The Blacklist (TV Series) Cape May (2016) User Reviews

A Blacklist Ghost Story

[michelle-erika · 9/10 · 1 January 2021]

This episode is so hauntingly spooky that I assumed it first aired at Halloween. The somber strings combine with the whistling wind and creaking wood to evoke an isolated, foreboding and mournful atmosphere, perfectly suited for a grieving man grappling with his inner demons and ghosts. Chronology and reality are fuzzy, much like memories themselves. Ultimately we learn few new facts about Reddington, but gain a much deeper understanding of the man himself.

James Spader's performance is a masterpiece in this episode. His monologue about suicide was a gut-punch when I first watched it, and remains memorable years later.

Watch it again

[foamythefearsome · 9/10 · 12 September 2022]

As I am re-watching this series, I have just seen this episode for the second time. I can wholeheartedly recommend anyone who saw this episode - but did not like and/or get it - to watch it again after it settled in, or perhaps even after you've seen more of the series.

The first time I saw this, I thought it was confusing. It took me a while to understand what was going on, and paid little attention to important details. It was only at the end that I realized what the story told exactly.

Whereas for many episodes it is a bummer to know the clou of the story beforehand (as it takes away the suspense), I think in this case it was actually a boon; it helps you realize that this is a goldmine of information that will ultimately prove pivotal in the deciphering of Reddington's character.

The first time I saw this, I thought it was relatively unremarkable, although I already realized how important it was as the series progressed. This is one of those episodes where that second viewing adds greatly to the experience. So - even if you did not like it: watch it again!

Nice To Meet You

[ZegMaarJus · 8/10 · 23 July 2020]

This episode begins with Red, Nik explains why Liz died. Red goes to Cape May to bring back some old memories. Red sees a shadow of Katarina walking into the sea Red saved her from drowning. This was all just a hallucination for Red. Red got attacked by a thief but Katarina saved Red from the thief. The thief died, Katarina killed him. Red tells an emotional story about a girl from Afghanistan who blew herself to death. Red and Katarina got raided by a group of gunmans, he killed them all together with Katarina. Red sees that Katarina is walking into the sea, she dissapeared in the sea. A man told Red that he is the only human he has seen the past two weeks. Really different from The Blacklist but a good spin off sort off episode with enough action and Red his hallucinations.

A Unique Episode for a Unique Series

[richardronneberg · 10/10 · 25 April 2016]

I vociferously disagree with the other reviewers, both of whom appear to be objecting to the new path of the series. Cape May is an essential part of the series because it addresses Raymond's struggle to deal with the loss of Elizabeth, Raymond's emotional and psychological meaning of life. James Spader and Lotte Verbeek, as a mysterious woman, are the principal actors in Cape May. Spader's work is consistently effective as one would expect from a journeyman actor. Lotte Verbeek is an exquisite beauty who has a substantial acting background, and it shows. The chemistry between Spader and Verbeck is similar to that between Spader and Elizabeth (Megan Boone). The writing is simple and thrifty, a difficult undertaking for a script written primarily for just two actors. The director has created a product that synergistically integrates the acting, writing and cinematography. This episode unlocks the mystery of Raymond's commitment to Elizabeth. The twist at the end is reminiscent of Arthur Conan Doyle or Dashiell Hammett. Anyone who has had to deal with a personal loss will appreciate this episode.

Excellent

[msharma-87751 · 10/10 · 7 August 2019]

What a profoundly beautiful way to depict the back story of rostova and the continuity of mother daughter choice regards Liz and Agnes mirroring that in the past .. a deep multilayered depiction of the psychological trauma Raymond is going through having faced the same heart breaking situation twice

A masterpiece. An island in The Blacklist.

[herrerafsa · 10/10 · 25 October 2016]

In never thought that the minds behind this TV series could do such Work. This episode has excellent editing, excellent pace, excellent music, excellent, but excellent direction of photography, anything left over, in fact a part could be more extensive, mature screen writing, and just without counting the huge gap it closes. In fact, quality TV so missed in a jungle of shoots and condensed plots.

