'The Blacklist' Season 7 Episode 12: Fans thank the writers for keeping them happy through quarantine
Spoilers for 'The Blacklist' Season 7 Episode 12 'Cornelius Ruck'
Quarantine and social distancing can be hard but luckily for fans of NBC's 'The Blacklist', the procedural's writers have got it all covered. James Spader as the crook turned FBI aide, Raymond 'Red' Reddington has never failed to wow us so when the time comes for the new episode. In Season 7 Episode 12 'Cornelius Ruck', the notorious art connoisseur took us through treacherous waters and unfamiliar territory, whilst landing himself on a mysterious island.
The episode opened with Red and Dember arriving as guests to what looks like a fancy annual event held in the isolated 'security and privacy' of the island, and soon we meet the mastermind behind the gathering - Red's fiery past flame, Cassandra Bianchi.
It's obvious the tension between the two isn't just the evaporated remnants of a love gone sour; their story is far from over and thus buds a tale involving money and antique caskets that end in ambush and bloodshed. But in all of that commotion, what plays out eloquently is Red's vulnerable approach to what he and Cassandra once had, as we saw the man get closest to what can be a happily ever after.
Not so fast though, as even after braving the storm in the island and bringing Cassandra back home to watch Agnes' dance recital, she felt compelled to leave because sadly home doesn't mean the same things to them anymore. And in those final moments of a subtle goodbye, even as Red assures he is much more open to pursuing what they never did seriously, Cassandra leaves him - and us, wanting, after an adrenaline-driven tryst between the two.
In a very James Bond meets classic whodunnit plot, the episode - even though significantly distanced from the whole FBI angle of the show - managed to sit with fans so well that they resorted to thanking the writers' room for making their days in self-isolation. Taking it to Twitter, a fan wrote, "The only thing keeping me going this quarantine is #theblacklist writers."
Self-explanatory as it might be, another fan gave insights into why the fandom is so full of admiration for the show's script. "Every time I watch #TheBlacklist it makes me want to write. I doubt my novels are nearly as complex or engaging as shows like The Blacklist but maybe just a touch of inspiration has helped me try harder when writing," shared the fan.
Summing it all up and speaking for the entire fandom particularly, a fan remarked, "The Blacklist writers deserve a lot of credit. They've sustained the mystery and intrigue across these 7 seasons very well." It's worth noting that the show just returned from its midseason break last Friday, March 20, to commence part B of its ongoing Season 7. There was a circulating mystery surrounding Elizabeth Keene's mother's death that viewers were left with for a cliffhanger as season 7A culminated. But the writers have been able to retain that air of mystery and double it with the possibility of Katarina Rostova still being alive, tightening the thrill with Red constantly trying to invalidate Elizabeth's faith in those rumours.
Speaking of Red and his questionable methods and tactics, a critic also pointed out, "The Blacklist’s writers hiding Raymond Reddington’s true identity like the Show’s longevity depends on it. Oh wait.."But snarky criticism of the kind is known to be actively refuted by the rest of the loyal fandom, as one advocate for the show responded, "This little team is full of brainless snobs who are a shame for the fandom! They are constantly nasty to the cast crew and writers. I m sure people of the blacklist know them and probably have muted them." A fan can dream.
'The Blacklist' Season 7 airs on Fridays at 8 pm on NBC.
