The Blacklist | Best Supporting Cast of The Blacklist Explained ( The Cine Wizard )

Every crime-thriller show needs a talented supporting cast, and in this regard, the Blacklist is no exception. It features numerous supporting characters that are crucial to the storyline. These characters not only have an impact on the main characters like Raymond or Elizabeth, but they also contribute to numerous interesting plot twists. Whether it’s a member of the task force or the right-hand man of our protagonist, each of these roles serves as a necessary plot device. Therefore, in this video, we will be breaking down all these characters for you.

Like many other shows of this genre, the Blacklist features some incredibly fascinating characters. Each character possesses a backstory and a separate story arc that eventually intertwines with the ongoing main narrative. Since season 1, we have developed an affinity for these characters, and unfortunately, some of them are no longer part of the show. Consequently, in today’s video, we will delve into their stories and explore their connections to our beloved criminal mastermind, Raymond Reddington.

Tom Keen

The first character on our list is Tom Keen, the late husband of Elizabeth Keen. Originally named Christopher Hargrave, he was abducted at the age of 3. He grew up as Jacob Phelps in a foster home, where he turned to a life of crime at a young age. Eventually, he was recruited by the Major, an underground trainer specializing in espionage and assassination. His first mission as a spy was assigned to him by Raymond himself, to keep an eye on Liz. This led him to adopt the persona of a 4th-grade school teacher and enter into a romantic relationship with her. However, complications arose when Tom and Liz became romantically involved, which displeased Raymond and resulted in his dismissal.In order to stay by Liz’s side, he sought employment with Milos Kirchoff, also known as Berlin. Tom’s character is intriguing within the Blacklist universe. He is the son of Susan Scott and Howard Hargrave, who are the owners of Halcyon Aegis, a private military intelligence company. At the start of the show, Tom and Liz experience a falling out after Raymond exposes his true identity. However, they later reconcile and eventually get married in the 17th episode of the third season.Like other spies and intelligence operatives, Tom possesses various skills such as hand-to-hand combat, proficiency in firearms, and the ability to infiltrate dangerous criminal organizations. Notably, he comes into possession of a bag containing the bones of the real Raymond, becoming the first to suspect that the Raymond everyone knows is an imposter. In his quest for the truth, he tragically meets his demise at the hands of Ian Garvey in the eighth episode of the fifth season. His death serves as a significant plot twist and becomes a crucial turning point for Liz in her pursuit of uncovering the truth about Raymond’s identity.

Mr. Kaplan

The other significant supporting character in the show was Kathryn Nemec.Known throughout the series as Mr. Kaplan, she was a loyal friend and advisor to Raymond. Her real name, Kate, was revealed in the episode “Monarch Douglas Bank.” She often assisted Red in disposing of bodies and cleaning up crime scenes. In the episode “Requiem,” more details about her past were revealed, including her mother’s death in 1962 and her attendance at the funeral with her father.

She was fluent in multiple languages such as French, Italian, Russian, and German for her diplomatic jobs.Apart from that, she was also skilled in firearms and often carried a weapon with her. She briefly attended NorthWestern Medical School but dropped out to pursue a Master’s in Child Development. Eventually, she became a nanny for Katarina Rostova and looked after her daughter, Masha, also known as Elizabeth. When Katarina’s mission was exposed, and she had to hide from the KGB and the Cabal, she advised Kate to leave Masha with Sam Scott. After some initial reluctance, Sam agreed to take care of her until Katarina’s return.

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Afterwards, Kate found solace in Annie Kaplan, who became her romantic partner. Annie planned to learn about being a bail bondsman from her uncle“Little Nikos” in Texas. During a romantic dinner, they were interrupted by an ex-convict seeking revenge on Nikos. Referring to Kate as “Mr. Kaplan,” the ex-con shot both of them. Kate managed to get Annie outside before losing consciousness. Three weeks later, she woke up in the hospital after having a steel plate implanted. Little Nikos visited her and informed her of Annie’s death, which caused Kate to break down in tears. Nikos considered Kate part of his family due to Annie’s feelings for her and offered her a job as his assistant.In 1991, Sam approached Kate, informing her that Reddington wanted to see her. Angry at him for the events that led to her abandoning Elizabeth and Katarina, she initially refused to meet him. However, Sam revealed that Elizabeth was in danger, and Kate reluctantly agreed to meet Reddington. He explained that his criminal empire was built with the sole purpose of keeping Elizabeth safe. He offered her a job to watch over and protect Elizabeth, with Kate making it clear that she would prioritize Elizabeth’s interests over Reddington’s. She was one of the few individuals who knew that the real Raymond had been replaced by an imposter over 20 years ago. She learned many of his secrets but was unaware of the existence of Dominic Wilkinson, Katarina’s father.

