Every year, several new shows make their debut, but only a few manage to surprise you. In 2013, it was NBC’s The Blacklist starring James Spader that made television aficionados take note, and in 2014 that honour went to the superhero show, The Flash.

This year the show that has taken the television world by storm and surprise is Blindspot. From the shocking opening scene, to the gripping mid-season finale, here is a show that keeps you engrossed and engaged all the way. There are twists and turns at every corner and nearly every character has a skeleton in the closet.

Amnesia with a twist

An amnesiac Jane (Jaimie Alexander) is found in a duffle bag in the heart of New York City’s Times Square, covered in nothing but tattoos. Enter: the FBI. Special Agent Kurt Weller (Sullivan Stapleton) is assigned to investigate the case. Sounds simple? The twist is that Weller’s name is tattooed on Jane Doe’s body along with many, many other, inexplicable things. By the end of the pilot episode, the viewers discover that Jane Doe has no memory of who she is but she is skilled in combat, and can speak multiple languages. Her skills equip her to join the FBI team.

And yes, the tattoos on her body are somehow related to crimes that take place in America. Who erased Jane’s memory? Who is she and where does she come from? Is she a Navy SEAL or a terrorist from an enemy country? To find answers, all you have to do is to watch the series.

Chemistry matters

Jaimie Alexander’s name may appear after Sullivan Stapleton in the credits but she is the real star of Blindspot. The actress, who is well-known for her roles in the Thor movies, has changed her appearance in a drastic fashion to really get into the skin of her character.

As the story develops, we learn that with no memory, Jane Doe has flashbacks during her stay at the safe house. Whenever she is close to finding out more about her identity, a tragic event will occur. As a result, she is left with memories that make no sense. And it has to be said that Jaimie Alexander plays the character so convincingly that she would make Jason Bourne look fake. Sullivan Stapleton excels as the FBI Agent who believes Jane is part of the bigger picture. He is excellent as the no-nonsense Special Agent and in one of the episodes even dons a tuxedo, which presents his case of ‘the next James Bond’ in the best possible way. The chemistry between the leading pair is what makes the plot more interesting; they both trust each other and share incredible chemistry.

Brilliant support cast

This show is not just another police procedural. It has all the elements that make a good show great. Not only are the characters diversified and well-cast, they are mysterious at the same time. While FBI’s Forensic Science Unit head Patterson (Ashley Johnson) bonds with Jane after her initial adventures, Agent Edgar Reade (Rob Brown) has issues with the ‘civilian’. Agent Natasha "Tasha" Zapata (Audrey Esparza) plays the good-cop as well as the dirty-cop simultaneously whereas Assistant Director Bethany Mayfair (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) has a deep dark secret, which is unveiled in flashbacks. All the actors play their characters convincingly and one hopes that the tempo at which the story is moving continues in the future episodes.

Break with a bang!

Hardly does one come across a series that gets renewed almost as soon as the first few episodes are aired. Blindspot was renewed for a second season due to its strong ratings, enchanting plot and suspense quotient that makes waiting all the more difficult. The show is now on a mid-season break and will return next year but trust me, the cliff hanger mid-season finale will blow your mind. If you are looking for answers about Jane Doe and her past, go through the first ten episodes and by the time the series returns, you will count yourself amongst those who believe in ‘good things come to those who wait.’ Just wait!

Omair Alavi is a freelance journalist and can be contacted at omair78@gmail.com