IR TV Review: THE BLACKLIST - EPISODE 6 (“Wellstone Agency”) [NBC-S8]

The idea of communication has always been an interesting construct for "The Blacklist". As much as Reddington wants to be solitary in many ways, it becomes necessary how he communicates with others (or the lack thereof) to accomplish goals, though usually by cornering and intimidation. He can't afford to be sentimental but also it is some of the sociopathic element that makes him very good at what he does. The interesting thing is that it is leading him astray since Keane (his adoptive daughter of sorts) is not necessary his ally anymore and yet he is still using the FBI construct as his way to keep connection. What Episode 6 of this oddly created 8th season of the pandemic entitled "Wellstone Agency" does is that it comes back down to communication because it is based in the construct of a deep cover interpretation agency that works with figures in high places, usually of the criminal kind. That is one part of it. The other part has to do with Glen (who was Reddington's finder and played by the now late Clark Middleton). The progress of the episode which is a eulogy of sorts employs Huey Lewis in a specific way as himself. But for once, in a long while, the Reddington mask relaxes and beautifully enough you see the actor that James Spader used to play (all the way back to "Stargate"). It is a beautiful blip that you won't often see with this character but it is done for the exactly right reason and for a metaphor that becomes more relevant the more it is thought about. B+

By Tim Wassberg