The man of mystery

> Actor Ryan Eggold sheds some light on the multi-layered and enigmatic character that he plays on The Blacklist

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However, it is his role in The Blacklist ( top) that really put him on the map. Fans have always been left wondering if Tom is essentially a good guy, or a bad guy pretending to be a good guy. Eggold has this to say about his character: “In season one, when Tom was at the height of not being a good guy, I remember having dinner with [costar] Megan [at a restaurant]. “These two women came up [to our table] and gave me a stern talking to on how to treat Liz, and that was pretty funny.” In the world of television, the dead don’t always stay dead, so will there still be a chance for his character to return? Eggold says: “You know, I think it is really a tragic and fitting end to his story, because he started out as this spy and assassin who did not have anything else in his life besides his work. I think when he met Liz, everything changed for him.

“He developed real feelings, a conscience, and a heart. He was on a journey to becoming a better man, father and husband.

“I think he went down swinging for what he believed in, and what he loved.

“I think the writers did a good job in reinventing him, and letting him evolve over the season.

“Ultimately, he’s achieved what was initially impossible for him, which was human relationships.”

Eggold’s character is so popular that he was featured in a spin-off called The Blacklist: Redemption earlier this year, which lasted only eight episodes.

The series revolved around Tom and his quest to find the truth about his parents. Many fans were disappointed when it did not get a season two.

“I was disappointed too. I would have loved to do another season,” admits Eggold. “It was fun though and even though it has ended, I was glad to be a part of it.”

He also praises the writers of The Blacklist, and how they have kept the viewers hooked.

“I think the writers are good craftsmen and women who give us pieces of a larger puzzle every time. Each time you discover a piece of the puzzle, the story changes perspective.

“I think in season five, they are heading towards that ultimate truth that [Reddington] has been hiding in the series.”

When asked what it was like working with someone like Spader, Eggold says he learned the importance of being present in the moment.

“Language is important, and the words you say are chosen for a reason. Also, to find the best way to deliver what that scene is supposed to.”

Eggold has just wrapped up filming a movie directed by Spike Lee called Black Klansman, based on the true story of Ron Stallworth, a black man who managed to infiltrate the Klu Klux Klan.

Eggold plays Klansman Walter Breachway, who unwittingly recruits Stallworth.

Speaking of his character in the film, Eggold said: “I look very different in it. It is a very ugly character inside and out.”

While The Blacklist fans will be sad to see Eggold eventually leaving the series for good, it’s clear that things are going to get only better for the talented actor.

The fifth season of The Blacklist will return on Thursday at 10pm on AXN Asia (Astro channels 701/ 721).