This series has not paying attention to the details. This episode is the opposite. In fact it contemplates everything with the same love that Reddington had for Liz, because it's all a manifestation of him, of his history, his memories, his emotions... Amazing episode, amazing end. Greatly surprised.

10/10!

Absolute masterpiece

[georgemite · 10/10 · 29 July 2021]

Whoever disagrees knows nothing about film making. With just a handful of actors and shooting locations they managed to create an episode that is very important to the story. It is similar to the breaking bad episode "fly". Most people find it boring but it really is one of the best in the series.

Mixed feelings

[fmperiset · 6/10 · 23 June 2020]

I cannot help having mixed feelings towards this episode. Although 'Cape May' starts with a very intriguing premise which is, I think, exactly what 'The Blacklist' needs at this point in its development, I have got some issues regarding its execution. To put it less cryptically, despite a great idea at the heart of the episode and some nice character development pulled off by James Spader's solid performance, 'Cape May' is falls a bit flat and does not completely explore the profound themes it introduces. As I was watching it I couldn't help laughing at its allusions to 'The Shining' and to 'Home Alone', even though the episode tries hard to take itself seriously. Its plot is somewhat predictable and loose, its dialogues are not as witty or deep as they could have been and its suspense sometimes feels forced. It does not haunt me as much as I would have liked. That said, the episode tries to make up for these flaws with a nuanced and compelling sense of ambiguity, some interesting characterisation and a poetic and melancholic sense of atmosphere. I can only regret that this had the potential to become a much better episode, however it pales in comparison to the riveting episodes that kicked off this season.

Grade: 5.9 / 10.

Raymond was up for Time travelling.

[oomanas · 10/10 · 8 May 2020]

Cape May is the most beautiful episode written in 150 episodes of Blacklist. Raymond Reddington was in his time travelling zone where for 2weeks at Cape May he was busy recreating all that happened 30yrs ago due to the high level opium he had in taken. Hallucination got to him. The theory which he always gave to Liz that her mother walked into Waters never to come back was seconded in this episode. Mourning and Grieving was beautified in all possible ways with nature of Reddington's acting. The music which Katarina was playing on Piano got me goosebumps , I can assure hardcore fans of blacklist get high and watch this episode in place of Raymond for once you will put yourself and feel the energy Reddington is dissipating be it the scene of he talking to himself and thinking Katarina is sitting in front of him and at that point we were made to think she was some unknown character. With each passing minute it was getting clear she is the legendary lethal Russian KGB Agent KR and his romanticism with Raymond was top of charts. Writers have my respect I can give them 20/10 if IMDb allows. Beauty about this episode was you have to understand the art in which it was presented and yes the Time Travellers. Long live Blacklist ❤

Surreal

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 17 November 2022]

When the episode starts in an opium den, what transpires is inside Reddington's head. He is incredibly creative in the most caustic way as he deals with the death of Elizabeth and his separation from her child. A beautiful young woman draws him in when she walks into the sea and he rescues her. Of course, one is going to see the parallel to Liz's mother. She and Red talk to each other as if they were the same person. Both have the ability to kill and face risk. It never seems realistic. A different place. Different people. A cadre of bad guys wanting to kill both of them. I must say I am getting suspicious. This episode is one of the best and now we'll see what transpires as we begin to close out Season 3.

Worst episode of the season.

[m-47826 · 2/10 · 14 April 2020]

It's about survivor's guilt. And so what? I thought it was boring and predictable. I'm not a huge fan of the show. I find it ok and entertaining, but don't really enjoy the standalone episodes, so far. But I thought this episode in particular, was a waste of my time. It killed the dynamic of a decently intense season, with a slow pace, and uninteresting premise. And is for die hard fans, who will give themselves a pat in the back, and delight in loving such « profound » writing...

Explains so much

[heyidontuseemail · 10/10 · 16 January 2024]

Having watched the entire series and never really knowing Reds true identity, returning back to this episode confirmed my thoughts about Raymond's identity and the person he was. He even acknowledged what my thought was, albeit in an ambiguous pieces of dialogue and clever scenes. All starting in an opium den and making his way to a deserted beach Inn, this episode originally made me think he was still under the influence of the drugs he had taken in a long session in the drug den.

