Write Off THE BLACKLIST

Article first published as THE BLACKLIST Review on Seat42F.

NBC has a new drama called THE BLACKLIST. In the big opening scene, super criminal Raymond ‘Red’ Reddington (James Spader, Boston Legal), formerly a federal agent, walks into the FBI and surrenders himself. The deal? He’ll help stop a terrorist attack and saves lives, but he’ll only talk to brand new profiler Liz Keen (Megan Boone, My Bloody Valentine), who hasn’t even left home for her first day of work at the bureau yet.

On one hand, THE BLACKLIST’s “Pilot” is stepped in mystery. Why did Red leave the FBI? Why has he returned now? What does he want from them? What are his personal motivations for helping out? Why is Liz so special?

On the other hand, this scenario seems completely familiar. It’s like THE BLACKLIST is trying too hard to make itself build tension, and it’s using several other shows’ playbooks to do so. Yes, there are definitely some unanswered questions, but they are built to in a very inauthentic way, feeling forced. The twists in the episode seem predictable or unearned. This is not the set up for TV’s next great drama, unfortunately.

Part of this may be because Red seems way too smooth an operator. He allows himself to be taken into custody multiple times in the “Pilot,” but never gives off the vibe that he’s been caught and is helpless. In fact, the FBI doesn’t take for granted their control over him either, always acting like he can best them at any time, and scrambling to keep up. He’s six steps ahead constantly, and the agents in charge of him are all much dumber than he is, inept at doing their jobs.

I’m not sure how we’re supposed to get behind the “good” characters here. Liz is shrewd enough at first, until developments concerning her husband, Tom (Ryan Eggold, 90210), make her look unobservant. Agent Donald Ressler (Diego Klattenhoff, Homeland) has been hunting Red for years without any luck. Harold Cooper (Harry Lennix, Dollhouse), the boss, acts confident enough, but has no reason to, considering events in the “Pilot.”

To be sure, Red himself is an intriguing character. That can be chalked up to Spader, who chews through each scene with aplomb, enjoying being nearly omnipotent. Spader is fantastic in pretty much anything he is in, and this is a great role for him, a culmination of his previous work into a superior human being, earned through much effort. He is a joy to watch.

The problem is, we need someone equal to Red to go toe to toe with him. Liz will presumably be that person, but is nowhere close to that right now. Every super villain needs an arch nemesis; otherwise, there is no real threat and no true stakes. If Red gets to do whatever the hell he wants, and no one credibly stands in his way, where’s the drama and the story?

The other thing THE BLACKLIST has going against it is that it very clearly is a crime procedural. Red may have a larger mission, but it’s likely to be doled out in very small pieces as the team goes after one person at a time. Every premiere season I lament this type of show, and there are always a number of new entries that qualify for derision because of it. In a golden age of television writing, procedurals are lazy and boring, and while there is a certain segment of viewership that enjoys them, it’s not high quality stuff.

I’m not even convinced THE BLACKLIST will appeal to this segment, though, because of Red. He’s a well-performed part, but he doesn’t fit into those easy boxes that most procedurals check when defining characters. He’s too complex for the series he’s in, and that may be enough to kill THE BLACKLIST before it even gets started. Unless some major retooling is done, or the FBI agent characters show some rapid growth, THE BLACKLIST seems a doomed project.

THE BLACKLIST premieres Monday, September 23^rd at 10 p.m. ET.

The Office ends season with another shakeup

NBC's The Office presents "Free Family Portrait Studio," the season eight finale. All of the turmoil over who is in charge seems to finally be dying down. After a year of uncertainty, with Andy (Ed Helms) being selected as manager, only to lose the position to Nellie (Catherine Tate), who just takes it, Andy is left back in charge as the smoke clears. This probably won't change again, considering that David Wallace (Andy Buckley) now owns the company, having bought it back from Sabre.

