The Blacklist

Describe- The Blacklist is a new drama series premiering on NBC network, it plays Monday night at 10/9c. This thrilling new drama stars James Spader, (Whom gained his fame from the oh so popular Pretty in Pink and Endless Love), Harry Lennix, (who can be found in some very different roles such as Stomp the yard, Love & Basketball, and The Matrix), and last but certainly not least the lovely Megan Boone, (who has previously been seen in Sex and The City 2, My Bloody Valentine, and Step Up Revolution). This thrilling drama takes the viewers off to an exciting start. Raymond Reddington "Red" (James Spader), one of FBI's worlds most wanted fugitive chooses to surrender himself at the FBI Headquarters located in Washinton, D.C.. He calmly exclaims that he and the FBI have a common interest, to see dangerous criminals off the streets. However, he insists that the only way for him to co-operate is if he speaks only to Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone), a rookie profiler for the FBI. Keen is confused by this request, due to the fact that they have never met. Keen questions Reddington on his sudden interest with her and he claims that she is "very special." As the show goes on the viewers find out the Reddington, over his many years of criminal activity, has created a list of fugitives that he views as the most important; a list that the FBI doesn't know exists. Thus, Reddington names it "The Blacklist." Should we trust him??

Commercials- Every television show is going to shove commercials in your face every change they can get, though I have found on NBC, for The blacklist, there are fewer commercials. So far the advertising that has been seen are:

• Iphone 5S from Verison (x2)
• Lowes home improvement (x2)
• Interprise Car Rentals (Now cars available to buy)
• Bad Grandpa (x2, Promotion for a new movie)
• Law & Order (promotion for new episodes!!!)
• Nivea Skin Cream (x2)
• Audi
• Intuit
• Durango & Anchorman 2 (x3, Combining a car advertising with the upcoming comedy starring Will Ferrell)
• Lipolift
• Hyundai Elantra 2013
• Mercedes Benz
• The Counselor (Upcoming movie)
• Mcdonalds
• TJ Maxx
• Ryobi (Power tools)
• Dracula (Upcoming new series on NBC!!)
• Campbell's Home Style Soup ("So Good tastes home made")
• Surface
• City Thank You Card (Two Times The Points Earned)
• Acura
• T-mobile

Analyze- Coming into this new series I was completely taken away. The scene opening really made you wonder what was happening. This older gentlemen, well dressed, is talking very polite to a young woman at the front desk of the FBI. As she calls to ensure his appointment, Reddington puts his brief case down, lays his jacket nicely over the top, and places his hat neatly on the top of the stack. Once this has finished you see the swarm of swat team running in with their guns hot! This dramatically changed the feel of the show, within the first few minutes. Reddington turns out to be a former government agent who went to the dark side and had been waned for decades. As the show continued it had reminded me a lot of the plot from the 1991 thriller Silence of The Lambs. The resemblance comes from Reddington (the wanted fugitive) acting as a controller over everything. His character resembles the main character Hannible Lector (Sir Anthony Hopkins). The resemblance comes from, not only their looks and wealth, but also stems from their strong and cold, yet incredibly intellectual, behaviors. Apart from that, both men have come to fancy a younger woman with brown shoulder length hair. They both find safety in these women and are able to tell them personal and/or critical information; this information does not come easy for the two girls...in exchange for more knowledge into the criminals lives, they have to give up some personal information themselves. This, virtually, is leaving both parties naked with their personal lives wide open. This is what builds the He will release some information but not enough to give away the whole answer, he wants the FBI to think, he wants to stay one step ahead of the game. Though Keen, the rookie profiler, has been able to soften his bark. By allowing Reddington to slowly see more into her personal life, he is more wiling to give up information...only to Elizabeth Keen. Why is Raymond Reddington so interested in this young rookie profiler?? Some of the scenes depicted in this show may be to graphic for children under the age of 12. Definitely suitable for adults, if you want a show that will keep your mind working and guessing on what will happen next...I strongly suggest NBC's

Interpret- Some stereotypes that I have encountered while enjoying this new series is that the women, though in a more powerful job, are still the victims and in need of being saved by the men of the bureau. The men in this show are show as tough manly men who don't like to take direction from anyone. They are portrayed as heroes who can't be harmed, and who's only job is to protect serve and protect. The main character Elizabeth is seemingly very strong inside, yet she is constantly relying on men and people who are above her clearance for support and help to solve these murders. Not to mention that all the people that are above her clearance level are all males, including the guard protecting the case files.

