NBC’s long-running series “The Blacklist” came to an end on Thursday night with a double-episode finale that drew in a large audience. The first part of the finale attracted 2.7 million total viewers, while the second part brought in 2.5 million viewers. Both episodes received a 0.2 rating.
*Spoiler Alert* The finale saw the demise of James Spader’s character, Raymond Reddington. The criminal mastermind, who was dealing with a relapsed deadly illness, met his end when he was mowed down by a bull in a field in Spain. Interestingly, the Task Force, who were once after Reddington, were the ones assigned to hunt him down in the finale.
The ending was foreshadowed in an earlier episode this season when Reddington spoke about a matador named Manolete, whom he admired for his willingness to take risks. In an interview with the Associated Press, James Spader expressed his satisfaction with the series’ ending, stating that they were able to end it exactly as they wanted. He described the ending as having conviction and completing a circle.
However, the finale left one central mystery unanswered – the true identity of Raymond Reddington. Throughout the series, there were hints that Reddington might be the late Elizabeth Keene’s mother, Katarina Rostova, but this theory was never explicitly confirmed. Showrunner John Eisendrath had previously stated that he wanted viewers to know who Reddington really was, but it seems that someone overruled him, leaving the truth as mysterious as the character himself.
“The Blacklist” aired for ten seasons and has been a popular show for NBC. The finale drew in a significant audience, making it one of the highest-rated episodes of the season. Fans of the series will now have to come to terms with the unanswered questions and the conclusion of this long-running crime drama.
Source: TV Line
How did the series finale of “The Blacklist” leave fans feeling and what were some of the key moments that stood out?
NBC’s beloved series “The Blacklist” wrapped up its ten-season run last night with a jaw-dropping double-episode finale that left fans buzzing. Drawing in a massive audience, the first part of the finale pulled in 2.7 million eager viewers, with the second part captivating 2.5 million. Both episodes achieved a solid 0.2 rating, solidifying the show’s appeal.
**Warning: Major Spoilers Ahead** The finale bid a bittersweet farewell to James Spader’s enigmatic character, Raymond Reddington. As the criminal genius battled a recurring, life-threatening illness, viewers watched in shock as he met his end in the most unexpected way – being trampled by a bull in a picturesque Spanish field. What’s more surprising is that the very Task Force that had spent years chasing Reddington was tasked with hunting him down in the final moments.
The seeds of Reddington’s fate were ingeniously sown in an earlier episode this season when he shared his admiration for a legendary matador named Manolete, known for his unyielding courage. In an interview with the Associated Press, James Spader expressed his delight with the series’ ending, emphasizing that it concluded exactly as they had envisioned. He described it as a testament to their conviction and an act of closing a perfect narrative loop.
But as fans revel in the thrilling conclusion, there remains one burning question left unanswered – the true identity of Raymond Reddington. Throughout the series, subtle clues teased the possibility that Reddington was, in fact, the late Elizabeth Keene’s mother, Katarina Rostova. However, this tantalizing theory was never definitively confirmed, puzzling both fans and showrunner John Eisendrath, who had previously expressed his desire to reveal Reddington’s true self. It seems that, for reasons unknown, someone intervened, leaving the truth as enigmatic as the character himself.
Over its impressive ten-season run, “The Blacklist” has captured the hearts of fans worldwide and became a flagship show for NBC. The finale’s immense viewership only solidifies its status as a beloved crime drama. As fans grapple with the unanswered questions and the end of an era, they can take solace in the fact that “The Blacklist” will forever hold a prominent place in television history.
James Spader’s portrayal of Raymond “Red” Reddington in The Blacklist has captivated viewers for years. As the series comes to a close, it’s no surprise that fans are craving answers to the many mysteries that have been woven throughout the show. Although the finale may leave some questions unanswered, Spader’s talent and the unforgettable journey of The Blacklist will always be remembered.