This is a relief. The Office has suffered this season from not having clear leadership. Whatever kind of manager Michael (Steve Carell) is, he keeps things running, somehow. His absence is felt heavily, as season eight shows viewers that Dundler Mifflin does not run itself. Without a strong person in charge, it flounders.

Will Andy be that person? Probably. He isn't at the beginning of the season, but that is before he is fired. He has to fight hard to get back into the head office, and now that he's there, it's likely to be a different kind of leadership. He no longer has to prove himself. He is the one that gets David to buy the company, and so his position is secure for the time being. His co-workers didn't fight for him all that much, so he doesn't owe them anything. The Andy who will run the show next year should be a markedly different Andy than season eight contains.

If Ed Helms stays with The Office. And if The Office is renewed. Which it probably will be, but has not been yet. Helms' contract is up, and he has not signed on for another year. One presumes, since his character is the boss once more, the actor will want to stay. But television is a fickle industry, and one never knows for sure.

One thing is certain: Robert California (James Spader) is gone. Spader only wanted to do The Office for one year, and with "Free Family Portrait Studio," his tenure is complete. How his character convinced Wallace to foot the bill for three years of seducing young, vulnerable Eastern European and Asian college girls is a mystery, but he is just that smooth a talker.

Dwight (Rainn Wilson) will also not be returning, as he gets his own spin-off, likely to premiere in January. Hopefully Wilson will be in a couple of episodes to tie up the character's arc, and it would also be nice if Angela (Angela Kinsey) goes with him, once the parentage of her baby is outed. Who else might join that cast? Surely, Nate (Mark Proksch)? And Mose (Michael Schur)?

Similarly, Kelly (Mindy Kaling) will be departing, though her new sitcom is looking at a fall schedule spot, which might not leave time for her to offer much of a goodbye.

Not yet signed for next season are Jim (John Krasinski), Pam (Jenna Fischer), and Ryan (B.J. Novak), the rest of the characters featured in the theme song. If they all choose to leave, too, there is no telling what next season will look like. If they depart without any closure, with season nine premiering and they are just gone, it will be a betrayal for millions of fans of The Office, who have followed the series so closely. They don't have to re-up for the season, but they do need to make some appearances.

But for now, let's get back to "Free Family Portrait Studio." It's a fun little episode, with David's tardiness spoiling Andy's big moment. Then Nellie spoils it further, knocking the wind out of Andy's gloating, so much so that he agrees to make her Head of Special Projects. Does he even have the power to do that? Anyway, it's sad, because Andy is once more screwed up by fate, putting himself out there, and being disappointed.

There are some very funny moments in this episode. One is when Jim fears Dwight will hurt his children. Another is Erin (Ellie Kemper) starting to believe that Andy may be hallucinating David Wallace. And, of course, there's Robert's announcement concerning the new "career" he is about to embark on. This is the kind of funny that The Office excels at, and even with the many changes that have come up, the show can still deliver.

Perhaps most triumphant in "Free Family Portrait Studio" is Darryl (Craig Robinson). Not only do a couple of his former warehouse employees come groveling back to him after squandering their lottery earnings, but by making a vocal declaration of his feelings for Val (Ameenah Kaplan), he wins her away from her boyfriend. The Office features many characters who just don't get what they want in life, slaving away at a paper company they care little about. Victories are few and far between. To see Darryl really get to a good place in "Free Family Portrait Studio" is incredibly satisfying.

If renewed, The Office should return to NBC next fall.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy The Office DVDs, streaming episodes, and other merchandise, please click here.

The Office faces the battle of "Gettysburg"

     This week, on NBC's The Office, Andy (Ed Helms) takes part of the staff to "Gettysburg," trying to inspire them to approach their job as a battle. Unfortunately for him, while his employees to go, and even wear his stupid hats, they show no enthusiasm for the idea. Jim (John Krasinski) finally tells Andy to give it up and stop trying so hard. Back at the office, Robert (James Spader) presses the staff for bold new ideas to improve sales. He believes Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) may be onto something with metaphors about cookies, until Ryan (B.J. Novak) proves that Kevin is only talking about food.