I was puzzled by this episode when I first watched it but the second time around it made perfect sense. What a fantastic piece of writing and an episode that alludes to his true identity.

At first I thought Raymond was hilucinating about Katherine. But I think producer

[charlatte-58861 · 10/10 · 21 February 2023]

My initial reaction was Raymond was hilucinating back to a time he was with Katerina. But the producer uses this historical scene to show Katerina's fear of always being hunted & her guilt about not raising her daughter herself.

Raymond is equally distraught with his losing Lizzy & not being able to be part of Agnes's life. Raymond feels responsible for Lizzy's death. It was such a tremendous failure for him. We -the audience hasn't seen this side of Reddington before. His role has been one of an overly confident criminal who has built an empire over time. He is intelligent about many areas - in his work but history, art, literature. James Spader acts out his sadness & opens up to Katerina -such depth of his character.

There was definitely a dance between these two actor/actress. I found it refreshing & a change of pace of the fast & furious FBI vs Blacklist. The pace of the show - it fast & this is the second time I'm watching series. Can't wait for season 10. I love all the actors & actresses - they are so talented! Such a pleasure to watch & try & figure out!

This is not a Blacklist episode

[aleFQ · 1/10 · 23 April 2016]

I can't begin to tell you how I hate this chapter, and the turn the series has got. It would have been better to finish once and for all, than to take Liz out of it. This episode had nothing to do neither with The Blacklist neither with the characters that made the series so good in the past. With the exception of some flashbacks, the only character appearing is Raymond. What about the relation with the FBI? What about the criminals on the list? Taking Liz out of this series, is like taking Paul Simon, from Simon and Garfunkel. The Blacklist got its success from two main things: The relation between Liz and Red and the excellent action from chasing powerful criminals. A chapter that contains none of them. Seriously a Red's Dream for a whole chapter? It's not only bad taste, is a betrayal to the audience.

Oh No! They've attempted a.......

[Shunka · 3/10 · 2 June 2016]

I'll finish the title "Oh no! They've attempted a cheap knock off of the "Kevin Finerty" storyline from The Sopranos in an attempt to give the (false) impression that this series has ANY of the depth or quality writing of that show!" I've given it 3 out of 10 rather than 1 because,well, JAMES SPADER! His performance as Red is the main reason why I (and I suspect many other people) watch a show that is dogged by poor writing and feeble plot twists. Even with Spader, who I always find an enjoyable screen presence, this episode just comes across as obvious and poorly executed. I had the basic premise of what was going on nailed very early in the episode with the only surprise being that I actually expected him to come around to find himself still in the opium den. It is the televisual equivalent of a school kid ending a fantastical short story with "And I woke up and it was all a dream!"

Bottle episode, move along

[billcronin · 1/10 · 11 March 2021]

Nothing to see here. Red is just tripping. Nothing is added to the plot, your time will be wasted. Move along and thank me later.

Disappointed

[saggoory · 1/10 · 15 May 2018]

I wasted 42 minutes of my life ! Totally crap don't even think to watch

It's Over

[LumpyMusic · 1/10 · 24 April 2016]

The series just took a major dump. This episode had no plot, no meaning, no relation to any previous episode. It's full of "That couldn't have happened" events. I would say that it was difficult to follow. But I think more correctly, there was nothing TO follow. Mindless stream of consciousness. Like a video LSD trip. I couldn't tell if what I was seeing was Red's dreaming or reality. So I kept rewinding and re-viewing. And quickly just decided I didn't care if it was either.

I sort of predicted it was near the end about two episodes ago when the plots lost their twists and turns and became shoot-em-up bang bang between paramilitary tactical teams with advanced weapons who can't seem to hit anyone and their "Armor Piercing" bullets wouldn't pierce sheet rock.

Too bad. I think they could have ran with the basic premise of the show for several more seasons.