In media, there is this concept of a "broad appeal". The more appealing the show is to a large number of people, the more it is watched, the more money it makes. It comes down to a game of numbers. This is why you get a bit of romance, a bit of comedy, a bit of action so it captures a large spectrum across the general demographic.
Well ... The Blacklist did not started this way. It started as a good, even amazing thriller. It wasn't everyone's cup of tea. Violent, with a sociopath in the middle stage, with too many things that are politically incorrect. In other words, it wasn't right for many people but for a few, including me, it seemed very appealing.
Then it slowly got a broader appeal up to the point that now is stupid. The first season was amazing. The second season was OK but very by the numbers. The third season is a joke. I've finished watching the season finale a few minutes ago and I feel that the scriptwriters hit their head.
It is the same thing that happened with The Walking Dead. It started alright and then it become a soap opera. This is what the Blacklist is now, a soap-opera, with no style, no substance, only strategic punches to make you want to get completion. Too bad. At first it was Hannibal meets 24, now it feels like "Days of our lives". If you want to enjoy the show, stick to season 1. Don't worry, the story doesn't actually move a lot further. If you want a borefest, watch season 3.
You've been warned.