James Spader lands lead role in NBC drama

Even a horrible stay in Scranton could not scare NBC off of James Spader.

Spader, who appeared on The Office as Robert California, has landed the lead role in a new spy drama pilot at the Peacock. Titled The Blacklist, the program will feature Spader as Raymond "Red" Reddington, the world's most-wanted criminal. For an unknown reason, Red gives himself up and turns himself in, while also offering to give up everyone he has ever worked with.  Interesting.

Red only offers this if he can work with Liz Keen (Blue Blood's Megan Boone), a new FBI agent that he has no connection with - or no connection that is obvious.

Red is a former Army intelligence officer who went AWOL. From there, he facilitated the sale of information - showing no allegiance beyond who could offer him the most money. 

In addition to Spader and Boone, 90210's Ryan Eggold is attached to the project as Liz's husband Tom, an easy-going guy who has a secret he keeps from his lovely wife. 

The project is being written by Jon Bokenkamp (Perfect Stranger). He will executive produce with John Fox, John Davis and John Eisendrath. Apparently you have to be a Jon to be involved with this. If the pilot goes to series (which I think it will), Eisendrath will be the showrunner.

This...this sounds really good.