IR TV Review: BLINDSPOT - EPISODE 5 ("Head Games") [NBC-S5]
The continuing idea of "Blindspot" revolves in the idea of paranoia and protection. While the idea is a rag tag crew going up against a bigger government structure labeling them as terrorists, the darkness can funnel a little bit more depending on the episode. Unlike some earlier episodes this season that, while full of trauma had a lightness, Episode 5 here "Head Games" seems to rest squarely in the psyche where the idea of what is real and what is actually real is being played in parallel arenas. Without giving too much away, this episode, more than many others, offers a solid intake into Sullivan Stapleton's Weller. Using certain methods of interrogation against him, the aspect of his id is in full view. He prides himself on being unbreakable but where does the line lie? The balance between the daughter he left behind and his love for Jane (who herself is someone else) is an interesting reversal. Meanwhile Jane is testing her team back at the bunker with an existential question in a similar way. What is worth the risk? What is the right choice?
Certain choices that are made in this episode are both dynamic but prevent other outcomes from happening. This kind of story could easily fit into an interactive basis of episodic television which might be a thing of the future (though it was tried 20 years ago and is a production nightmare). Within the relevance here, the question becomes what incites betrayal or what dictates betrayal if at times it is done for the greater good. And would life turn out different if one or two adjustments were made or would the journey simply be over. This episode for the most part (because of its leanness or the budget) is much more insular in this way allowing the acting to seem bigger while simultaneously being more precise. Sometimes with large set pieces this can be an issue. "Blindspot" can get to the heart of a matter but, like many shows that at times don't know their fate in the long term, adjusting the darkness of what might happen and ultimately what your characters are is the rub of the process. Here is hoping as the episodes eventually wind down, the story and character can affect a sense of the path they want to be remembered by.B-
By Tim Wassberg