‘The Blacklist’ season 1, episode 7 review: Robert Sean Leonard brings chemical warfare

One week after giving us an episode steeped in mythology and raising more questions about Liz Keen and her husband Tom, Monday night’s “The Blacklist” episode was more in that case-of-the-week format.

This episode was more about a brilliant scientist (Robert Sean Leonard of “House” fame) named Barnes, who came up with a dastardly plan in which to save his son. In order to get more awareness and understanding about the disease that the boy suffers from, he decided that he wanted to infect a mass amount of people with it. While he may not have been the most fearsome-looking villain on the show, he was clearly the most dangerous villain to date with the potential to kill thousands. Leonard was brilliant in the role since he conveyed the right amount of sympathy and anger, and we’re immediately hoping that this leads to him finding another full-time TV gig in the future.

Now if you do love the Reddington story it is at least worth noting that the man offered to leave Liz Keen on her own. In some ways, this was perfect for her in that there was no more mystery, and also the possibility of going on and living a normal life with Tom despite a constant amount of suspicion around him. However, Liz couldn’t bring herself to watch him go. What was the reason for that? Justice. She may hate what the man does and also how he operates, but she recognizes that he is key to making the world a better place. Therefore, he sticks around for at least a little while longer.

Meanwhile, all is well in the Keen household with plenty of kisses, and that little reminder that they are in the process being watched. Would you anticipate things being different? The shocker at the end here is that Reddington “raised his family” in a house that he seemingly decided to buy … and then burn down. We’re sure that all of this will only further the “he’s Liz’s dad” theory, especially since we saw him envisioning a brown-haired child at the very end. This isn’t complete proof in our eyes, and do still hope to the TV gods that he is not her dad. It’s just painfully obvious, and the show has tried to claim that it is much smarter than that. Grade: B-.

What do you think about this episode, and are you okay with a shift away from what has largely been the primary story. Sound off in the comments below!

Photo: NBC