Raymond “Red” Reddington is finally bidding farewell with his iconic black fedora, and true to his manipulative genius, he’s doing it on his own terms.
After a decade-long run on NBC, “The Blacklist” concludes this Thursday with a two-hour finale. James Spader, the show’s star, reveals that the cast and crew embraced the opportunity to bid a proper farewell.
“I was genuinely relieved that we could conclude the series exactly the way we envisioned it. We approached the ending with intentionality, avoiding any surprises regarding its timing,” he shares with The Associated Press. “You’ll witness the resolute nature of the finale, as we wholeheartedly commit to it.”
“The Blacklist” serves as a swan song for the captivating and enigmatic character of Reddington, who has become one of television’s most intriguing and delectable personas. Renowned for his adeptness in orchestrating clandestine deals among criminals, he offered his expertise to the FBI in their pursuit of the world’s most perilous offenders.
In a surprising twist, Spader divulges that the show, which predominantly filmed in New York City while incorporating an array of international characters, ventured abroad for its final act. The series finale takes place in Spain, adding a fitting touch to its conclusion.
“This truly feels like a culmination, and I appreciate how it comes full circle,” Spader reflects. “It’s not merely an unbroken trajectory from point A to point Z; instead, it forms a circular narrative of sorts.”
Years ago, Spader was drawn to the show because he sought a project that could sustain his interest as well as captivate viewers throughout more than 20 episodes per season—a “limitless landscape,” as he describes it. The pilot episode introduced Reddington as a globally-wanted criminal, checking one box for the actor. Additionally, Spader desired a show that could seamlessly shift in tone, and the pilot episode fulfilled this expectation as well.
“I wouldn’t be as intrigued by a show that solely fell under the category of drama or comedy,” he explains. “What attracted me was the unique blend of intense and brutal moments, juxtaposed with irreverence and occasional emotional depth.”
Reddington, infused with Spader’s captivating charm, brought a stylish flair to network television. He possessed an uncanny ability to whip up a remarkable frittata using just a toaster oven and had an intriguing collection of sabers from the Crimean War. He existed in a gray area—not entirely good, yet not entirely bad. “He’s a frightening monster, and yet people are drawn to him,” remarks Spader.
Reddington’s character is deeply cultured, effortlessly conversing about Cary Grant, the Piazza del Campo in Siena, or Kai Tak Airport. Known as “The Concierge of Crime,” he had a knack for delivering profound statements such as “Not every answer is worth knowing” and “I can only lead you to the truth. I can’t make you believe it.”
“He encompasses the entire world; he truly lives in it and adores it. He loves life,” expresses Spader, a three-time Emmy winner. “I suppose one can truly appreciate the value of life when one must occasionally take it.”
Even in his most humble moments, Reddington exuded a captivating presence. During the fifth season, he found himself residing in a motor lodge, lounging by the pool in a baseball cap. Yet, he managed to rise again. Even while confined in federal prison, he savored tiny bottles of contraband champagne. Reddington was fearless.
“He was someone who could exhibit reason and caution, yet fear never gripped him. I believe that combination is what compels people, especially when faced with life’s myriad challenges and the uncertainties of the world,” Spader explains.
“I think there’s something captivating about losing yourself in a story, embarking on a journey alongside someone, unafraid of what may lurk around the next corner or lie behind that threshold you’re about to cross.”
One of the factors that contributed to the endurance of “The Blacklist” was its successful blend of a weekly procedural format with a continuous, serialized storyline that commenced in the pilot and carried on until the very end.
“People could tune into the show and find satisfaction in that particular episode, even if they hadn’t been following the entire series,” Spader explains. “Yet, for those who chose to stay with it, they experienced the gratification of a lengthy and intricate journey.”
A decade ago, Spader’s Reddington made a promise to the FBI: access to his extensive network of influential individuals, including politicians, mobsters, hackers, and spies—the elusive criminals who mattered, the ones operating in the shadows.
Fast forward ten years, and it was Spader himself who played a crucial role in bringing the show’s finale to the screen during the Hollywood writers’ strike. As the sole executive producer able to assist in releasing the last two episodes, he ensured the completion of the series.
Spader affirms that Reddington comfortably joins his collection of offbeat TV characters, including Alan Shore from “Boston Legal” and Robert California from “The Office.”
“He holds his own among the others. He has his rightful place at the table,” the actor expresses. “The journey feels complete, and sometimes you’re not ready to part with a character you’ve portrayed. I have no regrets in that regard.”
