The Blacklist: A day after series finale, fans thank lead star James Spader for an ‘amazing 10 year ride’

The Blacklist, in which James Spader played dreaded criminal Raymond Reddington, drew to a close on July 14, with a two-hour finale.

James Spader in a still from the series finale

The Blacklist ended its 10-year and 10 season run on July 14 (July 13 depending on the time zone you are in), with a two-hour finale that left fans divided over its outcome. While a vast majority thought that the lead character Raymond Reddington, portrayed brilliantly by James Spader, deserved a much better send-off, others thought that it was on point, allowing one the FBI’s most wanted men to bow out on his own terms. Fans were also not too happy that the mystery behind Raymond’s identity was not addressed well, with a conversation between him and Agnes (Katherine Kell) supposed to be the proof that he was Katarina Rostova all along.

Their thoughts about the finale notwithstanding, fans were unanimous in their love for Spader, who, they believe, was born to play Raymond Reddington and was the driving force of the show over the last 10 years. Social media is abuzz with messages thanking Spader for his invaluable contribution to The Blacklist.

Take a look…

Bidding Farewell to @NBCBlacklist is a bit emotional. What an act by #JamesSpader. He took the show to another level. His wisdom, smile, and caring for other people even though he is the biggest criminal is heartwarming. His friendship with Dembe, Harold, is adorable. #Blacklist – Sai Suraj

#JamesSpader playing Red was superb, one of the best characters ever created for a TV show I hate how he went out, I’m 💔#TheBlacklist will be missed, thanks for 10 yrs of riveting drama – Paula Fesse

Thank you James Spader for doing justice to the Raymond Reddington character for the past 10 years. You were born to play this role. Your monologues will be missed🥺 Twas a pleasure.

The Blacklist owes its success and longevity to James Spader's exceptional performance. Here's to celebrating The Blacklist and the extraordinary talent of James Spader. Long live The Blacklist! – Isaack Motanya

#JamesSpader has been an absolute class in acting & performance. His choice of clothes, whiskeys and lifestyles has been nothing but amazing. – Rachit Desai

Only James Spader could deliver word salad with this cadence, emphasis, expression and intonation. – Melissa

A big ty to #JamesSpader for 10 yrs of masterclass acting. No one and no show has ever captivated me like this – Anja

NBC’s The Blacklist followed Raymond Reddington (James Spader), one of the FBI’s most-wanted criminals, who gives himself up and offers to dole out information on others like him, provided he has immunity from prosecution and gets to work with a special task force that includes rookie FBI profiler, Elizabeth Keen (Meghan Boone). The investigations and capture of people on this ‘blacklist’ aside, the show was also about who Raymond really is and his connection to Keen.

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