     This is not the first interaction Robert has with Kevin, who fascinates him. This is funny, because Kevin is the most idiotic simpleton on staff. If someone needs to be fired for downsizing, Kevin's name will be at the top of the list. But Robert is such an outside-of-the-box thinker, he assumes others are the same, and sees a kindred spirit in Kevin. That is, until a jealous Ryan proves the truth of what Kevin is really talking about. A pity, really, as watching Robert be in awe of Kevin is really quite funny.

     The opening of the episode veers too far from the beliveable path. Apparently, Pam (Jenna Fischer) keeps faking going into labor to get out of things she doesn't want to do. In "Gettysburg," she even adds a bottle of water hidden between her legs to make the whole thing seem more authentic when Gabe (Zach Woods) holds a long, boring meaning. This takes away all credibility Pam has with her co-workers, as now they will find it hard to trust anything she says, let alone something important. God forbig she actually go into labor and need help from one of them! Though it is strange the others don't embrace the fake labor in this instance, even if they know it to be a ruse, if not just to get out of Gabe's boring lecture.

     Andy is a different boss than Michael Scott (Steve Carell). He does verge on Michael-like antics while pulling them around an historical site he isn't really respecting, but Michael would have been far more offensive in his actions. Yet, Jim is telling the truth when he tells Andy the staff likes him. Andy lets them do their jobs, for the msot part, instead of pulling them into personal obsessions. Even the Gettysburg trip, while taking them away from their work, has business purpose, in Andy's head anyway, and is not just a flight of fancy. Surely, productivity must be up under his reign.

     The adjustment of Andy not being buddy-buddy with his employees isn't too bad, either. Perhaps this is because Andy is kind of a loser, and never does develop many close friendships within the office. Everyone tolerates him, but no one wants to have him over to their house. Well, except for Erin (Ellie Kemper), of course, but Andy is involved with someone else now, and unavailable. A boss should have authority and respect, and Andy has at least the latter of those things. He makes a serviceable manager.

     There is a funny little side plot where Gabe is mistaken for an Abraham Lincoln impersonator, and must perform a show at Gettysburg. Gabe is kind of a dumb characters, and so it's great that he gets to be humorous, and make people laugh. Meaning the tourists, more than The Office fans, but still...

     Even better is the argument of "facts" between Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Oscar (Oscar Nunez) over the Battle of Schrute Farms. Awesome watching the two go at it. There could not be a test of will between two more know-it-all characters, with fans rooting for neither to be right. In the end, Dwight's humiliation at what really happened is worse than Oscar's for being ignorant of the whole situation, and that's OK.

     The Office airs Thursdays nights at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy The Office DVDs, streaming episodes, and other merchandise, please click here.

The Office makes "The List" of favorite shows

     When NBC's The Office returns with "The List," a new boss has finally been named. Andy (Ed Helms), a failure as a salesman, now gets the corner officer overlooking the workers. Next door in the conference room, new CEO Robert California (James Spader, Boston Legal) has also moved in, and been added to the opening credits.  The staff finds a list Robert has made, separating them into two columns. When he invites one side of the list to lunch, they begin panicking that he has sorted them into winners and losers, a fact that he confirms. Andy proves his mettle by standing up for his employees.

     Andy was my second choice for boss, after Pam (Jenna Fischer), but considering she will still get plenty of other plot, he's a good choice. He wasn't really contributing much to the company in his former position. He is educated and has proper qualifications. He cares about the people that work there. His willingness to stand up to Robert is exactly why he deserves this promotion, pointing out the value of (almost) every single employee on the payroll. Helms is a fine comedic actor, and definitely deserves his increased role. He will likely work out very well, bringing a bumbling, yet different, direction. The only downside is this means he probably can't be with Erin (Ellie Kemper), at least for now, as that would just open things up for a sexual harassment lawsuit.

