(Photo by: Fernando Marrero/ SONY/ NBC)
This week, The Blacklist wrapped its run on NBC after 10 seasons and 218 episodes. Star James Spader recently spoke about ending the series after a decade playing Raymond “Red” Reddington.
Starring Spader, Diego Klattenhoff, Hisham Tawfiq, Anya Banerjee, and Harry Lennix, the NBC drama followed Reddington as he worked as an FBI informant in New York City.
Spader said the following about The Blacklist, per USA Today:
“I really felt like this was complete and I loved how it really completed a circle, in a way. It wasn’t just an unbroken line from point A to point Z, but it was a circle of sorts.
I would not be as curious about a show that was either just a drama or a show that was just a comedy. I felt that it was sort of nice that this show was very, very intense and brutal at times and then, at other times, very irreverent and sometimes very emotional.”
He also spoke about his popular character:
“He’s a scary monster and people like him. He inhabits the whole world, he really does. He lives in it and he really loves it. And he loves life. I guess one would understand the value of life if one has to take it every so often.
He’s someone who would show reason and caution but he was never fearful of anything. That sort of combination, I think, is compelling for people when faced with so much in one’s life and the world around you.
I think there’s something compelling, I guess, in losing yourself in a story, going on a ride along with someone, not fearful of whatever might be around the next corner or what might be across that threshold that you’re just about to cross.”
NBC also released its look-back video featuring Spader. Check that out below.
What do you think? Are you a fan of The Blacklist? Are you happy with how the story wrapped up? Did you want to see another season of the NBC drama?
I was hoping Red could have survived somehow, so that maybe they could do another season! Sure gonna miss this show! Disappointed in Ressler for being so cold-hearted – never could really like his character.
Who would of thought that Redington would be killed by a freaking BULL . I was certainly surprised that he wasn’t killed in a shootout
It was brilliant in a way though. Red knew he was dying from whatever terminal illness he had. He also knew that he could have been captured at any time. So his options were to die slowly from disease, probably in prison. Or to go in a shootout… possibly at the hands of the people he had worked with for the last 10 years… he didn’t really want to put his death on their hands (even though Ressler probably would have enjoyed shooting him) Given those options, a quick death by bull makes sense. The bull isn’t going to be… Read more »
What a perfect show red did a great job this show will truly be missed just wish it had a better ending and red got away
I’m gonna miss you, Red. Watched every episode. Not surprised by the ending — I knew you would go out in an “unusual “ and surprising way! Miss you forever. What will James do now?
I live in the UK so we have not seen the end of the season yet. But I am extremely sad that it is coming to an end. James Spader has been utterly brilliant at being the caring, murdering, manipulative menace that everyone seems to want to maime or kill.
I wish him the very best in everything he does in the future. I like most women fell in love with him as the gentle hearted Daniel in Stargate.
Wishing him a happy and healthy life x
Will most definitely miss The Blacklist and James Spader’s portrayal of Raymond Reddington. He put such life into the character. I think Red was one of the most fascinating characters I’ve ever seen. It was inevitable that he die in the end and what better way to go then in a last stand with another strong force. The way Red stood, looking eye to eye with a another living breathing “beast of strength” – much better than at the hands of a mere mortal man. So long Red, was great getting to know you. Thank you James Spader for breathing… Read more »
Just watched the double header finale, and having watched every epusode for 10yrs we were very disappointed by the ending it just didn’t feel right.
After 10yrs of guessing I finally got the episode number right, ironically on the finale.
We’ll miss you Red.
Liked the show, watched every episode over the 10 years. Next to last show was great, finale was very disappointing to me. Not that Reddington died, by a bull? Would have thought they could have come up with a better ending.
I loved this show
Always great story lines and absolutely fantastic cast
James Spader such a terrific actor
Why it never nominated for reward
I’ve watched from beginning
I loved the Blacklist. He said at the beginning on Jimmy Fallon, in case it didn’t get renewed…”well you always have the Pilot”
Incredible character. Criminal, but you developed a soft spot in your heart for him. Guess the bull had to win in the end. No sequel… well bye bye Red. It was a great 10 years
Loved the Blacklist!! I only wish Reddington could have survived!!
I’m a big fan – watched it for 10 years. I did not like the ending at all – I’m sure Red was dying and I would have preferred them to end it with his death but not by a bull.
Hate to see it end
Wish they would have had one more episode with a reading of the will. Who is getting lots of stuff.
Loved the series finale!