‘The Blacklist’ season 2: James Spader defends actions, violence of Reddington

Now that the second season of “The Blacklist” is going strong, this is of course when some of the naysayers come out. As good as the show is, there are still some out there who complain and clamor that the series, featuring James Spader and Megan Boone, is much more violent than it really needs to be.

With that being said, Spader seems ready and willing to take on anyone who attacks his characters’ actions. He is heavily involved in the writing process, and speaking in a chat with the Guardian, he explained how he makes sure that this is a guy who does not tilt towards the side of good for no reason:

“There are times that I have suggested a level of ruthlessness, or a certain form of decisive action that might be jarring, because I feel that is the world in which this show exists, but there are times when we change something because we feel it is gratuitous.

“We are very aware that it is extreme at times but, in for a penny … That is the show. That is the world we are depicting. That is this guy.”

Part of the conflict that comes with this series is that you know that Reddington is a killer, a criminal, and capable of doing very terrible things. However, at the same time you still find yourself glued to the television, desperate to see more of what he is going to moving forward. You also want to think that there is a motivation somewhere in him that is good, and you have to wait and see what that is.

Photo: NBC