' music. Premise ripped off from silence of the lambs. I'm guessing it's going to turn out not creepy, but an older man requesting a younger, pretty, inexperienced woman to work with, who he has been keeping tabs on, that all screams creepy initially, especially when her first scene is in her knickers. And it's all very familiar, so fed up of the Hollywood creepiness. Plus stupid coincidence that lets the girl save the day. Yet another show that's not for me.

Worst trash ever!

[anabellocastillo · 1/10 · 5 September 2019]

Beside obvious bs, bad acting, terrible plot, stereotypes....I'd like to point out that no Serbian would be called Ranko Zamani. Zamani is a Muslim last name. And certainly no one called Zamani is an Orthodox Christian. And even if he was, it wouldn't prevent him from having a tattoo. This all makes 0 sense, just like the rest of this horrible series. Unwatchable garbage!

Farfetched

[dennisjkramer · 4/10 · 25 September 2020]

Unbelievable action, dialogue and characters. I'll see what the next episode brings.

Show is waste of time

[michaelferguson-56658 · 2/10 · 11 February 2024]

Well they really ticked me off when they killed off Elizabeth King's character to end of season 8 I really liked her and I didn't really like the fact that season 1 through 5 she was still with the fake character Tom King and had a baby with him which I thought was really stupid on the writer's part of the show they should have wild her continue in season 9 and 10 which I did not watch and not plan on watching the show is so stupid and furthermore the only reason why I watch the show because she is really hot and I thought her and Raymond got along really well until he decided to get rid of her mother.

Not a bad guy

[marinkovicst-27746 · 5/10 · 4 October 2020]

Like the show, expect we are NOT a terrorist, we never was and we never will. The only country how's terrorising the whole world is you. There is no TV show that can change that. Ziveli ( Cheers)