I burned out on procedurals about a decade or so ago, so it took me years to give this one a try. The only reason I even did that was a GenX crush on James Spader and a desire to see what he looks like now that we are both on the 55 is the new 30 side of middle age.

It started out annoying. Spader was seemingly doing this pompous schtick all the time, and most of the rest of the writing seemed incredibly heavy-handed as well.

But as the episodes unfurled, it turned out that the show was giving master classes in gaslighting, fronting, sleight of hand, and antiheroism. You never really know for sure who's who or wants what, and the one certain answer is a question: how do you really ever know who someone is - who they are essentially and who they are to you. Basic existentialism wrapped up in catnip mystery plots.

Also, crush on James Spader remains in effect.

I started watching this show when it first aired but did not watch all of them and in the middle of the 2nd season had cut the proverbial cable cord and again missed more episodes. So, I ordered all the seasons and decided to watch them from the beginning. It turns out I remembered some of it and missed several episodes. Since each episode builds upon the others it was much easier to watch it this way. I can’t wait for the next season.

In the first episode we find that the #4 on the FBI’s top 10 turns himself in and according to the FBI has a list that he calls The Blacklist that contains names of people the FBI doesn’t even know to look for. The catch is that he only wants to talk to FBI Agent Elizabeth Keen. Keen and the FBI are wondering what her connection is to Ray “Red” Reddington. She agrees to help and in return he shares part of her past but as the season progresses she wants to know more than Red is willing to offer and at times is at odds with Ray and wants to quit the Task Force. Ray on the other hand has his reasons for wanting to help the FBI that we sort of find out about by the end of the season only to find out that we still don’t have all the pieces.

This is a good show. Just when you think you have something figured out, you don’t. The show has been renewed for a 6th season and I have 4 more seasons worth to watch. The writing & acting are great and I’ll just have to keep watching to find out who’s good and who’s really bad, etc …

About the only bad thing was the case for me, which had the bottom socket cracked that held the disks in place. This happens far to often in these multi CD cases.

I'm only half way through season 1 so this review maybe premature. I watch a LOT of shows and I'm not particularly discerning when it comes to plots / story lines, and as long as the acting is good, I can watch just about anything. James Spader is amazing and he makes this show. He's the only reason I haven't given up watching yet. The story line is a bit thin and at times downright silly, to the point that it's hard to be engaged. The lead actress, Megan Boone, is such a poor actress that it's painful watching her and detracts from any enjoyment one might get from the sub par story line. I'm probably going to finish season 1 since I've paid for it but I can't see continuing beyond that. It's a shame since Spader is so great to watch in this role.

Amazing comeback by the legendary James Spader. An instant cult classic, underrated, makes me speechless, every episode is a crazy ride, and really does leave you wanting more no joke. Great supporting cast, and not a little adult tv show. Blood, murder, deception, betrayal, some cursing, and very film noir like feeling when hearing James speak. Fine quality dialogue and acting from everyone. A+ for me no doubt, love and adore this show.

WOW. What a great show. The writing is perfect, the dialogue fits each character to a sharp T. And the actors: the ensemble are terrific. And the slew of marvelous guest artists is amazing, from Isabella Rosselini to Dianne Wiest to Peter Stormare. And the supporting actors are all familiar faces from the Law & Order franchises: each one able to tackle whatever character they assume, just as in the L & O series. What a treat. Of course, James Spader is FABULOUS. He's been on the circuit for quite a while, and for a survivor he gets better and better. I'm a definite devotee of BLACKLIST, because I'm a junkie for great acting--and BLACKLIST is chock full of great acting.

Getting to know the characters again was amazing! Nobody but James Spader could ever play the part of Raymond Redington! He is amazing with how he can calmly look at someone while he shoots the man next to him and makes a comical comment to make a point! All while looking as relaxed as can be!!! And his surrounding cast...His Lizzy especially...so awesome! Her character grows right in front of you throughout the season. And all the FBI characters that play a role are also excellent! What a cast! What a show! And this is just the 1st Season!!!

DVD arrived on time in great condition. Watched the entire season 1 in several days. Best TV series in last 20 years (“24” and Person of Interest rival this one). James Spader is wonderful as Red Reddington and the rest of the cast is spot on. I have been a loyal follower of this series beginning with season 3, so I wanted to go back and watch the first two seasons to provide background information and fill in some of the details (although that is very difficult because Red never answers Lizzy’s questions about her parents or what his relationship is to her). Anyway, a terrific series that I hope continues several more years.

I ordered this DVD thinking I would be able to watch the first season of my favorite show (which I only became addicted to during season 2). I finally had some free time, settled down to watch and received an error code that the DVD is unable to be played in my region. When I ordered the DVD it was not obvious that it was coming from the United Kingdom, but rather only after it shipped and I was advised it was shipping form the United Kingdom and couldn't be tracked. Initially this was not an issue since I was not in a hurry to receive the product. Needless to say I will be contacting Amazon regarding this issue as the DVD is useless if it can not be played here.