Roanoke

"Roanoke"
Season 8, Episode 1
Episode Information
Air date	November 13, 2020
Directed by	Andrew McCarthy
Written by	Daniel Cerone
Episode Chronology
Previous	“The Kazanjian Brothers”
Next	“Katarina Rostova: Conclusion”

“Roanoke” is the first episode of season 8 of The Blacklist and the hundred and fifty-third overall.

Press Release

Red directs the Task Force to investigate Roanoke, a legendary criminal who orchestrates elaborate extractions. Meanwhile, Liz works to hatch a secret plan with her mother, Katarina Rostova.

Number on The Blacklist

• 139

Unanswered Questions

1. The name is a reference to the Roanoke Colony.
2. Roanoke
   1. Who was responsible for the extractions that Roanoke was blamed for?
   2. Who was the prisoner who escaped from Qincheng Prison?
   3. Why was Lev Pasternak murdered?
   4. Who are Coates and Bryson?
   5. Was there an authentic Roanoke?
3. Raymond Reddington
   1. Why did Red threaten the FBI agent for using Red's name?
   2. A: Raymond Reddington wants to maintain his secrecy and his control of the black market.
4. Katarina Rostova
   1. Why does N-13 need the Sikorsky Archive?
   2. A: N-13, also known as Raymond Reddington, seeks the Sikorsky Archive because it contains secret and classified information about various intelligence agencies, espionage bureaus, spys, operatives, and government secrets. Obtaining the archive allows Reddington to gain leverage and control over powerful organizations and individuals, making it a valuable asset in the black market.
5. Elizabeth Keen
   1. Who is telling Keen the truth?
6. Donald Ressler
   1. Ressler and none of the task force have a moral right to judge Keen.
7. Aram Mojtabai
   1. Why was Aram surprised that a convict escape from Qincheng Prison?

Trivia

• Despite Brian Dennehy’s death in April 2020, the character of Dom was recast to Ron Raines since the story is at an a place where [Dom] was absolutely instrumental in it. He’s the central point of the story. He knows a truth that everyone is trying to figure out. So while it was a difficult decision to do, we felt it was necessary, and we hope people understand that.

Cast

Main star

• James Spader as Raymond Reddington
• Megan Boone as Elizabeth Keen
• Diego Klattenhoff as Donald Ressler
• Amir Arison as Aram Mojtabai
• Hisham Tawfiq as Dembe Zuma
• Harry Lennix as Harold Cooper
• Laura Sohn as Alina Park

Guest star

• Laila Robins as Katarina Rostova
• Aida Turturro as Heddie Hawkins
• Ron Raines as Dominic Wilkinson
• Michael Braun as Bahar
• Rey Lucas as Eduardo
• Michael Tow as Cong Yang

Gallery

Santiago Vega

External Links

• NBC.com
• NBC.com