5 Episodes of The Blacklist That You Can Completely Skip
Let’s be honest—The Blacklist is a wild ride. Twists, betrayals, and Raymond Reddington’s iconic monologues keep us glued to the screen. But even the best shows have a few clunkers, right? Episodes that feel like filler or just don’t move the needle.
If you’re binge-watching or doing a rewatch, you might want to cut the fat. So let’s dig into five episodes of The Blacklist that you can totally skip without losing track of the plot.
And hey—less filler means more room for the juicy stuff.
Why Some Episodes Just Don’t Matter
Every show has its off days. Maybe the pacing drags. Maybe the villain of the week feels like a stretch. Or maybe it’s just… boring.
With The Blacklist, some episodes try to be too clever, too disconnected, or too experimental—and they end up being completely skippable.
Episode #1: “The Longevity Initiative” (Season 2, Episode 17)
Why You Can Skip It
This episode dives into the mad science of immortality. Sounds cool, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t really tie into the central mythology of The Blacklist. Sure, there’s some Red and Liz tension, but the case itself is forgettable.
What You Miss (That Actually Matters)
A couple of character moments, but nothing you won’t pick up in the “Previously On” recap of the next episode.
Episode #2: “The Mombasa Cartel” (Season 2, Episode 6)
Why You Can Skip It
Animal trafficking and gruesome murders? Okay, it’s creepy—but ultimately pointless. It feels like a one-off horror story that never connects to the broader narrative. And the villain? Meh.
What You Miss (That Actually Matters)
You get a tiny peek into Dembe’s backstory—but it’s not explored deeply until later anyway.
Episode #3: “Alistair Pitt” (Season 3, Episode 13)
Why You Can Skip It
A blacklister who acts like a mob matchmaker? The idea was ambitious, but the execution felt like a soap opera mixed with mafia clichés. It has almost zero connection to Liz’s arc or Red’s endgame.
What You Miss (That Actually Matters)
A minor confrontation between Red and a side character. That’s it. Totally skippable.
Episode #4: “Dr. Adrian Shaw” (Season 4, Episode 7)
Why You Can Skip It
This one dives into organ transplants, ethics, and a race against time. Sounds intense, but the writing feels clunky. It drags and barely progresses the season’s main plot.
What You Miss (That Actually Matters)
Some vague setup for future episodes—but nothing essential. You won’t miss anything big.
Episode #5: “The Ethicist” (Season 6, Episode 13)
Why You Can Skip It
This episode tries to be deep with moral dilemmas and “what would you do” scenarios. But let’s be real—it doesn’t move the plot forward. At all.
What You Miss (That Actually Matters)
Nothing. Zero. Nada. It’s a standalone episode that feels more like a Twilight Zone knockoff.
How to Spot a Filler Episode in The Blacklist
Everwonder how to sniff out filler before wasting 42 minutes? Here’s a quick checklist:
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Is the blacklister connected to Red or the Cabal? If not, skip it.
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Do major characters undergo change or reveal secrets? No? It’s probably filler.
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Does the episode get referenced later in the season? If it never comes back, it never mattered.
When Filler Becomes Fatigue
One or two filler episodes? Fine. But a string of them can wear viewers down. It’s like eating popcorn for dinner—you think it’s satisfying, but later, you’re still hungry for real substance.
The Core of The Blacklist: Mythology Matters
What makes The Blacklist addictive isn’t just the weekly blacklisters—it’s the ongoing mystery. Who is Raymond Reddington? What’s the deal with Liz? That’s the heart of the show.
If an episode doesn’t touch that core… well, it’s probably skippable.
Character Arcs vs Plot Noise
Good episodes move characters forward. Bad ones leave them spinning in circles. The episodes on this list? All spin, no stride.
If the characters are in the same place at the end as they were in the beginning, you’re watching fluff.
The Risk of Losing Viewers
Filler episodes don’t just slow the pace—they can push viewers away. In today’s binge-watch world, attention spans are short. One boring episode? Fine. Two in a row? Dangerous territory.
Why Do Shows Add Filler Anyway?
Sometimes it’s budget. Other times, actors need breaks or the writers are stalling for time. It’s a common practice in network TV—but that doesn’t mean you have to sit through it.
Should You Rewatch These Skippable Episodes?
Unless you’re doing a super detailed rewatch or analyzing every facial twitch from Reddington, you’re better off skipping them. Use that time to rewatch the big twist reveals instead.
The Episodes You Should Rewatch Instead
Need a refresher that actually delivers? Try these instead:
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“Anslo Garrick” Parts 1 & 2 (Season 1) – Peak tension and Red’s most vulnerable moment.
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“The Director” (Season 3) – High stakes and full-on action.
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“Cape May” (Season 3) – Emotional, surreal, and loaded with symbolism.
Conclusion: Stream Smart, Not Hard
Look, The Blacklist is a gem of a show—but not every episode shines. Whether you’re catching up or diving in for
Skip the episodes that don’t move the story, and soak in the ones that keep your jaw on the floor. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to watch every episode of The Blacklist to understand the story?
A1: Nope! As long as you follow the key mythology episodes, you can skip some of the fillers without missing critical plot points.
Q2: Are there any episodes I should definitely not skip?
A2: Absolutely—episodes like “Cape May,” “The Director,” and the season finales are packed with essential storylines and twists.
Q3: How many total episodes does The Blacklist have?
A3: The series ran for 10 seasons and aired over 200 episodes, so there’s definitely room to trim the fat.
Q4: Why does The Blacklist include so many standalone cases?
A4: Network TV often requires a certain number of episodes per season, so writers fill in gaps with self-contained stories.
Q5: Are filler episodes bad?
A5: Not always. Some are fun or creative. But if you’re watching for the main plot, you won’t miss much by skipping a few.
