The Blacklist (TV Series) Hannah Hayes (No. 125) (2019) User Reviews

Not great, but certainly not 1 star

[LodgeDweller · 7/10 · 17 November 2019]

This was a bit of a weird one. The case was goofy, there wasn't enough of Red, and as always Elizabeth was frustrating. The case had to do with abortion and then there was a twist where men were being impregnated. This has triggered some viewers who feel the left is pushing an agenda here. One of the writers was live tweeting and said they were not pushing any agenda in one way or the other. I agree, but some people just find reasons to politicize everything and love to blab about. To each their own, but grow up. Regardless, this was not one of their better cases. I give the writers credit for creativity though.

On to my man Reddington. Not enough Red and Dembe this week. The Red scenes were great, as were the Katarina scenes. If not for the tiny sliver of Red/Katarina/Ilya progression I'd say this episode is skippable.

And finally, Elizabeth. I think it's safe to say at this point Katarina has had more airtime with Agnes in these past few episodes than Elizabeth has in the three full seasons the child has existed. Katarina working as the nanny frustrates me. After 6 years you'd think I'd be used to Liz's stupidity but alas, it still irks me. Unfortunately, The Blacklist's over arching plots only work if Liz is painfully stupid 99% of the time. I've accepted this, but it's still frustrating.

At the end of the episode Liz is eagerly blabbing Red's "secrets" to newbie Agent Park. Did Park need to know ALL of that? No, probably not and I don't think it was Liz's place to tell her that Red is Ilya. Of course we know for sure now that he isn't Ilya. I laugh everytime Liz proudly and confidently tells the tale of Ilya taking Red's place. I also laugh everytime Liz assures Park her secret about Anchorage is safe. Park has no idea how screwed she is.

So to sum it up we had an odd almost sci-fi type case that wasn't nearly as cool the the one from the previous episode. Our Red and Dembe scenes were scarce but wonderful. Liz is as painfully oblivious as ever. 7/10 because the Red and Katarina stuff was up to par, but the rest kinda fell flat.

Hey, Right-wingers. Chill out.

[kemority · 7/10 · 17 November 2019]

Firstly and mostly, I am pro-life when it comes to the issue addressed in this episode. Now that that's out of the way...

This episode was not left-wing propaganda. Was it "Blacklist" worthy? Okay, perhaps not. But it still had a decent message. Actions DO have consequences. You can't pass legislation affecting people delusional enough to think TWO heartbeats in a woman's body still count as ONE body... and expect the even-crazier people not to react. That's as bad as people who support the idea we can conquer (subjective) evil by trying to legislate morality in other areas. Look at the immoral War on Drugs. Plenty of shows out there glamorize our country's expanding Police State. Look at those cop shows out there (yes, even this one) that too often glorify bypassing Due Process by an agent saying "I have a badge". Okay, then you should know better. I get how 44 minutes isn't a lot of time... but that's almost reason enough why these shows need to reevaluate themselves. Entertainment, sure. But art imitating life still needs to be held accountable especially when the Rule of Law plays a central part in a series' premise.

before you assume im a ''leftie''..

[eimaikouklos · 8/10 · 9 December 2019]

..let me assure you that i find flaws in both liberal and conservative ideologies in this oh so black and white, ''us vs them'' world we live in. im not an anarchist either, centrist perhaps? not sure, not relevant. now, on the taboo topic of abortion, even tho its a complex one, i personally believe the choice lies with the mother and i dont believe in the soul. The 1/10 reviews scream ''insecure political fanatic can't fathom someone with opposing views in life'' from 2 miles away and its kinda laughable honestly. The idea that just because a show disagrees with you, it automatically makes it cheap propaganda. This is far from the blacklist's best in my pov, and i almost gave it a 7/10,but it def raises some good questions, questions that some would rather give 1/10 instead of adressing them, even if it isnt scientifically plausible yet ( i think. ). those people kids, are what we call ''butthurt'', now watch em downvote my review faster than usain bolt because i ''got political'' aka expressed my perspective.

Perfect Episode!

[Anonnamus · 10/10 · 4 October 2020]

Actually, it was nowhere near it, but it was watchable and reading the whiny snowflakes cry about it in their reviews below was another form of entertainment.

I personally don't care what a person's political views are, but I can see where the conservatives could feel like pro-choice was being shoved in their faces. That's how I felt about an episode of Supergirl and their stance on gun control. Whatever. It happens. What I'm more offended by is that they didn't even try to make impregnating a male feasible by throwing random medical terminology around and confusing us, it was just a plot device to get their point across (which I happen to agree with, though I'm not sure this is even an issue anymore).

I wish Katarina would just go die. She's useless and I don't see her as a former badass KGB agent and assassin, I see her as an elderly upper middle-class busybody and there to fill some lines. This 80 year old woman overpowered some big Russian dude and snapped his neck? Then made a little girl pinky-promise she wouldn't tell her mommy? Okay then.

