The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
FeaturedThe LatestTV

‘Blacklist: Redemption’s’ Edi Gathegi Talks Villainy, Jet Setting, and Moving Up in the World

by Riyad Mammadyarov March 2, 2017
by Riyad Mammadyarov March 2, 2017 0 comments
4.9K

The Knockturnal had the opportunity to sit down with Edi Gathegi of the upcoming NBC spin-off, “Blacklist: Redemption” to discuss his role on the show, his successes and his careening career.

Achieving a spin-off is a rarity. For one, the show has to not only be wildly successful, it has to remain relevant. Most spin-offs occur in a very controlled, static and banal environment. Many think of sitcoms, comedies, game shows and other family television genres. They don’t require the same sort of rigorous plot development, multifaceted characterization or cinematographic prowess. All they need is a laugh-track, a few hapless individuals and a one-dimensional story to get the ball rolling.

Then again, that was before the golden age of television. Now, somber, gritty and realistic television populates the primetime slots, exposing humanistic nuances that previous shows seldom explored. Realism–or television’s version of it–has become the new norm of televisual language. What used to be dictated by escapism has now transitioned to verisimilitude, leading to the creation of dark, conspiratorial TV show like “The Blacklist.” The entertainment appetites of Americans have begun to change, as showcased by “The Blacklist’s” wild commercial and critical success, leaving one to wonder: where to from here?

Blacklist

Wanting to expand the franchise further, NBC had commissioned “Blacklist: Redemption,” a new spin-off to the established series. Starring Famke Janssen, Ryan Eggold and Edi Gathegi among others, “Blacklist: Redemption” tells the story of Halcyon Aegis, a private military company that operates below the radar with a mercenary team of operatives. In a “Suicide Squad”-like fashion, the operatives are the epitome of the anti-hero.

And no other character on the show screams internal conflict like Edi Gathegi’s character, Matias Solomon, a former CIA asset accused of committing war crimes. We had the chance to sit down with the actor to talk about his character’s potential for redemption, his upcoming indie projects and the show’s relevance in today’s world.

Fans Make You Relevant

It often takes a long time to break into Hollywood. It’s a grind that is arduous to say the least. But nothing sounds more like “Hallelujah” being sung by a choir than finding regular work on a television show. Jobs begin popping up, calls are returned and soon enough, you gain the elusive quality of fandom. For Gathegi, this is arguably the greatest asset.

“As an artist you go from job to job and you never know where your path will take you” said the actor. Speaking of his time working on the megahit “Blacklist,” Gathegi explains that “this job has been wonderful because of the support from the viewers.” Gathegi believes that his time on “Blacklist” “kept me relevant, which is always good because you know people were supporting the work and in supporting the work they are finding opportunities for me to get more work.”

Blacklist

The actor went on to add, “I’ve done big budget films, I’ve done cable TV shows, I’ve done network television shows and now I’ve got a handful of independent films, very tiny movies and we are going to put them through the festivals.” This eclectic repertoire means that the actor is “usually flying from one set in New York to Puerto Rico.” It seems the actor has no signs of stopping those opportunities that the fans have bestowed him with.

The Chance to Dive Deeper

Before the launch of “Blacklist: Redemption,” Gathegi’s character was a recurring role. He seldom made regular appearances, save for challenging and exposing the protagonist’s vulnerabilities. There was little room to flush out the nuances of Solomon. But now with this new spin-off, Gathegi has the opportunity to explore his character’s role in the universe that is “Blacklist” to an even greater degree.

Whatever actions Solomon performs, it seems that it is nothing morally reprehensible. “From Solomon’s point of view, business is business, it’s water under the bridge. He had to do what he had to do.” The actor explains that this dynamism from Solomon “makes for a wonderful edge set chemistry and rivalry.” Providing a mild hint, the actor ponders, “who knows, maybe some people might get forgiven,” before interpreting, “I think it’ll go back and forwards.”

Blacklist

On Being the Quintessential Anti-Hero

It’s hard to make a villain likable in a television setting. Viewers need easily digestible psychic roles of the melodramatic sort. Those roles need to be fulfilled and the villain is arguably the most important one to assign. And yet, character complexities have enabled viewers to identify with the wrongdoer lately. From Enoch ‘Nucky’ Thompson on “Boardwalk Empire” to Walter White on “Breaking Bad,” the anti-hero has become the new protagonist. And Gathegi’s role as Solomon on “Redemption” is no different.

“It’s a challenge [to be a villain]. The producers were concerned about that but I think the audiences in a way loved to hate Mr. Solomon,” explained Gathegi. The Twilight star added, “we are bad guys doing bad things but for a good cause. We are the anti-heroes and to that end I think the show is lighter perhaps and has more charm.”

Catch “Blacklist: Redemption” Thursdays at 10/9c on NBC.

Blacklistblacklist redemptionedi gathegiNBC
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Riyad Mammadyarov

I am a graduate of New York University and am currently pursuing my master's degree in cinema studies at the same institution. My passion for films knows no bounds! It warms my heart and inspires zeal to talk movies with fellow cinephiles. Have any questions, comments or just want to chat? Email me at riyad.mamedyarov@gmail.com

previous post
Freezing The Pounds Off With Cryotherapy?
next post
Film Review: ‘Table 19’

Related Posts

Port Sa’id: Restaurant Review

October 30, 2025

Earn Your Leisure Talks Foundation Forward & Financial...

October 29, 2025

Hedda Is The Truth

October 29, 2025

The Pink Agenda’s Annual Gala at Tribeca Rooftop

October 28, 2025

PB Brasserie: Where French Elegance Meets African Soul...

October 28, 2025

A Marvelous Night of Fundraising at Angel Ball

October 28, 2025

pH-1 Knows Exactly What He’s Doing: A Full-Length...

October 28, 2025

W Hotels Hosts the “Whatever Whenever Diner”

October 28, 2025

The Knockturnal’s 2025 Fall Cocktail Round

October 27, 2025

Kathy Hilton Unwraps Her Perfect Holiday Shopping List...

October 27, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

We spoke with @truewhitaker last night at the prem We spoke with @truewhitaker last night at the premiere of @hbomax’s I Love LA!
We spoke with @holtlauren last night at the premie We spoke with @holtlauren last night at the premiere of @hbomax’s I Love LA!
We attended @hellosunshine’s 3rd annual Shine Aw We attended @hellosunshine’s 3rd annual Shine Away event, held at @universalstudioslot in Los Angeles! 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/hello-sunshines-third-annual-shine-away/

✍️: Katherine Wright

-
#HelloSunshine #Universal #LosAngeles
We spoke with @treaclychild last night at the prem We spoke with @treaclychild last night at the premiere of her brand-new show, I Love LA!
Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch