‘Blacklist’ Sneak Peek Is a Beautiful Goodby to Tracker Glenn Carter, aka the Late Clark Middleton
When The Blacklist actor Clark Middleton, who played DMV employee and tracker associate Glen Carter, died at age 63 last fall, his colleagues were shattered.
“Clark’s death was just devastating news,” executive producer Jon Bokenkamp tells TV Insider. “I loved that guy, I loved writing for his character … we became good friends.” They had just finished writing a “really fun episode for him,” he says, when he passed.
So, they honored him instead. TV Insider’s exclusive clip from the February 12 episode shows how they address his death head on, choosing not to pretend that Glen “Jellybean” Carter had quit or left town.
“The episode is a tribute to the character and an actor we all loved,” says Bokenkamp.
In the clip above, Red Reddington (James Spader) and Dembe (Hisham Tawfiq), after being asked by Glen’s mother to come to her house, quickly learn — to Red’s immense shock — that Glen had died of the West Nile virus, as did Middleton in real life.
Virginia Sherwood/NBC
Glen’s mother Paula (Marylouise Burke), though, to whom the news is not new, babbles on about the memorial, and tells her visitors they must come to the potluck party held at the Maryland DMV where he was a proud regional manager. She also hands Red a letter Glen has left for him, under his assumed name.
“The show will never be the same without Jelly Bean Carter,” Bokenkamp says. “But one thing is for sure: The footprint that Clark Middleton left on The Blacklist is a big one.”
Watch the clip to see what happens, and be sure to watch the episode with a box of tissues.
The Blacklist, Fridays, 8/7c, NBC
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C
I just finished watching and what a great tribute. James Spader was great getting all worked up that he died, thinking he was being pranked as their relationship was. Absolutely the best tribute/send off I have ever watched.
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B
What a great guy ,will be sadly missed
36 1
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G
A very heartfelt tribute to Glen, James Spader actually had moisture in his eyes for his friend. Beautifully done, mr. Bokencamp. KUDOES TO ALL!!!
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G
This is the best show on tv .And this episode was very touching and James did great job in showing emotions that he never shows
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B
We really enjoyed Jellybean & he will be missed dearly.
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P
That was a nice tribute!
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G
Just another example of why this has been the best show on television for years.
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O
Beautifully done.
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O
"bring tissues" yes, I should have...touching, funny and real all at once, what a wonderful tribute the entire cast and writers did for Mr. Middleton. Rest in peace, Jelly Bean❤️
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G
So missed
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G
I really enjoyed the episode where a tribute to Glen. I loved that character. The only other thing is what is going on with Liz? When is Redmond going to give her the answers, she wants.
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P
The tribute left me Speechless, what a beautiful way to say good bye to a colleague and friend.
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G
I loved Glen. Beautiful tribute. Well done.
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O
Incredibly touching episode with a surprise celebrity guest...so very well done!!
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P
A terrific tribute to Glen. Lewis and Spader were great.
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C
Excellent episode honoring both the man and the character. Emmy worthy for both Spader and Lewis.
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R
Loved it! It was both sad and kind of "funny" at the same time. Watching Reddington steal Jellybean's ashes, then his moving details of talking about his friend. Very well done. I will definitely miss Jellybean.
This is definitely one of the best shows I have watched in years...keep up the good work.
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A wonderful tribute to Jellybean
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G
Thoroughly enjoyed the episode and the tribute to Glen. Mr. Spader is truly a gifted artist and one of our treasures. The writers made us all laugh and cry. Kudos.
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G
Wonderful tribute...I enjoy watching his character he made me laugh the way he was able to interact with Mr. Reddington Was hilarious I can’t believe he’s gone sleep peacefully jellybean
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O
What a tribute, never seen anything like this and it pulled my heartstrings. Class Act Blacklist Creators and Staff and RIP Glen you will surely be missed.
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G
Very classy....great tribute to a great actor
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C
סדרה נפלאה ושחקנים מהשורה הראשונה. צר שנפטר.
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B
Great tribute.
Always liked Glen and his attitude and how he was to the end the only one to stand up to Spader.
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O
Just got done watching last night you get caught up in the show and then realize that the man and the character really pass. Going to miss you Jelly Bean
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B
R.I.P Glen....you really are missed in our screens.....i hope you now relaxing on the other side and making people you have met there laugh and be hopeful just like you did this side....
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G
James Spader is such a great actor. With Keen being so crazy and manipulative of everyone she used to work wkth, James is the only reason for me to watch this show. Love love him since the first episode!!!
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G
Beautifully done. With the dark tones that the show has been exploring lately, it is a stark reminder of how high the show can soar when it shifts into 'caper' mode. The discussion between Red and Huey was sublime, coming shortly after Red is visibly shaken by the news of Glen's 'transition'. Add to that another strong performance by Amir Arison's Aram. The only disappointment was the completely unsurprising turn for Agent Park.
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C
Wonderful tribute to a very funny, and likable man. Will miss Glen, and his antics. Prayers for his family.