The last time television viewers saw a protagonist covered in tattoos was for Michael Scofield in "Prison Break." He's male, and he clearly knew what he was doing. "Blindspot" premiered its pilot episode on NBC last night, introducing another tattoo-clad hero. She's female, and she has no idea who she is, or how she got her ink.
The first episode opens with a large canvas bag in the middle of Time Square. There's a note attached to it that reads, "Call the FBI." Just as a bomb squad officer is about to investigate, the bag zips open and a naked woman completely covered in tattoos emerges. Jaimie Alexander (Thor, Agents of SHIELD) shines in her first starring role as Jane Doe, our protagonist who is as lost and confused as the viewers. She doesn't know her identity, why her body is inked head to toe, and how she got in the bag.
She sees the words "Kurt Weller" tattooed on her back, but she quickly discovers that no, it's not her name. Coincidentally, it's the name of the FBI agent who is assigned to her case. Agent Weller, played by Sullivan Stapleton (Strike Back), soon cracks that the tattoos are actually codes -- clues embedded on her body that tell them about past crimes and those that are yet to be committed. Jane Doe and Agent Weller team up to crack one code, but the episode closes with the biggest question of all still left unanswered. Who is Jane Doe?
Thrilling, action-packed, with a hint of possible romance, "Blindspot" is definitely an exciting addition to late prime viewing.
Ken Tucker, critic-at-large for Yahoo! TV, gave a largely positive review based on the show's pilot episode. "It's a show that people are going to have strong opinions about, and you'll want to make up your own mind. Curiosity-factor and feminism-test: It's an unbeatable combo," he stated.
Showbiz Junkies rated the show a B, stating, "Hopefully, 'Blindspot' can keep up the level of intensity it established in the pilot throughout the season. Based solely on the pilot, 'Blindspot' is a compelling drama worth checking out."
The entertainment site also praised Jaimie Alexander's outstanding acting, calling it "completely convincing" and "compelling."
"Alexander brings a depth and realism to the character that pulls the audience in. Alexander's role is physically demanding as it turns out Jane's background involves some combat training. There are multiple layers to Alexander's performance in the pilot and surely more to come as Jane figures out what she's capable of," the site stated.
The actress, who also starred as Lady Sif in the "Thor" movies, recently told MTV that the job is physically challenging, but she's thrilled to be playing the role. She hinted at what could happen in the next episodes. "Each episode is so fast. There's so much going on. Each episode is so explosive. It's not your average procedural at all," the actress said.
"Blindspot" airs 10 p.m. Mondays on NBC.