I'm all for bonding moments, even when it's with a wooden log like Park is, but that's the secret you're leading with, Liz? A HUGE one that will jeopardize your entire operation if it's released, and to someone who despises Reddington? Liz, I wanted you dead long ago but gradually came around. Don't make me change my mind again. Between that and the let's trust the old woman I just met thing you did, I'm over your stupid decisions.

Aram is suddenly a field agent. Sure.

The ending was the only great part of the episode. I was not expecting that twist, and it has left me more confused then ever. Especially when I thought the casting of Ilya Koslov was perfect because of his resemblance to James Spader. Now I understand Katarina's obsession with finding Koslov, when I was wondering if she was senile and couldn't remember having him in her custody at one point.

Anyway, the episode overall was entertaining and I felt sympathy for the main antagonist, which doesn't happen often. Red and Dembe were a delight, as well as the kid who played Masuda. The rest were just there.

Pro-Abortion Episode That Is Actually Pro-Life

[blairandmary · 7/10 · 8 October 2020]

The writers tried to show a pro-life position as hypocritical, but ended up showing that choosing life is the better decision. The "victim" (Who is the blacklister) cannot help but love her daughter more than anything. Except maybe her need for revenge. Had she been willing to put her self aside, she could have been healed through her love.

And they call us snowflakes?!

[shakennotstirred · 10/10 · 14 January 2020]

Bottom line, the episode was brilliant. Every negative review I read on here was some offended conservative whining about its "pro-abortion" theme. Watch for yourself. Unless of course you're a fragile conservative, then maybe you shouldn't.

A Twist

[bryanbb-58348 · 7/10 · 16 November 2019]

I think this was one of the borring episodes, but at the and it gave a little twist. One that i might think of at the beginning of the blacklist.

Crazy Sub-Plot but Interesting Idea of self-experience

[SallyWilliams · 9/10 · 17 November 2019]

Even though it was probably a medical impossibility, the idea of a raped woman who was punished for abortion, impregnating powerful men, who deny women the right to decide over her own body, with babys is an interesting experiment. Especially in a world where men make the laws & decisions. IF men could get pregnant, there wouldn't be any law against abortion, that's for sure. I like it when tv shows explore crazy ideas, like this one. By the way... the main plot also brought up some interesting new developments, about the identity of "Raymond Reddington"

Interesting...

[drnikic · 7/10 · 5 June 2021]

That most of the reviewers complaining about this episode are men.

No, I don't agree with what the Blacklister did. Deprivation of a person's liberty and violation of their body is wrong, no matter what their beliefs.

Yes, the story was pretty far-fetched but not completely impossible. A uterus is an organ just like a kidney, so I'm theory it could be transplanted. I'm pretty sure that the anti-rejection drugs required would harm the foetus though, hence why they tell women to wait a year after transplant to try and fall pregnant.

Also, it isn't just so-called "leftists" who support a woman's right to choose. I know people on both "sides" who are pro-choice.

One thing I do agree on with other reviewers: Not Enough Spader!

Also wtaf Keen, telling someone you've worked with for 5 minutes the story about Red?! As if it wasn't bad enough that she has blithely let Restova into her life and apartment!!

Idiotic, unconnected plots, agendas, and a serious lack of Spader

[jdat-71010 · 1/10 · 7 December 2019]

They seem to have forgotten that this is the James Spader show. That's it. Not only was he barely seen, they have become even more agenda driven with a subplot that appears to have nothing to do with Red and not sure why this a Blacklister. Maybe it will become evident later, but I will not see it. It was just asinine filler. Most decent shows only have a few good years in them before the writing fails. Red, Dembe, Glenn, the interrogator, and Harold are the only ones worth watching. It is difficult enough to tolerate the others, especially the professional cryer, Liz. It is like watching a piece of wet cardboard. Now they bring in a new agent, just as unlikable as Liz. Really annoying and combining her with Liz is cruel and unusual punishment. Perhaps the writer is not pushing an agenda and is simply out of ideas. Replace him if this is all he has to offer. On the upside, since we dumped Seal Team as it has become a soap opera, now we can reevaluate whether we really need to pay a cable TV bill, as those were the only two shows we watched. One question. Why did the FBI draw their weapons if they were just going to watch the psycho execute someone? I realize that some extreme fans will watch a show that was initially good, even after it deteriorates, and some will watch it until the bitter end. Unfortunately, not everyone will.

Groundbreaking episode

[lynequeen-1 · 10/10 · 16 November 2019]

A twisted, provocative and dare I say inspiring idea. The main plot evolving about Red's true identity and his relationship to Rostova thickens. All the bad reviews are from whiny offended conservatives. Don't believe them. Just watch and decide for yourself.

I didn't even bother reading other reviews-thought provoking

[MiketheWhistle · 7/10 · 23 November 2019]

Without a doubt this ep is generated from politics, but it's not over the top although the premise seems to be ridiculous because I don't think it's scientifically possible yet. I'm pro-life and this ep in a way supports that. Consider how much the lady loves her daughter that she indicates that she otherwise would have gotten rid of. Without a doubt this is a tough thought provoking ep, but it's one that I can relate to. Doctors had wanted my mother to abort me because there was a concern I would have a disability (this was many years ago). She obviously chose to give me life. I'm not a woman, so I can only try to imagine the impact other than what I shared above. As it goes, not a completely over the top show.

