What I’m Watching: Blindspot

Blindspot: Season 1, Episode 8 “Persecute Envoys” (B)

Here we got some important background on how the relationship between Bethany and Carter developed in relation to their illicit work together, and we also found out more about Bethany’s personal life than I ever would have expected. I recognized her girlfriend Sophia from Sarita Choudhury’s time spent as Saul’s wife Mira on “Homeland,” and her she was considerably steelier whenever she wasn’t romancing her new friend and lover. Learning that she committed suicide helps to explain why Bethany has become so hardened, although it’s also clear that she was least behind the activities they were doing, which means defending them to a furious Kurt isn’t easy. It’s intriguing to see that the latest tattoo is all about a corruption case and doesn’t actually have anything to do with killings, although those did start before the team got on to the scent. The notion of police blackmailing people, criminals and not, based on surveillance that turned up secret things, is disconcerting, and this show’s incorporation of police brutality was just the tipping point. I would say that this is probably one of the strongest episodes this show has aired yet, ending with a nice personal moment of interaction with Jane, Tasha, and Patterson going out to a bar and trying to figure out what Jane’s drink was. This episode provided a nice spotlight on Tasha, who hasn’t been much of a prominent character up until now. It’s nice to see that a show with such a fascinating central player is committed to making its ensemble dynamic and complex too.