Significant Work #3: The Blacklist

Context & Significance

NBC’s The Blacklist was a long-running, critically acclaimed crime thriller that consistently engaged audiences with its high-stakes narratives and morally complex characters. Starring James Spader, the series was known for its sharp writing and intense performances. My work as a Top of Show Guest Star and eponymous Blacklister marked a pivotal shift in my television career, highlighting my ability to bring character depth to the high-stakes and often superficial world of network drama.

My Role & Artistic Contribution

I played Benjamin Okara, a conflicted scientist whose expertise in weaponized sonic technology placed him at the center of an intricate moral and ethical dilemma. The role required me to balance the intellectual rigor of a brilliant but ethically compromised character with the emotional weight of a man grappling with the consequences of his work. Because it was a crime thriller, the role required a willingness to jump into the stunts—I drove and crashed a van, used a high-tech weapon to murder former colleagues, and made several high-stakes escapes, all while battling a crippling neurological disease. This performance was an opportunity to explore the tension between intellect, morality, and survival in an action-driven narrative.

Initially imagined as an African immigrant, I booked the part intending to play the role with a Nigerian dialect. However, on our first day on set, the director decided to take the character in a different direction, requiring me to pivot on the spot. The demands of network television require an actor to make bold choices within a limited timeframe. Unlike theater, where rehearsals allow for deep exploration, or film, where performances are sculpted in post-production, television actors must deliver layered performances with efficiency and precision. Working on The Blacklist sharpened my ability to analyze scripts quickly, make decisive character choices, and adjust to the rapid pacing of television production.

Creative Challenges & Process

One of the biggest challenges was crafting a nuanced performance in an episodic format, where guest characters have limited screen time to establish depth. My approach was to ground Okara’s intelligence and internal conflict in subtext and controlled physicality, ensuring that every moment on screen carried dramatic weight. Given the show’s intricate plotting, I had to balance exposition-heavy dialogue with emotional authenticity, building tension while serving the larger narrative.

Working opposite several of the series regulars—Amir Arison, Diego Klattenhoff, and Hisham Tawfiq—demanded a level of responsiveness and adaptability that pushed my craft. I enjoyed the challenge of doing my own stunts, navigating the technical demands (operating a brain-scrambling device and a bomb), and matching my co-stars’ intensity while maintaining my own character’s integrity. The fact that we shot this 15-day television production in the shadow of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic made it an even more rewarding challenge. This experience reinforced my ability to adjust in real time to scene partners, directors, and the fast-paced nature of network television.

Reception & Impact

     • My episode, Benjamin T. Okara (No. 183), was well-received and played a critical role in the season’s unfolding narrative. 2.94 Million viewers live view.

     • The Blacklist has been a consistently high-rated NBC series, with a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its performances and storytelling.

     • My work on this show reinforced my presence in the television industry, leading to further opportunities in high-profile projects such as P-Valley.

Connection to My Research & Teaching

This experience has been invaluable to my teaching, particularly in courses focused on screen acting, on-camera technique, and audition preparation. Working on The Blacklist provided deeper insight into:

     • The differences between stage and screen performance and how actors must adapt to each medium.

     • The importance of economy in storytelling, where every moment on screen must be intentional.

     • The necessity of collaborative responsiveness, particularly when working with established actors and fast-moving production environments.

My time on The Blacklist continues to inform my pedagogy, particularly in helping students develop camera awareness, script analysis, and adaptability in professional environments.

Why This Work is Significant in My Portfolio

My performance in The Blacklist represents a key moment in my on-screen career, solidifying my ability to navigate complex characters, high-stakes storytelling, and the rigorous demands of television production. It stands as an example of my ability to craft compelling performances in network television’s fast-paced, high-expectation environment while contributing to my broader exploration of morality, power, and agency in contemporary narratives.