The Blacklist – Season 1 Overview

Season 1 of The Blacklist follows Raymond “Red” Reddington, a notorious fugitive who unexpectedly surrenders to the FBI. His offer to help catch dangerous criminals and terrorists comes with strict conditions: he will only work with Elizabeth Keen, a rookie profiler. As the season progresses, it becomes evident that Red’s interest in Liz is personal, and his motives are more complicated than they first appear.

Through 22 gripping episodes, the show introduces a diverse array of criminals from Red’s so-called “blacklist” while unraveling a deeper mystery surrounding Red’s connection to Liz and his adversaries.

Blacklist: Season 1 Episodes

  1. Pilot: The season begins with Raymond Reddington, a former government agent turned high-profile criminal, surrendering to the FBI. He offers to help them capture Ranko Zamani, a terrorist who was believed to be dead. Reddington insists on only speaking with rookie FBI profiler Elizabeth Keen, beginning their complex relationship. The episode was directed by Joe Carnahan and written by Jon Bokenkamp. It first aired on September 23, 2013.  
  2. The Freelancer: The FBI task force is introduced to “The Freelancer,” an assassin who meticulously plans and executes his targets’ deaths. Keen goes undercover as a potential victim to draw him out. Meanwhile, Reddington deals with a blackmailer and offers Keen some cryptic advice about her husband, Tom Keen. We are also introduced to Ressler and the re-hired CIA agent, Meera Malik. The episode was directed by Jace Alexander and written by Jon Bokenkamp. It first aired on September 30, 2013.
     
  3. Wujing: Reddington reveals a Chinese agent named Wujing is targeting covert CIA operatives. The task force races against time to stop Wujing’s plan and uncover his network within the CIA. Keen starts to investigate Tom’s mysterious box. The episode was directed by Michael Watkins and written by Lukas Reiter. It first aired on October 7, 2013.  
  4. The Stewmaker: A chemist known as “The Stewmaker” is dissolving bodies for criminal clients. The task force must track him down before he eliminates a crucial witness. Keen confronts Tom about his box but is interrupted by a home invasion. The episode was directed by Vince Misiano and written by Patrick Massett and John Zinman. It first aired on October 14, 2013.
     
  5. The Courier: A courier with a unique method of hiding secrets within his body is apprehended. Reddington uses the courier’s services for his purposes, while Keen continues to grapple with the mystery surrounding Tom. The episode was directed by Nick Gomez and written by John C. Kelley. It first aired on October 21, 2013.  
  6. Gina Zanetakos: An eco-terrorist, Gina Zanetakos, is planning an attack. Keen and Ressler must stop her while dealing with their unresolved romantic tension. Reddington seeks to retrieve a valuable box from a safety deposit company. The episode was directed by Adam Arkin and written by Wendy West. It first aired on October 28, 2013.
  7. Frederick Barnes: A scientist is weaponizing a deadly virus. The task force must find him before he unleashes a catastrophic outbreak. Keen discovers a hidden compartment in Tom’s box, containing a fake passport and a gun. The episode was directed by Michael Watkins and written by J. R. Orci. It first aired on November 4, 2013.  
  8. General Ludd: A group known as “General Ludd” targets financial institutions. Reddington assists the task force in stopping them while manipulating events to serve his interests. Keen discovers more about Tom’s secret life. The episode was directed by Steven A. Adelson and written by Amanda Kate Shuman. It first aired on November 11, 2013.  
  9. Anslo Garrick: A ruthless mercenary, Anslo Garrick, attacks the FBI black site where Reddington is being held. Keen and Ressler find themselves trapped inside with a compromised team. The episode was directed by Joe Carnahan and written by Joe Carnahan. It first aired on November 25, 2013.  
  10. Anslo Garrick: Conclusion: The siege continues as Keen and Ressler fight to survive and protect Reddington. Reddington reveals a bit more about his connection to Keen’s past. The episode was directed by Michael Watkins and written by John Eisendrath and Lukas Reiter. It first aired on December 2, 2013.  
  11. The Good Samaritan: A killer known as “The Good Samaritan” is eliminating corrupt individuals. The task force investigates while Keen uncovers more about her adoptive father’s past. The episode was directed by Dan Lerner and written by Brandon Margolis and Brandon Sonnier. It first aired on January 13, 2014.  
  12. The Alchemist: A man known as “The Alchemist” can create fake identities for criminals. The task force must stop him before he helps a dangerous mobster escape justice. Keen and Tom’s relationship is strained further as her investigation into him deepens. The episode was directed by Vince Misiano and written by Anthony Sparks. It first aired on January 20, 2014.  
  13. The Cyprus Agency: An adoption agency is involved in a deadly scheme. The task force investigates, leading Keen to question her adoption and her past. The episode was directed by Michael Watkins and written by Lukas Reiter and J. R. Orci. It first aired on January 27, 2014.  
  14. Madeline Pratt: A beautiful and cunning art thief, Madeline Pratt, draws Reddington into a dangerous heist. Keen is caught in the crossfire as Reddington’s and Pratt’s plans intertwine. The episode was directed by Michael Zinberg and written by Jim Campolongo. It first aired on February 24, 2014.  
  15. The Judge: A vigilante known as “The Judge” is targeting corrupt public figures. The task force must stop her before she takes the law into her own hands again. Keen attends a teachers’ conference, where she runs into Tom. The episode was directed by Peter Werner and written by Jonathan Shapiro and Lukas Reiter. It first aired on March 3, 2014.  
  16. Mako Tanida: A Yakuza assassin seeks revenge on Reddington. The task force must protect Reddington while trying to apprehend the dangerous killer. The episode was directed by Michael Watkins and written by Joe Carnahan and John Eisendrath. It first aired on March 17, 2014.  
  17. Ivan: A Russian cyber-terrorist steals valuable data. The task force must track him down before he can sell the information to the highest bidder. Keen’s investigation into Tom leads her to a mysterious woman. The episode was directed by Randy Zisk and written by Patrick Massett and John Zinman. It first aired on March 24, 2014.  
  18. Milton Bobbit: An insurance investigator with a dark secret is eliminating people to collect on their policies. The task force must stop him before he claims his next victim. The episode was directed by Steven A. Adelson and written by Daniel Knauf. It first aired on March 31, 2014.
  19. The Pavlovich Brothers: A group of eco-terrorists, the Pavlovich Brothers, are planning a deadly attack. The task force must stop them before they can cause widespread destruction. Keen discovers a hidden room in Tom’s storage unit, revealing his true identity. The episode was directed by Paul Edwards and written by Elizabeth Benjamin. It first aired on April 21, 2014.
  20. The Kingmaker: A political consultant manipulates elections for his clients. The task force must expose his operation before he can influence another election. Keen confronts Tom with her findings. The episode was directed by Karen Gaviola and written by J. R. Orci and Lukas Reiter. It first aired on April 28, 2014.
  21. Berlin: A mysterious figure known as “Berlin” orchestrates a series of attacks targeting Reddington. The task force must find Berlin before he can strike again. Keen learns the truth about Tom. The episode was directed by Michael Zinberg and written by John Eisendrath and Jon Bokenkamp. It first aired on May 5, 2014.  
  22. Berlin: Conclusion: The task force closes in on Berlin, leading to a showdown between Reddington and his nemesis. Keen’s life is turned upside down as she confronts Tom about his betrayal. The episode was directed by Michael Watkins and written by Jon Bokenkamp and John Eisendrath. It first aired on May 12, 2014.

Main Cast of Blacklist Season 1

Notable Guest Stars of Blacklist Season 1: