When The Blacklist first debuted in 2013, it captivated audiences with its complex characters, intricate plots, and deep character development. The show became known for its twisting storylines, clever heists, and, of course, the enigmatic Raymond “Red” Reddington. But as the show progressed, some of its key characters—who we had come to know and love—met endings that left many fans frustrated and disappointed. While The Blacklist is often praised for its ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, it’s hard to ignore the fact that some characters deserved far more than the endings they got. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most underwhelming conclusions to key storylines and discuss why these characters deserved so much better.
The Heart of The Blacklist: Raymond “Red” Reddington
Red’s Mysterious Final Chapter
Raymond “Red” Reddington, portrayed by James Spader, is undoubtedly the heart and soul of The Blacklist. As the mastermind behind the criminal world’s most dangerous people, Red’s wit, cunning, and emotional complexity have been central to the show’s appeal. So, when the show moved towards its final season, fans expected a resolution that honored Red’s journey.
Unfortunately, his ending was not as grand as his character deserved. While Red’s ultimate fate was shrouded in ambiguity, the lack of clarity left many fans unsatisfied. The show’s decision to leave certain aspects of his backstory unresolved felt like a missed opportunity for a character that had driven the series for so long. Fans had hoped for a deeper dive into his motivations, his connections to Elizabeth Keen, and his ultimate redemption or downfall. Instead, they were left with more questions than answers.
What Red Truly Deserved
Red deserved a conclusion that did justice to the man who had carefully crafted the show’s biggest twists. Whether he was to have a heroic redemption arc or a tragic demise, it was crucial for his final moments to be as layered and meaningful as his character. But instead, the ending felt rushed and didn’t provide enough closure to the years of emotional investment fans had made in the character.
Elizabeth Keen: The Show’s Heartbreakingly Underdeveloped End
A Heroine Who Was Left in the Dust
For much of The Blacklist, Elizabeth Keen was the protagonist around whom the story revolved. From the moment she became entangled with Red, Liz’s journey was filled with emotional turmoil, professional challenges, and shocking revelations. She evolved from a rookie FBI agent to a deeply conflicted figure torn between her loyalty to Red and her personal morality.
Despite her character development, Liz’s ending was ultimately unsatisfying. After years of being at the center of the show, her fate felt rushed and unearned. Instead of getting a grand conclusion to her story—one that acknowledged her struggles, triumphs, and the complexities of her relationship with Red—Liz’s ending felt underwhelming and disconnected from the emotional arc the show had built.
Why Liz Deserved Better
Liz’s journey deserved more closure. She had been the emotional anchor of The Blacklist, but her final storyline lacked the depth and impact that could have given her character a sense of resolution. Fans expected her story to come full circle, whether that meant her achieving redemption or being tragically consumed by her dark past. Unfortunately, the show didn’t give Liz the closure she deserved, leaving her arc feeling unfinished.
Tom Keen: A Tragic Hero’s Incomplete Arc
A Complex Character with an Unjust End
Tom Keen, portrayed by Ryan Eggold, was a character whose complexities kept viewers hooked. From being a seemingly charming man with a dark past to becoming a father and husband, Tom’s journey was one of growth and self-discovery. His shifting allegiances, tragic backstory, and love for Liz were essential to the emotional depth of The Blacklist.
However, Tom’s death was one of the most devastating yet anticlimactic moments in the series. His death came too suddenly, and the emotional weight of it was undermined by the circumstances surrounding it. The show had built up Tom as a character worthy of more than just a rushed exit, and his death, while tragic, felt like a mere afterthought rather than a truly meaningful narrative conclusion.
Tom Keen’s Untold Story
What Tom Keen deserved was a more nuanced ending. Whether he was to find redemption or embrace his darker side, his journey deserved more screen time and reflection. Fans never got the chance to see Tom fulfill his potential as a father, a husband, or even a fully realized anti-hero. His untimely exit left much of his story untold, making it one of the most disappointing character arcs in the show.
Harold Cooper: The Unsung Hero Who Was Left Behind
A Silent Leader’s Unfinished Story
Harold Cooper, portrayed by Harry Lennix, was one of the most reliable and steadying forces within The Blacklist. As the head of the FBI task force, Cooper’s moral compass often guided the team through their toughest cases. Yet, throughout the series, his character was often overshadowed by the more dynamic personalities around him. While Cooper’s role was integral to the show’s success, his character was underdeveloped in comparison to the others.
When it came time to wrap up his storyline, The Blacklist didn’t give Cooper the send-off he deserved. Unlike some of the show’s more dramatic character arcs, Cooper’s exit was relatively quiet and uneventful, which felt unfair to the character who had been there from the very beginning.
Why Cooper Deserved More Recognition
Cooper’s dedication to his team, his integrity, and his personal struggles deserved more focus. The show had the opportunity to give Cooper a final arc that explored his relationships and personal growth, but instead, his conclusion was lacking in depth. As a result, many fans felt that his character was never fully explored, and his ending did not honor his contributions to the show.
The Tragic Fate of Dembe Zuma
Red’s Loyal Right-Hand Man, Left in Limbo
Dembe Zuma, portrayed by Hisham Tawfiq, was one of the most beloved characters in The Blacklist. As Red’s loyal bodyguard and confidant, Dembe provided a moral counterbalance to Red’s morally gray actions. His stoicism, wisdom, and deep sense of loyalty made him one of the most compelling characters in the series.
Yet, when the show approached its conclusion, Dembe’s fate was almost forgotten. While he remained a key figure in the series, the lack of closure for his character felt like a missed opportunity. Dembe’s loyalty to Red and his journey through the complex world of crime and justice deserved more acknowledgment.
Dembe’s Final Chapter Wasn’t Enough
Dembe’s ending deserved more than a simple fade-out. His bond with Red was one of the core relationships of the show, and Dembe’s own personal growth could have been explored more deeply in the series finale. Fans hoped for a more impactful resolution to Dembe’s character, one that reflected his journey and the sacrifices he made for Red.
Conclusion: The Characters Who Deserved More from The Blacklist
While The Blacklist undoubtedly gave fans many memorable moments and fantastic character arcs, the show’s conclusion left much to be desired. Some of its most beloved characters were given unsatisfactory endings that didn’t fully honor their development or potential. From Red to Liz, Tom, Cooper, and Dembe, the lack of resolution for these characters left many fans feeling cheated. These characters deserved endings that celebrated their complexities and growth, rather than rushed conclusions that undermined their journeys.
In the end, The Blacklist might have tied up some loose ends, but for many of its key players, the conclusion was not the grand farewell they truly deserved. Whether it was more time for development, clearer motivations, or a more fitting send-off, fans were left wishing that The Blacklist had given these characters the endings they had earned.
FAQs
1. Why were the endings of The Blacklist characters so disappointing? The endings felt rushed and underdeveloped, failing to do justice to the complex arcs these characters had built over many seasons.
2. What did Raymond Reddington deserve in his final moments? Red deserved a more definitive conclusion that honored his role as the central figure of the show, providing clarity and closure to his mysterious past.
3. How could Elizabeth Keen’s story have been better wrapped up? Liz’s ending could have been more fulfilling by providing deeper resolution to her relationship with Red and her complex moral journey.
4. Why was Tom Keen’s death so anticlimactic? Tom’s death was rushed and lacked the emotional weight it deserved after years of character development. His final moments felt like an afterthought.
5. What about Dembe Zuma’s fate? Dembe’s character deserved a more prominent ending that showcased his loyalty and personal growth, especially considering his deep connection with Red.
