When The Blacklist first premiered in 2013, audiences were captivated by its thrilling storyline and unforgettable characters. At the heart of the show was Raymond “Red” Reddington, a charming and enigmatic criminal mastermind, played by James Spader. His portrayal of Reddington quickly became one of the most iconic roles in television history. But as the show progressed, one significant flaw became apparent—one that, surprisingly, the creators never bothered to fix after season 1.
In a recent interview, James Spader shared his thoughts on why The Blacklist never addressed this flaw, despite the show’s success. It’s a bold move that shocked many fans and critics alike, but Spader’s perspective offers insight into the creative process and how writers craft characters for television.
So, what exactly is this flaw? And why did the show’s creators decide not to correct it? Let’s take a deeper dive into the fascinating dynamics of The Blacklist and James Spader’s involvement in making the show the phenomenon it is today.
The Enigmatic Success of “The Blacklist”
Before we delve into the specifics of the flaw, let’s first take a moment to appreciate the success of The Blacklist. The show quickly became one of NBC’s most popular crime thrillers, thanks to its intriguing premise, compelling characters, and fast-paced narrative. The plot centers around Raymond “Red” Reddington, who turns himself in to the FBI after years of being a notorious criminal mastermind. He offers to help the agency catch other criminals—on the condition that he works exclusively with Elizabeth Keen, a rookie profiler.
From the very first episode, The Blacklist was a hit, and it wasn’t just the gripping storyline that drew viewers in. James Spader’s portrayal of Red was magnetic. He infused the character with charm, wit, and a sense of mystery, making him impossible to resist. Spader’s performance was undoubtedly the standout aspect of the show, and it wasn’t long before he became the face of The Blacklist.
The Flaw in “The Blacklist” After Season 1
As much as fans loved The Blacklist, there was a noticeable flaw in the show that became more apparent after its first season. This flaw wasn’t in the acting, the writing, or even the direction—it was in the show’s narrative structure.
Without giving away too many spoilers, the flaw centered around the repetitive nature of the show’s central premise. In the first season, we were introduced to a vast list of criminals who Raymond Reddington had once worked with. The FBI’s task was to catch them one by one, but as the seasons went on, the show’s plot began to feel formulaic. The storylines often followed the same structure: Reddington provides a name from the list, the FBI investigates, and eventually, the criminal is caught, but not without a few twists and turns along the way.
For many viewers, this repetitive formula began to wear thin after season 1. The tension that initially made the show exciting started to feel predictable, and some fans began questioning whether the show had reached its creative peak.
Why Didn’t The Blacklist Address This Flaw?
The answer to this question lies in the unique relationship between James Spader and the writers of The Blacklist. As Spader explains, the writers were more focused on crafting stories that were tailor-made for his character, Raymond Reddington, rather than adhering strictly to the original formula.
1. Writing for the Actor
One of the key reasons why The Blacklist never corrected its flaw after season 1 is that the writers began to focus more on Spader’s performance than on following a strict narrative arc. According to Spader, the writers didn’t want to write just for the plot—they wanted to write for him. In fact, Spader was involved in the writing process from early on, influencing how Reddington’s character developed over time.
This approach meant that the show’s creators were willing to embrace the repetitive elements of the story rather than risk changing the formula that made the show successful. After all, viewers weren’t just tuning in to see criminals get caught—they were tuning in to watch Spader’s masterful portrayal of Reddington. The dynamic between the actor and his character became the heart of the show, and the writers prioritized that over fixing what many saw as a flaw in the plot structure.
2. A Focus on Character Depth Over Plot Complexity
Another reason why The Blacklist never bothered to fix its flaw was that the writers shifted their focus from complex plot twists to deepening the character of Raymond Reddington. Over the years, Reddington’s backstory became more integral to the show’s overarching narrative, allowing Spader to explore a wide range of emotions and motivations.
As Spader took center stage in every episode, the show’s success became more about his character’s development and less about the episodic formula that originally captivated viewers. As a result, The Blacklist embraced its repetitive structure, knowing that fans were invested in Reddington’s journey, not necessarily the criminals he was catching.
How James Spader Shaped the Show’s Direction
James Spader’s involvement in The Blacklist went beyond just acting. He had a significant impact on the show’s direction, particularly in terms of character development. As an actor, Spader was known for his intense, nuanced performances, and he brought that same level of dedication to Reddington’s role.
Through his involvement in the writing process, Spader influenced the direction of his character, ensuring that Reddington remained as compelling and unpredictable as ever. This allowed Spader to dive deeper into the complexities of the character, making him more than just a criminal mastermind—but a multifaceted figure with a rich backstory and emotional depth.
As the seasons progressed, Reddington’s relationships with other characters, particularly Elizabeth Keen, became more intricate. Spader’s portrayal of the character allowed him to evolve and grow, and the writers continued to craft storylines that centered around Reddington’s personal journey, rather than relying on the same old procedural formula.
The Secret to The Blacklist’s Longevity
The reason why The Blacklist has remained successful for so many seasons, despite its repetitive plot structure, is largely due to the strength of its lead actor and his unwavering commitment to the role. James Spader’s ability to bring Raymond Reddington to life in a way that keeps viewers hooked has been a major driving force behind the show’s success.
Rather than focusing on fixing the plot’s repetitiveness, the creators leaned into Spader’s performance and the compelling nature of his character. This decision paid off, as The Blacklist has continued to enjoy a loyal fanbase, season after season.
The Importance of Writing for the Actor
James Spader’s role in The Blacklist serves as a testament to the importance of writing for the actor, rather than strictly adhering to conventional plot structures. When writers embrace the talents and strengths of their lead actors, they can create something far more engaging than just a typical crime procedural. The Blacklist may have its flaws, but Spader’s performance continues to elevate the show beyond the confines of formulaic storytelling.
By writing for the actor, The Blacklist was able to transcend its initial formula and develop into a unique show that thrives on character-driven storytelling.
Conclusion: The Bold Decision That Paid Off
In the end, James Spader’s involvement in The Blacklist played a crucial role in the show’s longevity. By focusing on the depth of his character, Raymond Reddington, and allowing Spader’s performance to shape the direction of the show, the writers made a bold decision that ultimately paid off. While The Blacklist may have repeated its formulaic structure, it was Spader’s dynamic portrayal of Reddington that kept viewers coming back for more.
FAQs
1. Why didn’t The Blacklist fix its repetitive plot structure after season 1?
The writers chose to prioritize James Spader’s performance and the development of his character, Raymond Reddington, over changing the show’s episodic formula.
2. How did James Spader influence The Blacklist?
Spader was involved in the writing process and helped shape the direction of his character, ensuring that Reddington’s storyline evolved in meaningful ways.
3. What is the main flaw of The Blacklist?
The repetitive nature of the show’s premise, where each episode follows a similar structure, became apparent after season 1.
4. Why did viewers continue to watch The Blacklist despite its formulaic nature?
Fans were captivated by James Spader’s performance and the emotional depth he brought to the character of Raymond Reddington.
5. How did Spader’s performance contribute to the show’s success?
Spader’s portrayal of Reddington turned the show into a character-driven narrative, making it more engaging and memorable despite its repetitive plot structure.