In a flashback in 2013, just before the events of the pilot episode, she tried to persuade Raymond not to turn himself in to the FBI. After Elizabeth’s daughter Agnes was born, Kate began to see Raymond as a threat to Liz and her family. Therefore, she came up with the idea of Elizabeth’s fake death. When Raymond learned of this, he shot her for this betrayal and left her to die in a forest. However, she survived and returned to seek revenge.

In 2017, she dealt a significant blow to Reddington’s criminal empire by exposing his history. She provided the FBI with the bodies of his unidentified victims, stole his bank accounts, and revealed the truth behind his black-market connections. She also targeted the task force for destruction and agreed to testify against them. However, her desperate alliance with Laurel Hitchin resulted in the task force’s continuation, and she activated a fail-deadly option by taking her own life in the season 4 finale.

Dembe Zuma

Dembe Zuma is one of the most beloved characters from the show “The Blacklist.” He is a humble, loyal, and intelligent bodyguard and friend of Raymond Reddington. Dembe’s character development throughout the series is exceptional. Initially introduced as Raymond’s bodyguard, he has now become an active agent of the task force.

Dembe is a man who was once a freedom fighter in South Sudan. In an episode called “The Mombasa Cartel,” we learn that he was born as the youngest son of a farmer named SamwelZuma. Tragically, when his father reported the Mombasa Cartel to the authorities, the cartel responded by killing Dembe’s father, mother, and siblings. They then sold him to human traffickers. For eight long years, he endured a life of slavery and suffering at the hands of these traffickers. He was held captive until the age of 14 when Reddington discovered him. Dembe was in a terrible state, half-dead and chained to a pipe in the basement of a brothel in Nairobi. Raymond rescued him, took care of him, and helped him recover his health. He also ensured that Dembe received an education.

He worked hard and eventually obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. He became fluent in four languages and learned six others well enough to communicate. He is also an expert in firearms and hand-to-hand combat, as we have witnessed him using these skills on multiple occasions. Records confirm that he accompanied Reddington to various places such as Sierra Leone, Brussels, Murmansk, and Belfast. Dembe has shared that he deeply cares for three individuals in the world: his daughter Isabella, his granddaughter Elle, and Raymond. He is among the very few people who know the truth about Raymond Reddington. He knows that the man who goes by that name is not the real Raymond but an imposter who assumed his identity over 30 years ago. Despite this knowledge, Dembe remains fiercely loyal to him.

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However, despite his loyalty to his friend, we have seen Dembe question Raymond’s actions at different points. As a devout Muslim, he follows Islamic teachings that prohibit him from participating in inhumane actions. That’s why, after the eighth episode, he made the decision to join the task force to redeem himself. This decision deeply affected Raymond, but as a friend, he respected Dembe’s choice. Although he is now an agent, whenever Raymond is in danger, Dembe steps up to protect his friend. For example, in the ninth season when Raymond was at war against Marvin Gerrad, Dembe protected him against all odds.

Harold Cooper

Harold Cooper is a central figure in “The Blacklist” saga.Known for his extensive experience and impressive track record within the FBI, he is currently the deputy director as well as the head of the task force. He has earned a reputation for his sharp investigative skills and ability to navigate complex cases.

His leadership style is characterized by his composed demeanor, strategic thinking, and strong adherence to protocols. Thanks to his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to ensuring that every operation is conducted lawfully and ethically, the task force is able to arrest a lot of criminals. Despite the high-stakes nature of his work, he often maintains a level-headed approach and serves as a voice of reason within the task force.Throughout the series, Cooper is depicted as a mentor and father figure to the members of the task force. He values their well-being and fosters a supportive environment within the task force. Despite the challenges and risks involved, his leadership instills a sense of trust and camaraderie among the team.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Cooper’s personal life is occasionally explored in the show. He is portrayed as a family man, devoted to his wife and children. These glimpses into his personal life add depth to his character and highlight the sacrifices he makes for his job. Like the real Raymond, he is a former Navy officer who later joins the FBI. Back in 2003,he served as a senior FBI agent in Afghanistan, focusing on counter-terrorism efforts. His relation with Raymond has grown to some kind of odd friendship. Raymond’s manipulation often produces a clash between him and Cooper. Following the tragic death of Elizabeth Keen, he and Charlene generously took in her daughter, Agnes Keen, at Liz’s request.

