A Major Blacklist Character Is Coming Back

The Blacklist has given audiences lots of twists in its run, with the past two seasons being particularly full of surprises. Since this is the kind of life that constantly follows Red Reddington, it won't come to a halt anytime soon, and an upcoming episode will bring with it the shocking return of Susan Blommaert's perma-survivor Mr. Kaplan. And not only will we get to find out what her situation has been since we last saw her earlier this season, but we'll learn more about Red's second banana then ever before.

Fans of The Blacklist sadly won't get their updates on the absent character in the super-near future, as Mr. Kaplan obviously can't return until the NBC drama does, and that's not happening until the middle of April. But take comfort in knowing that her comeback will be worth the wait, as it appears an entire episode's runtime will be devoted to The Tumultuous Tale Of Mr. Kaplan: Origins. The tightly focused episode will delve into Mr. Kaplan's past, and how she and Red first became partners in crime, so you know some fascinating details are going to emerge from it all. Just seeing the two characters reconnecting onscreen will be an intense treat.

mr kaplan blacklist

(Image credit: Photo courtesy of NBC)

In fact, star Megan Boone told TV Guide that the episode will make several big reveals about our central characters, with a specifically "surprising" secret coming out involving how Red, Liz and Mr. Kaplan are all connected. Fans know that The Blacklist has few mysteries and secrets as large and looming as who Liz's parents are. There's no telling at this point whether or not Mr. Kaplan has a big role to play in the bloodline, but that line of theorizing certainly gains a little ground now as we wait for the show's return.

When Mr. Kaplan was shot in the face last year, everything kind of changed on The Blacklist once again, beyond the fact that Red's motivations were unclear, since that's always the case. The incident is what caused one of Red's own group to attempt to poison him as not to befall the same fate of Kaplan. And with her return, there is a very good possibility that others will also find their way back into Red's personal bubble. Let's just hope nobody bursts that bubble under precarious circumstances.

With a recent appearance from Star Trek vet Brent Spiner to boast, The Blacklist will return for the remainder of its Season 4 run on Thursday, April 20, at 9 p.m. ET. In its absence, the spinoff The Blacklist: Redemption airs in the same timeslot. Head to our midseason premiere schedule to see what's coming to the small screen before and after Mr. Kaplan's big return.

Nick Venable
Assistant Managing Editor

Nick is a Cajun Country native and an Assistant Managing Editor with a focus on TV and features. His humble origin story with CinemaBlend began all the way back in the pre-streaming era, circa 2009, as a freelancing DVD reviewer and TV recapper.  Nick leapfrogged over to the small screen to cover more and more television news and interviews, eventually taking over the section for the current era and covering topics like Yellowstone, The Walking Dead and horror. Born in Louisiana and currently living in Texas — Who Dat Nation over America’s Team all day, all night — Nick spent several years in the hospitality industry, and also worked as a 911 operator. If you ever happened to hear his music or read his comics/short stories, you have his sympathy.