     Spader's addition is also welcome. His character is hilarious in last year's season finale, and works even better as a regular cast member. He shakes things up, but not too much. While he does judge his workers, he also seems like he will keep an open mind if he is wrong. He is certainly having doubts about Andy's promotion until the end of the episode, where he looks impressed by Andy's rant. Robert will allow the series to continue to grow, without ruining everything that makes it best. And if The Office gets canceled at the end of the year, perhaps he will extend his The Practice / Boston Legal trend and headline a spin off.

     How Dwight (Rainn Wilson) will ultimately take being passed over remains to be seen. Wilson has mastered the character in ways unexpected and exciting. He is upset, obviously, but is willing to be Andy's number two man; his enforcer. There is a certain subtle resignation to his lot in life that shows up in Dwight in "The List." It's a little sad, but he is just not temperamentally suited for the position. He has many good qualities, and management in other areas may work for him. But not here, with these people.

    It's a little baffling that Robert doesn't think Pam is a valuable asset, given everything that she does. And Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) made the list?! But Jim's (John Krasinski) incredibly sweet gesture of his own list, and the way he stands by his family, more than makes up for any misjudgments Robert might make about Pam.

     Jim and Pam are expecting again! This time, Pam really looks pregnant. Apparently, many months have passed over the hiatus, as she can't possibly only be three or four months along. It's kind of refreshing that the attention and reaction to this second child is more subdued, as fits with reality. Their lives continue, and their family grows. Might Pam seriously talk Jim into naming the baby after Michael? Distance does make the heart grow fonder.

     The question is, is Angela (Angela Kinsey) also actually with child, considering that her "lover" is gay, or is she faking it? If she isn't faking it, who is the father? Is it too much to hope for it to be Dwight?

     The essential element of The Office is the large, zany ensemble. "The List" does not disappoint with continued antics, as the episode opens with several employees practicing planking, a current internet trend. This is completely in character, and it's little bits like this that make The Office so charming.

     The Office airs Thursdays nights at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy The Office DVDs, streaming episodes, and other merchandise, please click here.

The Office forms a "Search Committee"

     NBC's The Office ended its season last night with a special one-hour episode entitled "Search Committee." In it, Jim (John Krasinski), Toby (Paul Lieberstein), and Gabe (Zach Woods) interview a wide variety of candidates vying for the manager position at Dundler Mifflin Sabre. Jo (Kathy Bates, whose NBC series Harry's Law was just renewed) returns to check on the process, but gives little input on who should be chosen. Jo does send Gabe back to Florida, though, when it's clear that he has gotten too personally involved in office drama, and replaces him on the panel with Kelly (Mindy Kaling). Angela (Angela Kinsey) gets engaged to her senator boyfriend, and the staff wonders if they should tell her that he's gay. Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) wonders if she might be Erin's (Ellie Kemper) mother. Ellie makes a play to win back Andy (Ed Helms). And Pam (Jenna Fischer) tries to keep acting manager Creed (Creed Bratton) from losing all their clients.

     The Office brings in some heavy star power to apply for the top job, though few are serious contenders. Jim Carrey (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) is the briefest cameo, complete with funny accent, concerned with getting back to his family in the Finger Lakes. Real life Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett is similarly quick, but surprisingly funny as he tries to negotiate a salary. Ricky Gervais (The Invention of Lying) reprises his British The Office character of David Brent for the second time this season. Will Arnett (Arrested Development) leaves surprisingly little impression, while Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond, Men of a Certain Age) kills as a bumbling nervous applicant.

     Neither Carrey or Gervais, who have movie careers, Arnett, who is already starring in a new series next season, Romano, who has a show on TNT, nor Buffett, a real CEO, will be the boss. All have prior, more important commitments. They are a welcome diversion in a fantastic and memorable episode, but that is all they are. While speculation will continue to reign over who will ultimately get the job, it is not worth talking about any of those applicants in any serious manner.

