"The Blacklist" season 2 episode 9 is set to air next year, but with the show's return comes new plots and new villains to keep Red (James Spader) busy. By the way, season 2 will air on Thursday nights when it returns, not Monday nights anymore. Now that's out of the way, here's what viewers can expect for the next episode: 

Season 2 episode 8 showed the death of Berlin. This means that since the major villain has died, there's surely another one on the way. According to TV Guide, Ron Perlman from "Sons of Anarchy" will be playing Luther Braxton, an international thief set to be the show's "next mega criminal" who is fond of chaos and diversions.  Thief he may be, but he is so precise that he plans his crimes well ahead of time, for months or even years. 

The last episode also saw the death of Alan Fitch (Alan Alda).  Before Fitch met his demise, he asked Red about the Fulcrum. He also mentioned that something will go down in 2017 and then he gave Red a combination for a safe located in St. Petersburg. What will happen in 2017? Could the contents of the safe hold the answer? 

Entertainment Weekly reported that the Fulcrum is also the target of a person on the Blacklist. Further, the site reported that Liz (Megan Boone) is somewhat connected to the Fulcrum. And when Red tries to get a hold of it, he will have to protect Liz even if it means risking his life. 

Meanwhile, there's also a new casting notice for a character named Jasper. According to TV Line, only star names will be accommodated for the role. Jasper is 50 years old and will be the director of the National Clandestine Services. He will head "a multi-national group that runs the worlds' most powerful figures." 

"The Blacklist" season 2 episode 9 airs on Feb. 1, 2015.