What makes but that's what makes most of the storylines so great. For viewers, it's all about choosing sides. Do you side with the deceptive Raymond Reddington or the confused actions of Elizabeth Keen?
Through it all, The Blacklist has left viewers on the edge of their seats with intense actions but also equally interesting dialogue. But is it a show that one can go to for life advice? Well, that depends on who's giving it. With such a diverse cast of characters, their opinions of situations can leave a viewer either confused or believing they can take over the world.
Worst: Raymond Reddington - "In this world, there are no sides--only players."
Advice from Raymond Reddington could go either way. While he has made his living as a criminal, Reddington has seen and done enough in his lifetime to wisdom down to others. The majority of his words are normally aimed at Elizabeth Keen but he still has time to drop knowledge to the likes of Donald Ressler or Aram.
Reddington's quote is explaining that in his world, he believes that choosing sides could get you killed. Sound advice for his lifestyle but in the real world, most people want someone on their side and not to be alone when things get tight.
Best: Dembe Zuma - "A Man's Life Is More Important Than A Man's Secret"
Dembe is a good man who just happens to do bad things. He's way more than Red's personal driver and bodyguard, he's his friend and spiritual adviser whenever Red goes off the deep end. If there was one person on The Blacklist to take advice from, Dembe is definitely that character.
What Dembe is saying here is that keeping secrets can cause great harm. There have been times where Dembe was set to give up Red in order to save more lives. Sometimes revealing secrets can help the ones you're keeping secrets for.
Worst: Elizabeth Keen - "Finding Out Truths About Who You Are Is Never Easy"
Liz is a complex character. While Reddington is the main draw on The Blacklist, Liz is by far the most layered person. Liz is still trying to determine which side of the fence she wants to be on. Getting advice from her might be a bit confusing. Her life is in shambles but at times she does make valid points.
What Liz is saying here is that if you're seeking the truth about who you are, the answers may not be easy to accept. While good advice, it's hard to take this from a person who can't take no for an answer. Liz will dig for the truth even at the expense of others.
Best: Harold Cooper - "How Do You Do It? Wake Up Each Morning, Content To Live A Lie"
Harold Cooper is the leader of the Task Force, thus putting himself often in the line of fire with the top brass of the FBI regarding his dealings with Raymond Reddington. He's a stern leader and well respected amongst his peers. Cooper has his demons but less than the others on the show.
What Cooper is saying here is asking one if they are content with living a lie. This is a question that people still have problems with. Putting on a front for others does more harm to yourself than the person you're often lying to.
Worst: Aram Mojtabai - "You Took Something Precious From Me, So I Took Something Precious From You"
Aram Mojtabai is not the kind of character who throws out threats. However, Reddington helped Samar leave the country, and for that, Aram wanted revenge. The only way to hurt Red is to hurt Liz or to take his money and that's exactly what Aram did.
What Aram is saying here is that it's okay to go an eye-for-an-eye. This is not the best advice as most decisions in those moments are made either under heavy pressure or with tons of emotions. This advice could have cost Aram his life.
Best: Donald Ressler - "Doing The Right Thing Is The Only Way I'll Ever Feel The Light Again"
Donald Ressler is the do-good member of the task force. Well, that's what he was portrayed to be at first. Fans now understand that Ressler has his demons, both in the past and present. There are moments where he could be counted on and others where he shows criminal behavior.
What Ressler is saying here is that by playing the eye-for-an-eye card, it will bring more darkness than what you're already experiencing. Although he has succumbed to the darkness, Ressler has tried to right his wrongs in the past.
Worst: Mr. Kaplan - "If You Want Your Enemy To Become Your Friend, Create A Problem For Them And Solve It"
Mr. Kaplan became a fan favorite early on and even with her war against Red, fans understood the reason she went against the grain. Everything about Kate was based on loyalty. Although she wanted to ruin Red, fans must it was done because Red broke his promise and he tried to kill her.
What Kate is saying here is that in order to gain the trust of your enemy, you should fool them. In her defense, she came up with criminals so her advice may not be the best to follow.
Best: Katarina Rostova - "Sometimes People Aren't Who They Seem To Be"
It's easy not to like Katarina Rostova. She came into Liz's life and turned it upside down. She turned Liz against Red and even tortured her best friend and father in the process. Taking advice from her must come with a grain of salt as well. You never know if she can be fully trusted.
Her advice here is that people are not who they appear to be. While Red has been telling Liz this since the beginning, Katarina understands first hand just how complex life has been for her and Red. Saying that people put up facades is basically the advice Katarina is giving.
Worst: Tom Keen - "Secrets Put People In Harm's Way"
Tom Keen is one of those characters where what you see is not what you get. Truth be told, he may hold just as many secrets as Raymond Reddington himself. Tom has lied to Liz since the first episode of The Blacklist and still carried secrets up to his death.
What Tom is saying here is that secrets can get you hurt or even worse. While that statement is true, can you really take Tom at his word when he is a master of deception himself?
Best: Samar Navabi - "Where I Come From, Fear Is The Only Deterrent"
Samar Navabi is a missed character on The Blacklist. Her departure left a huge void in the cast and was especially hard for Aram. She's a tough one to deal with and while Samar was not the one to give glowing words of encouragement, she spoke softly but with a stern voice when needed.
What Samar is saying here is that fear can keep you from doing many things. No matter what you may want to do in life, the main reason why some goals are never achieved is fear.