     Perhaps the only two possible contenders from the guest star list are James Spader (Boston Legal) and Catherine Tate (Doctor Who). Tate's character is completely unpredictable, changing her opinions constantly, but she is a friend of Jo's, and that gives her a leg up. Spader delights as a creepy salesman who insists there are no products to sell, just sex. His time on screen is short, though longer than the other guest stars, and it reminds viewers just how good he is, and how he should be back on series television as soon as humanly possible. Either Spader or Tate could fit well with the current ensemble.

     There are also applicants from within the office vying for the position in front of the "search committee." Jim's favorite, and the frontrunner going in, is Darryl (Craig Robinson). Sadly, Darryl botches his interview, doesn't have a resume, ends up making a terrible resume, disappoints Jo, and resorts to cheap tricks with his daughter to try to win the position. Even Jim begins to look exasperated with him by the end. This likely spells the end of his efforts. Kelly fares worse, being laughed out of her interview almost as soon as it starts.

     Andy could possibly be the new front runner. He is underwhelming, but as he says, he will not make waves or changes. Dunder Mifflin Sabre has been through a lot lately, and Andy's leadership style may be just what they need. Though not an early favorite, as Gabe goes on the attack during the initial interview out of jealousy over Erin, he distinguishes himself as he decides to really go for it. He is educated and qualified, and isn't contributing much to the company as a salesman. It could be a perfect storm, or lack of other options.

     Dwight (Rainn Wilson) redoubles his efforts, determined to prove that he can do better than he did in his recent, brief stint as manager. He uses disguises and bribes to try to work his way into the top spot. Jim is dubious, and refuses to actually consider him, even after Jo asks him to. Considering Jim seems to be the decision maker, does Dwight still have a chance?

     Or could Jim reluctantly step in? Despite Spader and Tate's memorable performances, The Office has such a large cast already, it would be good to keep it in house. Dwight is risky, at best, and Andy doesn't blow anyone away. While Jim is previously reluctant to stay manager after his run as co-manager with Michael (Steve Carell), perhaps he will try again, given the lack of options, and the way a poor choice would reflect badly on him and his career.

     Pam is stuck handling Creed for much of the episode, who is every bit as bad a manager as one would expect. Pam often has to put out metaphorical fires around the office, and has the respect and affection of nearly everyone. Throughout "Search Committee," it is Pam who keeps the place running smoothly. For this reason, it is possible that Pam could be a dark horse choice for manager.

     Any way they go, it is crummy that the season ends without a choice being made. The office has been in a state of flux for awhile now, ever since Michael announced his intention to leave, and the instability leaves the viewer feeling uneasy at the end of the episode. Perhaps the choice will be stronger, given that the writers are taking time off to consider the options one last time. But it certainly does no favors to fans in the short term.

     Should the staff tell Angela that her Senator boyfriend is gay? They opt not to, out of kindness, but their patience is stretched as Angela continues to brag about her fiance and their upcoming nuptials. While the decision is made not to do so, it seems only a matter of time before the truth comes out, likely in a retort from a co-worker after Angela makes a particularly snide comment. Angela is a bit delusional, but it is doubtful she will go through with a sham marriage once that lie is exposed. And then perhaps she will revisit Dwight again.

     It is with great disappointment that Phyllis discovers she is not Erin's biological mother. In a previous episode, the clues are set up perfectly for the mystery of Erin's mother and Phyllis's daughter to be solved. The two women exhibit the same mannerisms, and the timing works out. It is not very realistic that they should be related and coincidentally end up in the same workplace. For that reason, it is good the writers did not go through with making Erin Phyllis's daughter. But considering how happy they are when they think it's a possibility, it's very sad that it doesn't work out. How long before Phyllis breaks the news to Erin, or will they continue to act like it might be true? Or perhaps they will decide tests don't matter, and they can maintain the relationship they've started, both filling a gap in the other's life.

