The BlackList

There are 57 new TV shows debuting this fall. Many of these have some mystery or thriller element, but there are precious few shows I am excited about. The Blacklist, starring James Spader, is at the top of my list. The premise is this: The most wanted criminal in the country turns himself in and claims he wants to help the government find the most dangerous criminal in the world. The criminals on The Blacklist. This is further complicated when he asks for a specific handler, a female profiler, who is brand new on the job. She doesn't think there's a connection between the two of them.

Here's the trailer: 

I love the concept. I love James Spader (who didn't love Boston Legal, really?)

In the video below taken at Comic Con, the creator says this show was inspired by what might have happened if Whitey Bulger started talking and turning in all of the criminals he knew and possibly admired. Spader was attracted to the role because of the staying power and complexity of the character that he plays. He also liked the "enigmatic quality" of the story. (The good stuff in this video doesn't kick in until after the first minute.)

The BlackList premieres on Monday, September 23rd at 10pm.