The Blacklist season 7 interview: EP on Dom’s future, Katarina twist
The bad news is that the character’s not doing well. The other bad news is that Katarina is still out there — not only that, but that she’s getting closer and closer to Elizabeth Keen! In the closing minutes of the episode tonight, Katarina decided to turn up as Liz’s new neighbor — given that Liz doesn’t know that it’s her, don’t you think that this could create some rather complicated problems moving forward?
Below, show executive producer Jon Bokenkamp breaks down some of the big twists in episode 2, and then also tackles one of the most important burning question — why isn’t Reddington telling Liz the truth about Katarina?
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CarterMatt – What went into the decision to leave Dom — a character I’ve come so much to adore watching — in such a dire situation?
Jon Bokenkamp – We love him too. And we LOVE having Brian Dennehy on the show. We actually did talk about him dying in this second episode — and in various breaks of the story he did die — but ultimately decided against that. We will revisit Dom. He’s a pivotal character and does have more story yet to tell.
Reddington seems to still be concerned over information Dom could pass along. Is it fair to say that he still knows more than what he passed along to Liz in “Rassvet”?
I think that could be quite possible.
Reddington claims that a big part of his M.O. is ensuring Liz’s safety — so why continue to keep Katarina’s presence a secret?
As Reddington said at the end of episode two, the very mention of Katarina’s name evokes very real death and danger. Katarina is a hunted woman. I think Red feels, the more Liz knows about Katarina, the more the task force knows about her, the more danger they’re in themselves. He doesn’t want anybody on the task force, most specifically Liz, to become collateral damage.
What excites you about this twist of Liz, unknowingly, now living right next door to Katarina?
Well, it’s a little bit of the devil next door — the wolf in sheep’s clothing. And it’s not just Liz, Red doesn’t know she’s living next door either. We just love the idea that the audience is privy to a secret that Red and Liz are not. Believe me, that’s going to be a fun storyline to watch unravel.
Overall, what would you say is the theme for the season moving forward — if there is one?
Family. Ultimately, our story is ultimately a very small one about family. You have the father figure. The mother figure. The daughter and granddaughter. Finally, in season seven, they all get to come together. Thanksgiving dinner could get a little weird.
What did you think about The Blacklist season 6 episode 2 overall?
Be sure to share right now in the comments, and stick around for some other news. (Photo: NBC.)