Writing a movie review is the first step outside my comfort zone. It’s only the third day of blogtober and I must confess that I can’t wait to see what the next few weeks hold for me.
Today’s task requires a comprehensive breakdown of any movie I love. With this in mind, I opened the folder titled “movies” on my laptop and stared at the numerous movie files that live in there. I had a number of options to choose from but in the end I took another step outside the zone and settled on “The Blacklist.”
The Blacklist is an American crime thriller TV series that premiered in September 2013 and concluded its seventh season, albeit prematurely, in May 2020 (season 8 is expected in 2021).
Created by Jon Bokenkamp, the show revolves around Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader), a former US Navy officer turned criminal, who evades capture for decades only to voluntarily surrender to the FBI. While being interrogated, “Red” reveals that he has the list of the most dangerous criminals in the world (those the FBI know about and those they didn’t know existed) and is willing to inform on their operations. His catch? “Red” gets full immunity from all forms of prosecution. In that same breath, he requests that an FBI rookie profiler, Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone) be assigned to work on the special task force.
I have no intention of giving out any spoilers. I’d encourage you to get this thrilling series and enjoy non-stop action from Season 1 through to Season 7.
“Red” teaches us many things in each episode (yep! I may have forgotten to mention how smart he is). It is important to know that “Red” embodies the modern-day entrepreneur or businessman
What does “Red” teach us?
- The importance of contacts:
Throughout the show, the importance of contacts in ensuring that criminals are checked is crystal clear. “Red” has contacts within the criminal underworld and within the legal areas too. On countless occasions, he has consulted a good friend Glen (Clark Middleton) who works as a tracker for him in times of need. Glen has come through for him many times during the show (despite needing a bit of motivation to do anything for his old friend)
2. Loyalty:
“Value loyalty above all else.” Watching Reddington over time teaches you how to value loyalty. Dembe (Hisham Tawfiq) epitomizes what it means to be loyal especially in the criminal world. To Reddington, betraying loyalty is the worst offence and has proved to have dire consequences. Dembe is his most loyal employee and is the only person he trusts to go everywhere with him.
3. Morals:
Raymond has a set of values and boundaries that guide his actions. While these values are questionable, there is no doubt how important it is to have a moral code as a person. The most crucial value to have is to protect the most important things in your life.
4. Understanding limitations:
Raymond possesses amazing intelligence and skill set. He acknowledges that there are limitations to what he can do and they need to be addressed. He hires people to fill in gaps when necessary
“So often people overestimate themselves and misapply their gifts. Wisdom is learning the boundaries of one’s designated lane” – Raymond Reddington
5. Live your life like today is your last day:
“Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about.” Enjoy your life, be grateful for each day and remind those around you that they don’t own tomorrow. The Bible says in Psalm 39:4; “Show me, Lord my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.”
This series is a must watch and I do hope that you find time to watch it. It’s thrilling, fun, inspiring and full of surprises.
I’ll leave you with a quote from the “King of the Criminal World” (yep! I call him the king). Just ponder over his words and drop your comments below.
“You can’t judge a book by its cover. But you can by its first few chapters and certainly by its last”
–Raymond “Red” Reddington
THE HUB 
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