The Shocking End of ‘The Blacklist’: Fates of All Main Characters Revealed

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Over a span of 10 years, starting in 2013 and concluding in 2023, the gripping crime-thriller series “The Blacklist” unfolded on NBC. This show kept viewers captivated as they followed the main character, Raymond Reddington, played by James Spader, who used his exceptional criminal intuition and ethically ambiguous tactics to assist the FBI in apprehending the most dangerous criminals from the infamous list that gave the series its name. The cast also included Megan Boone as Liz Keen, Amir Arison as Aram Mojtabai, Hisham Tawfiq as Dembe Zuma, Harry Lennix as Harold Cooper, and Ryan Eggold as Tom Keen.

The intriguing enigma surrounding Ray, the lead character, and his captivating interactions with other task force members played a significant role in keeping audiences hooked. However, those who stopped watching after the final episode or simply haven’t thought about it since then might be curious about what eventually happened to these characters. Here’s a recap of how The Blacklist concluded, detailing where each major character ended up in the series finale.

What Happened to Liz Keen?

A significant part of the TV series revolves around the FBI recruiting Ray, a brilliant crook, to assist them in capturing the criminals from the blacklist. Moreover, the narrative emphasizes the complex dynamic between Ray and FBI profiler Liz. From the outset, Ray insisted on collaborating with Liz, sparking curiosity among viewers about their potential bond and the reasons behind his strong feelings for her. Throughout the 10 seasons, the writers subtly dropped hints about their connection without providing a clear explanation, leaving it up to the audience to piece together the puzzle.

Regrettably, before I could figure out why Ray seemed so intrigued by me, my life came to an abrupt end at the hands of a hired gun, serving as retribution for someone that Ray had eliminated earlier on. My narrative concluded at the end of Season 8, a full two seasons prior to the series’ finale. Given the frequent occurrence of dangerous criminals using characters like me to seek revenge on Ray throughout the show, my demise wasn’t completely unexpected – but the loss of such a pivotal character as myself was undoubtedly disheartening for many viewers. My death ultimately led to the dissolution of the task force that Ray had collaborated with, freeing him from his ties to the FBI when the show resumed in Season 9.

The End for Raymond “Red” Reddington

In the subsequent two seasons of “The Blacklist,” the storyline unfolds two years following Liz’s demise. Ray finds himself compelled to rejoin the FBI and the Blacklist as Dembe Zuma, his ex-bodyguard now an FBI agent, solicits his aid due to a pressing need. With Liz gone, the complexities surrounding their relationship and Ray’s identity become less prominent, giving way to the central theme of the task force dedicated to apprehending the Blacklist criminals and unraveling the list itself. A fresh danger surfaces too, in the guise of a merciless Congressman who intends to disclose the task force’s questionable and morally ambiguous operations.

When authorities start investigating the agents who pursue criminals on the Blacklist, Ray is apprehended for his wrongdoings, essentially serving as a fall guy for the team. Predictably, Ray manages to flee and evade capture; he was, in fact, one of the FBI’s most elusive and difficult targets before the series. Eventually, however, he meets his demise when a bull attacks him in Andalusia and succumbs to his wounds. Although this ending might have been somewhat anticlimactic for both the show and the character, it was conclusive nonetheless.

What Happened to the rest of the Task Force?

Initially, Tom Keen, Liz’s husband and colleague, was a significant character in the show for its initial half. However, in the fifth season, he tragically met his demise when Ian Garvey, who aimed not only to kill Tom but also Liz, stabbed him in the abdomen. Despite his injuries, Tom managed to fend off Garvey until Ray and Dembe arrived, providing Liz a chance to survive.

Throughout the majority of the series, Aram Mojtabai was a central figure, but he departed just before the final season. During the 9th season, viewers witnessed him grapple with his job and the grief that accompanied it, until eventually he opted for a break from FBI work to prioritize self-care and healing. The last time we saw him was at the start of season 10, residing in New York City, giving off an impression of contentment and wellbeing following his decision to take some time off.

Throughout the series, Dembe Zuma, initially Ray’s bodyguard, transitioned into an FBI agent and a separate member of the task force. He was a crucial figure, often central to the show’s plot. In a pivotal moment, Dembe was arrested to save the team, but upon escaping, Ray’s immediate priority was rescuing Dembe. Despite being shot in the neck, Ray managed to get Dembe to a nursing home, where Dembe was miraculously saved by a blood transfusion from Ray. Although he lost his active agent status, Dembe avoided arrest for his work with Ray, and looked forward to a future untouched by criminal dealings.

At the close of our tenth season, I, Harold Cooper, find myself reflecting alongside Dembe on the years we spent together in pursuit of Raymond Reddington, or Ray as he’s fondly known. With the task force disbanded and the Blacklist criminals seemingly off the grid, it seems unlikely that I’ll be involved in a mission quite like those again. While my career at the FBI may continue, the unique bond forged through our shared experiences with the Blacklist will remain unparalleled.

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2025-04-06 03:05