S5·E10 The Informant

Episode recap

The episode opens with Raymond “Red” Reddington directing the FBI Task Force to pursue a new Blacklister. The target is identified as an individual who exploits a position of authority to sell classified and otherwise sensitive information. Red’s directive sets the investigative agenda for the hour, and the Task Force mobilizes its resources to trace the source of the illicit data flow. The focus on a Blacklister who leverages official power underscores the episode’s exploration of how access to privileged channels can be weaponized for personal gain.

As the search intensifies, special agent Donald Ressler becomes a focal point of internal concern. The investigation reveals that Ressler himself may be vulnerable to exposure, suggesting that the Blacklister’s activities could intersect with his own professional history. The narrative therefore balances the external hunt for the information broker with the internal tension surrounding Ressler’s potential compromise. Throughout the episode, Ressler grapples with the possibility that his past actions might be brought to light, creating a personal stake that runs parallel to the broader mission.

Simultaneously, Elizabeth Keen is shown planning her next move. While the Task Force concentrates on locating the Blacklister, Liz’s storyline shifts toward strategic preparation, indicating that she is positioning herself for forthcoming decisions that could affect her relationship with Red and the wider investigative effort. Her planning is presented as a deliberate response to the evolving circumstances, reflecting her agency within the unfolding drama.

The episode weaves together the pursuit of a high‑level information seller with the personal jeopardy faced by a key member of the team. Red’s leadership, the Task Force’s coordinated effort, Ressler’s exposure risk, and Liz’s calculated preparation each contribute to a tightly interlocked narrative. By the conclusion, the Blacklister remains at large, Ressler’s status remains uncertain, and Liz stands ready to act on the next phase of her plan, leaving the audience with a clear sense of ongoing tension and unresolved threads that will shape subsequent episodes.