More than just black-and-white

The Blacklist actor Diego Klattenhoff talks to us about the show, his character and more!

The Blacklist is a show we all know because of James Spader’s presence in it but the fast-paced plot does not disappoint as well. Diego Klattenhoff (who has previously starred in Homeland, Pacific Rim and Mean Girls) plays seasoned FBI agent Donald Ressler in the show and is enjoying every minute of it.

Are you enjoying this season Yes, absolutely. I think that the way the season starts is great. Ressler’s journey through the first two seasons saw him starting off looking at the world in black and white and being in pursuit of Reddington for five years. Then, to come into contact with Reddington and then even having him donate a few pints of blood my way — you just see all these different shades of grey.

When you auditioned did you always know how morally complex things were going to get for you You just have to have faith in the fact that the script was as good as it was. You never can tell how they’re going to explore it over the time that you’re on the show. As much as you want to beg them, you just don’t know who’s pulling those strings at a studio network level or in the writer’s room — you’re just hoping one of them is the champion for you.

What drew you to the show You read the script and you get carried away— that’s the first thing. Like reading Mean Girls or Homeland — you go down the rabbit hole while you’re reading it. Certain scripts you read and this world is just dropped on top of you and you’re completely surrounded, trying to make sense of it. Certain shows you read in pilot season aren’t really great — you know it’s really good for four episodes and then its toast but we have characters that can have their own show!

How is it working with James Spader I love James, he’s terrific. I mean, David Strathairn was on set yesterday. Any time you can work with these guys you want to pinch yourself — then you really sit up and pay attention and burn it into your memory because that’s the pinnacle. Since day one with James I’ve wanted to really pay attention. He just makes everybody raise their game. I’ve been really fortunate to work with some great people but this is an experience you want to go on and on.