Commercials Demographics-  The obvious targeted audience for NBC's new hit show The Blacklist is adults. NBC views  many car commercials and adult rated films that would interest only middle class adults, male and female. Showing them that they can have the nicest car in town and be able to take so many more trips with their family because, by having this perfect vehicle they would bring their families together. Same with the adult rated films, some are comedies others are aimed more towards the serious aspect of adults and shows that will challenge their intellect. These commercials flow smoothly with the show by pulling interests from the show and applying them to other products and advertising.

I feel that Americans have a lot more harsh language and feelings towards each other that are never expressed openly. It seems that it is a constant battle at each show to get the people to open up more and more. Americans are more rough around the edges than many other countries, they have learned to get what we want by just taking it rather than asking for it. It's the American way or the high way. 

Evaluate- The blacklist is a very entertaining new series. It intrigues the human mind to guess what is going to happen next, though when the time comes the show takes a sharp left turn into crazyville! Every episode releases so much new information that it leaves the mind craving for more more more! The acting in this new series is top par as well. James Spader (Raymond Reddington) plays an excellent role of a man who has no feelings, yet has so many for a woman that he seemingly doesn't know. He portrays love, comfort, strength, and stubbornness, while maintaining a tough and stone like exterior. You will never know what's coming next, but you will always have something to add or think about once the episode has ended. Truly the next best show to come onto television. Lets just hope that they don't take these seasons to far like the popular shows New Girl or Two and a half men, I mean come on guys lets not beat the dead horse.

Comparison with other critics- From the few other websites I have read there seems to be a common trend. This hit new show on NBC is hitting the ground running. Critics are raving about this new show, and the impeccable acting of James Spader. He has been reviewed as  "refreshing", "dazzling", and "master manipulator." I would strongly recommend this show to all my peers, and if you are in need of some debate or other incites on he show, comment on my blog and we can discuss your views.

On another website some critics say that The-Blacklist has a “surprise element”,“intriguing plot”, or my personal favorite “top-of-the-list-escapism.”

In all websites that I have read involving The-Blacklist, there has been an overwhelming amount of positive feedback and and underwhelming amount of negative feedback. For my personal opinion, I think that it is clear, I agree with critics. The-Blacklist is a fantastic and adventurous show that will always keep the viewers guessing what will happen next. I can assure you that as the show continues the plot only gets better and the ties to the characters only get stronger. I highly recommend watching The-Blacklist, you will not be disappointed!

Engage- I watch this show every Monday night with my father after dinner. This show has brought a common interest for my father and I to enjoy together and talk about together. Even if we are both in our rooms watching the show we will sill text each other funny blurbs from the show and make guesses as to what will happen on the next show. We do quite enjoy the sneak previews that they have at the end of each show as well.

Facebook- I do not engage with this show anymore than I have with this blog, though I am sure you can find them on some of the social networks such as Twitter or Facebook.

Something you may not know- Executive producers : Jon Bokenkamp (The Call, Perfect Stranger, and Taking Lives)

                                                                                    John Davis (Norbit, Garfield, and Daddy Day Care)

                                                                                    John Eisendrath (Outlaw, Playmaker, and Alias)

                                                  Production Company: Davis Entertainment

                                                                                    Universal Television

                                                                                    Sony Pictures Television

Conclusion- By participating in this project I have learned a lot more about looking at the actual show as a whole instead of just in the moment of the show. There is so many other aspects that, if you take the time to look at, you will find the show to be so much more interesting and intellectually challenging.

I was really surprised to find that the show has all these aspects that I would not usually look at. Such as, stereotypes, actors and where they got there start to fame, background for the show, and analyzing each and every thing I can about this show.

Once again, watch The Blacklist!!

Links:

   http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/22/arts/television/james-spader-stars-in-the-blacklist.html?_r=0

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/nbcs-blacklist-producers-were-not-594421

http://www.nbc.com/the-blacklist/

http://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-blacklist/critic-reviews