"The long-awaited series finale of ''The Blacklist'' concludes, marking the end of its thrilling journey"

"The Blacklist" series finale bids farewell to Raymond Reddington.

"The Blacklist" has finally come to an end, but not without its fair share of ups and downs. The show continued for two lackluster seasons after the departure of Megan Boone as Liz Keen in 2021. However, it did manage to give viewers a relatively conclusive ending in its two-part series finale, bidding farewell to James Spader's enigmatic master criminal, Raymond "Red" Reddington.

In this final chapter, Reddington engages in yet another intense game of cat and mouse, this time involving the FBI task force that he had been supplying with names for years. As the story unfolds, Reddington finds himself in a life-or-death situation, having to make a choice between his own escape and the life of his loyal friend and associate, Dembe.

Ultimately, Reddington sacrifices his chance at freedom to save Dembe, showcasing his unwavering loyalty. Dembe, in turn, reflects on Reddington's acceptance of death and serenity as a rendition of Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" plays in the background. This foreshadowing sets the stage for Reddington's demise, which takes place in Spain as he faces a bull head-on, embracing his fate just as his FBI contact, Donald Ressler, closes in on him.

To add a touch of irony, the producers include a Spanish-language version of "My Way," underscoring Reddington's determination to live and die on his own terms, even in the choice of his executioner.

All in all, the series finale provides a fitting end for a show that had lost much of its former glory. At its peak, "The Blacklist" captivated audiences with its enigmatic protagonist and the intrigue surrounding his motives. However, as the show continued, it became a mere shadow of its former self, spawning numerous imitations that failed to replicate its success.

The true appeal of the show undoubtedly lay in James Spader's portrayal of Reddington. In the early seasons, his performance injected the series with a sense of mystery, leaving viewers questioning his connection to Agent Keen and the dark world of espionage in which he operated with ruthless efficiency.

While the fate of the task force remains somewhat ambiguous, it becomes a secondary concern compared to Reddington's ultimate destiny. With his departure, "The Blacklist" fulfills its primary purpose, bringing closure to the character that truly mattered. In hindsight, it is clear that the show should have allowed Reddington to rest in peace long before its prolonged run on NBC.

In conclusion, "The Blacklist" may have overstayed its welcome, but it manages to wrap up its story with a definitive ending. Viewers are treated to the final chapter of Raymond Reddington's journey, witnessing his selfless sacrifice and acceptance of his fate. While the show may have lost its former glory, it will be remembered for James Spader's captivating performance and the intrigue it once brought to the small screen.

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