     Equally disappointing is that Andy turns Erin down for a date. The two are so obviously perfect for each other. Andy's hurt feelings are understandable, and considering how much he put himself out there for her, and she continuously rejected him, and he does need some time to make her sweat. She deserves as much. Knowing Andy is as nice a guy as he is, he won't make her wait long. He basically says he still likes her in his camera interview. One more romantic gesture from her, and he will probably give in. As he should. Petty feelings cannot take the place of true love. Make no mistake about it, Andy and Erin have true love, and deserve to be happy together. They are the second Jim and Pam of The Office.

     Is Gabe gone for good? Added as a main member of the cast relatively recently in the show's run, he has fit well into the group. Although his immediate plots, a relationship with Erin, and severe jealousy after losing her, have run their course, that is not to say other stories could not be given to Gabe. He has acted completely unreasonably lately, but so have plenty of other characters over the years, and that has never resulted in them being kicked out. It's hard to see how Gabe may continue, and feelings are torn whether he should. It is not in doubt, though, that Woods has so far been completely satisfying on The Office, and should he be gone, it is not due to any fault of the actor's.


     The Office has been picked up for another season, and will continue with someone as the new boss next fall on NBC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     To buy The Office DVDs, streaming episodes, and other merchandise, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: The Office - "Search Committee" on Blogcritics.

The Office says "Goodbye, Michael"

     Last night, Michael Scott (Steve Carell) did his final episode of NBC's The Office, appropriately titled "Goodbye, Michael." Michael tells everyone his last day is a day after his real one, to avoid drama and tears. He subtely make sure he spends a moment with each member of the staff so they have a goodbye they can remember, and gives many gifts. Jim (John Krasinski) is the only one who picks up on the deception, as Michael keeps asking for Pam (Jenna Fischer), who is out of the office during his last afternoon, but Jim plays along with a scene that has both men in tears. At the end of the day, Michael slips out, and the staff doesn't realize until the next day, as they wait at a goodbye party they have planned, that Michael is not coming back. Pam does find Michael, though, and get her own goodbye at the airport.

     The Office will not be the same without Steve Carell, and no one will ever replace him. Sure, the company will get a new manager, and someone else will sit behind Michael's desk, but the series will change in ways both big and small without its main man. Current replacement, Deangelo Vickers (Will Ferrell) has a mere one episode left, and Dwight (Rainn Wilson) is still lobbying for the position. Plus, The Office is bringing in a ton of guest stars to interview for the job in their season finale in three weeks, including Jim Carrey, Ray Romono, James Spader, Will Arnett, and series creator Ricky Gervais, but none are likely to stick.

     The thing about Michael is, despite his many mistakes and uncooth approach, he got the job done. Apparently he is a heck of a salesman, though that competence rarely translated on screen. His employees would grow frustrated with him for insulting and politically incorrect things he said. But in the end, they all realize that he realy cares about them. The job has never just been about paper to Michael. It's always been about the people. Jim sums it up best when he tells Michael that he is the best boss Jim has ever had, a pay off, considering how often Jim disagreed with the way Michael runs things.

     Perhaps most likely to take over the manager position, if the job stays in house, as it should, with the large and talented cast is Dwight. Dwight has had a chip on his shoulder ever since finding out Michael did not recommend him as a replacement. In Michael's opinion, he never felt like he had the authority to choose his successor. As he tells Dwight in his final episode, he doesn't own the company. Yet, Michael does leave Dwight with a glowing, to put it mildly, letter of recommendation, and the two make up over paintball. It is a necessayr resolution, considering they were once so close, and it would be painful to part ways on such bitter terms.
     Personally, I believe that Darryl (Craig Robinson) should be the new boss. Despite not being one of the original cast, Darrell has risen through the ranks from the warehouse, and now has an office up on the business floor. While Dwight is combatative, Darrell is universally liked, and seems to have good business sense. The owener of the company has already placed a great deal of faith and trust in him. It seems logical to expect that if anyone currently working at the paper company were to be promoted, it would be Darrell.

     This could be a longer article, but like Michael believes, goodbyes work better when they are short and don't dwell too much on the loss. No matter how things shake down, The Office will continue. The Office airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

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