Elizabeth Keen’s carefully constructed reality shatters in Season 1, Episode 2 of The Blacklist, titled “The Freelancer,” when she discovers Tom Keen’s hidden box filled with fake passports, money, and a gun, leading her to suspect his true identity and potentially dangerous nature. This pivotal moment sets in motion a chain of events that dramatically shapes the trajectory of the entire series.
The Unveiling: “The Freelancer” Episode Breakdown
The second episode of The Blacklist, “The Freelancer,” functions as more than just a standalone case; it’s a crucial episode for character development and plot advancement. While Red is ostensibly assisting the FBI in apprehending a criminal known as “The Freelancer,” a skilled assassin, the episode also skillfully plants seeds of doubt regarding Tom Keen.
Elizabeth, already grappling with Red’s sudden intrusion into her life and the complexities of her new role at the FBI, begins to notice inconsistencies in Tom’s behavior. He appears evasive and agitated when she attempts to share details of her day. This growing unease culminates in her secretly searching their home.
The Discovery of the Hidden Compartment
The climax of this unsettling search occurs when Elizabeth discovers a hidden compartment in their apartment containing a lockbox. Inside, she finds various passports, each bearing Tom’s photograph under different aliases, a substantial amount of cash, and a firearm. This undeniable evidence shatters Elizabeth’s perception of Tom, transforming him from a loving husband into a mysterious and potentially dangerous figure. The discovery throws her world into chaos and raises a fundamental question: Who is Tom Keen, and what is he hiding?
The Immediate Aftermath and Questions Raised
Elizabeth’s immediate reaction is one of disbelief and betrayal. She confronts Tom, but his explanations are vague and unconvincing, further fueling her suspicions. This episode ends with Elizabeth desperately seeking answers, setting the stage for a season-long investigation into Tom’s true identity and motivations. The episode marks the true beginning of Elizabeth’s transformation from a naive FBI profiler to a hardened and resourceful agent.
FAQs About Elizabeth and Tom’s Relationship in The Blacklist
Here are some frequently asked questions designed to provide a more in-depth understanding of Elizabeth Keen’s discovery about Tom, and the subsequent impact on The Blacklist.
FAQ 1: What was Elizabeth’s initial reaction after finding the box?
Elizabeth was initially in a state of shock and disbelief. Her reaction ranged from denial, hoping for a simple explanation, to a growing sense of fear and betrayal. She found herself questioning everything she knew about Tom and their relationship.
FAQ 2: How did Tom explain the contents of the box?
Tom offered evasive and unconvincing explanations. He claimed the passports and money were related to a previous undercover assignment, but his lack of detail and nervous demeanor only deepened Elizabeth’s suspicions.
FAQ 3: Did Red know about Tom’s true identity before Elizabeth found the box?
While never explicitly stated at this early stage, Red’s knowledge of Tom’s true identity is strongly implied. His cryptic remarks and subtle hints suggest he was aware of Tom’s clandestine activities and deliberately orchestrated events to bring Elizabeth closer to the truth.
FAQ 4: What impact did this discovery have on Elizabeth’s relationship with Red?
Finding the box significantly strengthened Elizabeth’s connection to Red, albeit reluctantly. She began to rely on him for guidance and information, recognizing his understanding of the criminal underworld and his potential to unravel Tom’s secrets. However, it also increased her mistrust, aware that Red was manipulating her.
FAQ 5: What was Tom’s actual job before Elizabeth discovered the truth?
Before Elizabeth discovered the box, Tom presented himself as a teacher. In reality, he was a highly skilled operative working for various shadowy organizations, often under the direction of individuals like Berlin. His expertise lied in espionage, combat, and deception.
FAQ 6: What were some of the fake identities that Tom possessed?
The box contained passports with various aliases, demonstrating his ability to seamlessly assume different identities. Some examples include Jacob Phelps and Christopher Hargrave, each reflecting a unique background and skillset.
FAQ 7: How did Tom attempt to manipulate Elizabeth after she found the box?
Tom employed various tactics to maintain control and deceive Elizabeth. He used emotional manipulation, playing on her empathy and desire for a normal life. He also attempted to distract her with romantic gestures and promises of a future together, all while concealing his true agenda.
FAQ 8: Did Elizabeth immediately report Tom to the FBI after finding the evidence?
No, Elizabeth did not immediately report Tom to the FBI. She was torn between her duty as an FBI agent and her emotional attachment to Tom. She wanted to believe him, but the evidence was overwhelming. This internal conflict created a complex and compelling storyline.
FAQ 9: What role did Berlin play in Tom’s mission?
Berlin was a crucial figure in Tom’s life. He hired Tom to infiltrate Elizabeth’s life as part of his elaborate plan for revenge against Red. Berlin saw Elizabeth as Red’s weakness and sought to exploit her to inflict maximum pain.
FAQ 10: How did the discovery of Tom’s secrets affect Elizabeth’s emotional state?
The discovery had a profound impact on Elizabeth’s emotional state. She experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, including betrayal, anger, fear, and confusion. She struggled to reconcile the man she loved with the dangerous operative he truly was. This emotional turmoil significantly shaped her character development throughout the series.
FAQ 11: What was the ultimate goal of Tom’s mission in Elizabeth’s life?
Tom’s ultimate goal, initially, was to monitor and report on Elizabeth’s activities to Berlin. He was tasked with gathering information about her connection to Red and exploiting any vulnerabilities she might possess. Over time, however, his feelings for Elizabeth became complicated, blurring the lines of his mission.
FAQ 12: How does the storyline of Elizabeth and Tom’s relationship evolve after the discovery of the box?
After the box is found, the relationship between Elizabeth and Tom becomes a complicated dance of trust and deception. They alternate between periods of reconciliation and conflict, as Elizabeth uncovers more of Tom’s secrets and he attempts to redeem himself. Their bond remains a central focus of the series, constantly evolving and challenging their perspectives.