Harold Cooper is a central figure in “The Blacklist” saga. He is renowned for his extensive experience and impressive track record within the FBI. Currently serving as the deputy director and head of the task force, he has gained a reputation for his sharp investigative skills and adeptness in handling complex cases.Cooper’s leadership style is characterized by his composed demeanor, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to protocols. His meticulous attention to detail and dedication to lawful and ethical operations allow the task force to successfully arrest numerous criminals. Despite the high stakes involved, he maintains a level-headed approach and acts as a voice of reason within the team. Throughout the series, Cooper assumes the role of a mentor and father figure to his task force members, prioritizing their well-being and fostering a supportive environment.Beyond his professional accomplishments, glimpses into Cooper’s personal life offer a deeper understanding of his character. Portrayed as a devoted family man, he prioritizes his wife and children alongside his demanding job. Sharing a similar background with the real Raymond, Cooper is a former Navy officer who later joined to the FBI. In 2003, he served as a senior FBI agent in Afghanistan, specializing in counter-terrorism efforts. Despite occasional clashes due to Raymond’s manipulation, their relationship has evolved into an odd friendship based on mutual respect.

Following the tragic death of Elizabeth Keen, Cooper and his wife, Charlene, graciously took in her daughter, Agnes Keen. This act of generosity further showcases Cooper’s compassionate nature and willingness to support those in need.

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In a nutshell, his character encompasses a blend of professionalism, integrity, and genuine concern for his team members. His leadership inspires trust and camaraderie, enabling the task force to confront challenges head-on.

Donald Ressler

Agent Donald Ressler is a highly dedicated and senior member of the task force. He is known for his commitment to justice and exceptional record within the FBI. Despite his deep hatred for criminal activities, he makes an exception for Raymond due to their connection and Raymond’s effectiveness in capturing criminals. He also deeply cares about his teammates and works tirelessly to protect them. Although his relentless pursuit of criminals can sometimes cloud his judgment, he remains calm and cautious. This ability has earned him a reputation for reliability which is appreciated even by Raymond himself.  As a special agent, he initially led the investigation on Raymond’s case until Elizabeth Keen joined the team. He has been tracking him for most of his career but has always been one step behind. Throughout the series, Ressler faces setbacks, including failed attempts to assassinate Reddington and the arrest of suspected allies in Japan.

In his personal life, Ressler’s background is revealed, including the tragic murder of his father.An officer in the Detroit Police Department, his father was killed by a drug dealer in a trap set up by his corrupt partner. Ressler seeks revenge by confronting and shooting the corrupt partner, Tommy Markin. These events shape his dedication to law enforcement and his unwavering pursuit of criminals.

Initially, Ressler’s relationship with Elizabeth starts off on the wrong foot, but it gradually evolves into a professional and respectful partnership. After the death of Elizabeth’s husband, Tom, Ressler becomes her major ally in her quest for the truth about Raymond. Their bond grows stronger, leading to a romantic relationship. Elizabeth’s death deeply affects him, causing him to struggle with substance abuse and temporarily leave the FBI. However, he eventually returns to resume his duties.

Aram Mojtabai

Aram Mojtabai is a computer wizard within the task force. Born in Delaware to immigrant parents, he is known for his exceptional intelligence and anxious nature. He possesses a witty sense of humor, which he often uses as a coping mechanism. He has an impressive talent for languages, including Russian, and even learned advanced calculus at the young age of 8.

Prior to joining the FBI, Aram worked for the NSA for 14 years. It was his expertise in computers and IT that caught the attention of Harold Cooper, leading to his recruitment into the task force. Although he typically doesn’t engage in fieldwork as an agent, he is called upon when his language or computer skills are required. He plays a vital role in providing technical support and utilizing his knowledge to assist the team in their investigations.Despite his anxious nature, Aram is a loyal and valuable member of the task force. His humor and personality often lighten tense situations, bringing smiles to the faces of his fellow team members. Throughout the series, he maintains a close friendship with Elizabeth and aids her in her search for the truth. However, following her death, Aram decides to pursue his passion for starting an IT firm. Eventually, he departs from the FBI at the end of season 9, embarking on a new chapter in his life.

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Alina Park

Agent Alina Park is initially introduced to the task force as a potential new member. As she joined, Aramwas skeptical of her at first. However,Elizabeth believed she is the right fit for the job due to her hidden secrets and darker side. After meeting Raymond Reddington, Park expresses her concerns to Liz about the job bringing out her dark side. She decides to confront Reddington about her reservations, but when she finds him held at gunpoint by Francesca Campbell, she took action. Park shoots Reddington in the arm to free him from Francesca’s grasp and engages in a fierce fight with her. The intense confrontation nearly leads to Park killing Francesca using a shard of glass. This act impresses Reddington and changes his perception of Park, leading him to request her permanent addition to the task force. Prone to violence, she was very expert in hand-to-hand combat. But apart from being a great agent, we saw her only in 3 seasons.

So, which of these characters is your favorite? Tell us in the comments and subscribe to the Cine Wizard for more videos like this.