Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Twisty plots save violent crime drama from predictability.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Blacklist
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Parents say the series offers a thrilling mix of crime drama, complex characters, and witty dialogue often highlighted by James Spader’s performance, yet it features significant violence that may be unsettling for younger viewers. While some reviewers appreciate the show's depth and lack of explicit content, others criticize the graphic nature of the violence and some questionable moral lessons presented throughout the storyline.
- addictive storytelling
- complex characters
- significant violence
- mixed reviews
- not for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 52 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Soon after Raymond "Red" Reddington (James Spader)—one of the FBI's most-wanted fugitives—walks calmly into a federal building and inexplicably turns himself in, he asks for exclusive access to newly minted FBI profiler Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone) in exchange for his help in thwarting a dangerous terrorist. However, playing partner to a wary Elizabeth is only part of Red's plan to cross every name off the blacklist of contemptible criminals he's compiled.
Is It Any Good?
We're not sure whether NBC wanted us to think THE BLACKLIST was basically a Silence of the Lambs rewrite, but at first glance, that's exactly what it feels like. Spader summons his best Hannibal Lecter, and Boone steps into the shoes of his Starling-esque protégé. Other details feel all-too-familiar. It's possible the similarities were all homage? Either way, The Blacklist is thankfully more original than its promotional trailer.
One of the twists that takes The Blacklist in a different direction is its female lead's decision to seek adoptive motherhood with her supportive husband while pursuing a potentially dangerous new career, which brings up all sorts of worthy questions about men, women, marriage, and "having it all" (whatever that means). There are also some intriguing mysteries about Elizabeth's past—and her possible connections to Reddington—that are just weird enough to keep you watching.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Blacklist's female protagonist flips the script when it comes to "traditional" portrayals of women, work, and motherhood. How does Elizabeth compare to other strong female leads on television?
What's your take on Red as a role model? Is he helpful, harmful, or somewhere in between? For Elizabeth, do the benefits of agreeing to work with him outweigh the risks?
Do you think the show's creators made intentional references to Silence of the Lambs? What would be the benefit of connecting the show to the critically acclaimed movie?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 23, 2013
- Cast : Diego Klattenhoff , James Spader , Megan Boone
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : February 28, 2024
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