Concentrate on Red

[SuperDude108 · 3/10 · 23 November 2019]

Stop introducing new characters that suck. What's up with the terminator lady with the Anchorage secret? Katarina is not compelling, interesting or engaging. She's a terrible heavy. Just concentrate on Red and Dembe.

Fantastic episode. No spoiler from me.

[slshusker · 9/10 · 7 February 2020]

This episode is one of the best. The plot sucked me in immediately as a man woke from his sleep. Science is on full display for a few men

Twist I was hoping for !

[arminpsivic · 8/10 · 17 November 2019]

I had a theory that Red is actually Katarina, which now is somehow possible again. However, interesting twist. Even tho sub-plot is kinda stupid, and kinda too much for me, I dont understand why so many people are triggered with it. Its stupid to give a episode rating 1/10 only if you dont agree with it politically.

Ignore the naysayers

[emilyannebell-93424 · 9/10 · 22 November 2019]

This episode was dark, thought-provoking, and suspenseful, all the things that make this show great. The reviewers that are all worked up over this are too sensitive.

This is a rant with typos...

[karenskrmail · 2/10 · 19 November 2019]

WHO WROTE THIS??? Really? The bad guys grab the courier and not Katarina who's tiny old feeble arms manage to snap the neck of the giant russian she can barely wrap said chicken arms around??! Also, I'm sick of looking at this unlikable old lady Katarina (don't care how you spell it). Also, No one wants to watch Liz's kid or any other child for that matter. This was a Pointless weird twilight zone type of episode of a crazy rape victim who because she kept forgetting that she wanted to terminate her rape baby until she was in her 3 rd term and was then not legally able to, goes on a rampage of torture and surgical rape. Who cares what happens to those babies if they even survive the experiment though, as long as her protest was made! And why wouldn't the first guy tell people about this psycho? And why did Ressler and Samir (spelling) stand there while she had a gun pointed at that crazy chick and wait until she finally shot the rape at before they were like " ok seriously put the gun down now!" This was a train wreck and the series needs to either get back on track or end.

An interesting, well written episode

[keenchris · 10/10 · 20 October 2020]

I really like this episode. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised this hasn't happened in real life before. Science has come a long way and it's definitely possible now. A well done, topical episode.

Way Below Usual Standard

[monticellomeadow-95356 · 2/10 · 18 November 2019]

I've enjoyed the Blacklist since it's inception, never missing an episode. But, boy, what a stinker of an episode this was! It had two things that made it awful. First, it started wading into very political waters with the "men giving birth" thing and a whole lot of preachiness without much story. (A test: Quick, explain why this story line was even relevant to the task force or Red... No, I couldn't either.). Second, this story, the political overtones aside, was absolutely bizarre. Worthy of the poor stuff that killed Criminal Minds. Please, stop it! This is Bizarro World two weeks in a row. Despite its age, the Blacklist still has some life in it. But the writers need to open the windows and let some fresh air refresh their minds for script writing the rest of the way.

Very wonderful episode

[hmadayahia · 10/10 · 16 November 2019]

The episode was full of surprises the end of an interesting I can not wait for episode 8

Classic Blacklist!

[jallison-48012 · 10/10 · 16 November 2019]

This was a classic Blacklist episode. Exciting and thought provoking. Enjoyed and will watch again.

Watch the right's heads explode.

[ryanwrg · 10/10 · 17 November 2019]

Great episode! Imagine it! Revenge is a dish best served cold. And the right wingers losing their minds?? Icing on the cake!🤣

Jumped the shark

[carolinacooper · 3/10 · 19 November 2019]

While I generally like Blacklist, this episode was just not good. Biggest shark jump EVER!

Best episode

[Caglatureray · 10/10 · 7 January 2020]

I wish those men who decide on women's bodies get to give birth themselves as well. This episode was great because it showed the extent of it. Perhaps it is not biologically feasible but maybe it is. There are so many things we don't know about medicine. I also read the reviews of men who are pro-life who claim that this episode was bad. Shame on you! All the different movies and series with all the fictional characters and super heroes are ok but this is not. Hypocrisy. 'Miracle of life' doesn't exist. Smart people don't give birth to 3-4 kids, they maybe choose to give birth to 1 kid. Pro-life is something government has come up with to keep public under control and as stupid as possible.

Lamest episode yet

[stephenthompsonp · 3/10 · 16 November 2019]

I usually love Blacklist, but this episode was a politically correct hodgepodge of the lamest cliche that left my wife and I groaning. James Hobson, an obvious alias of James Dobson of Focus on the Family, becoming impregnated in a politically charged, abortion themed episode was *way* beyond ridiculous. Could the writers at least try to be a little less transparent and absurdly preachy? Obviously they just could not help themselves. The only saving grace of the episode was the side story between Red and Katarina which is why I gave it three stars instead of one. They should have made it the main story line. Hopefully they will forgo this PC absurdity in the future.