Mindless Action Is This Program’s Blindspot

Written by PTC | Published September 12, 2015

An intriguing premise is undermined by too much violence. FBI agent Kurt Weller is confronted with a conundrum: a mysterious, amnesiac Jane Doe whose memory has been erased, and whose body is covered in tattoos…including one of Weller’s name. The two soon discover that one tattoo on “Jane’s” body points to an impending act of terrorism. Seeking to uncover clues to her forgotten identity, “Jane” joins Weller’s team…and discovers that she possesses odd skills, including translating obscure dialects and incredible combat prowess. Weller and “Jane” join forces: he, motivated by a desire to use the “treasure map” of her tattoos to foil future crimes; she, to discover her past. Blindspot has an intriguing premise; and, especially in the early parts of the premiere episode, series star Jaimie Alexander convincingly conveys how devastating and terrifying being completely without one’s memories and identity would be. Unfortunately, these fine character moments, and the mystery behind them, are soon shoved aside in favor of a hefty quota of mindless action á la The Player: car chases, crashes, gun shots, people threatened by knives to the throat, senseless beatings (some administered by heroine “Jane”), and similar violence abound. Once again, to set the plot in motion a woman has been victimized; but at least this time, she’s not a helpless plot device, but is instead an active participant in her own story. Essentially a low-grade Bourne Identity with body art and a female lead, Blindspot is likely too violent for children, but may interest undemanding spy genre fans. Blindspot premieres Monday, September 21^st at 10:00 p.m. Eastern on NBC.