Ep 1. Esteban

Reddington is back with his enigmatic charm and cunning ways in the season four premiere of "The Blacklist" titled "Esteban."

The episode begins with Reddington (James Spader) being kidnapped and caged in a shipping container. His captors are members of a Colombian drug cartel led by a ruthless kingpin named Esteban (Maurice Compte). Reddington owes Esteban a favor and is now being held captive until he fulfills his obligation.

Meanwhile, Liz (Megan Boone) is dealing with the aftermath of killing her former boss, Tom Connolly, and is seeking solace in her new role as a profiler with the FBI. Her first case is a gruesome one, as a serial killer is targeting wealthy families and branding his victims with a symbol.

As Liz delves deeper into the case, she realizes that the killer is connected to Reddington’s capture. She seeks his help, but Reddington is reluctant to give away any information on Esteban or his involvement in the kidnapping.

The episode also sees the return of fan-favorite character Mr. Kaplan (Susan Blommaert), who is working with Reddington’s right-hand man, Dembe (Hisham Tawfiq), to find and rescue Reddington.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise as Liz and the task force race against time to find the serial killer before he strikes again. Reddington’s life hangs in the balance as he tries to outsmart his captors and fulfill his debt to Esteban.

The episode ends in a shocking twist, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats and eagerly anticipating the rest of the season.

Overall, "Esteban" is a thrilling and action-packed episode that showcases the strength of "The Blacklist" as a series. The writers have built upon the complex characters and intricate storylines of previous seasons, creating a show that engages and entertains viewers from start to finish.