Why is Blacklist so good

The Blacklist has been going strong on NBC for eight seasons and has already been renewed for a ninth. The crime thriller has compelled viewers from its very first episode with its combination of fantastic actors and an exciting and unique story that keeps viewers guessing.

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With that said, even some die-hard fans have had enough of some of the ongoing storylines as well as the new, over-the-top ones. Is it time for the series to come to an end? Some fans think it's time for the show to hang it up, while others want to see it keep on going.

10 Needs To End: The Big Secret Still Hasn't Been Revealed

Fans might know the "what" at this point - that Raymond is purportedly the secret NC-13 spy that Katarina was accused of being all these years but they still don't know the "why" in terms of the reasoning the secret has to be kept from Liz, as well as his intent on protecting her from it.

The same overarching storyline has been going now for the series' entire run, and it's time for fans to finally get an answer. Given that so much time has passed, some fans are at a point now where they don't even care anymore.

9 Keep Going: The Big Secret Still Hasn't Been Revealed

Yes, some fans have had enough and they want to know what the big secret is that was worth all the drama to keep, not to mention who Raymond Reddington truly is. But others are loving the ongoing suspense. So, it all depends on how much time a viewer is willing to invest, and how much patience they have.

For those who like the long draw, maybe the fact that the same story that has been going since the beginning is thrilling, and determining a conclusion would alter that such that fans would rather not know just yet.

8 Needs To End: Cyranoids And Human Avatars

The whole idea of Cyranoids, who act as human avatars for people who are listening, watching, and speaking through them via an earpiece and special contact lens, seems totally far-fetched. Fans are unclear whether this was intentional to the story or has something to do with the actor who plays Liz Keen, Megan Boone, not being available to shoot.

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It's a plotline that is interesting, but it makes little sense that someone would risk their life to be a human avatar for someone else, much less possess the same skills to stand in the shoes of an FBI agent.

7 Keep Going: Compelling Cast

The cast, led by James Spader, is what really makes the series compelling to watch. Every character is worth investing in and fans are interested not just in their storylines, but their backstories and how they will evolve and grow.

A show with such a wonderful cast should keep going for as long as it can, as long as the equally compelling stories are there to accompany them.

6 Needs To End: Harold Can Only Be So Morally Ambiguous

Harold has long teetered on the line of moral ambiguity, but the character has gotten to a point where some of his decisions seem even too far for him. Harold is, deep down, a good, moral person who feels what he is doing is for the greater good. In that respect, he has never changed.

But his allegiance to Liz, as well as to Raymond, has been taken too far. And it's unbelievable that even Harold would put their personal interests over those of the country and the lives of others.

5 Keep Going: Gives Traditional Networks A Good Name

So many of the best shows on television these days come from streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock, and, most recently, Paramount+ [formerly CBS All Access.] The Blacklist is one of the new linear network TV originals that can stand up to the latest originals from streaming services.

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To have it end would leave a massive hole in the prime-time line-up for those who still rely on network television for their entertainment.

4 Needs To End: Storylines With Liz Are Far-Fetched

The storylines with Liz have become way too far-fetched. She has become too attached to a mother she didn't even know, to the point that she was willing to let others die and lose her entire career for it.

Liz could have simply let things go, moved on, and tried to ignore Raymond and the hold he had on her, especially for the sake of her daughter. But the idea of Liz on the run as a criminal, trying to build a criminal enterprise with her young daughter, doesn't make sense at all.

3 Keep Going: Need Time For Liz and Raymond To Mend Fences

Fans need resolution, and ending the show too soon would require mending fences between Raymond and Liz who had one of the best, albeit most complex, relationships on the show -in haste. Which would be a waste of such a massive build-up to the story.

For the story to have a really great conclusion, it will take at least an entire season worth of tying up loose ends. In that sense, the show should end eventually, but needs to bring Liz back to her mentality of being extremely loyal before it does.

2 Needs To End: Hints That Raymond Is Sick

Several episodes have pointed to the fact that Raymond is not in good health and has an undisclosed illness, and some crazy fan theories even predict he might die in season eight. This means the series needs to end soon. It can't go on without him, and if Raymond miraculously lives through whatever serious ailment he has without ever getting worse, it wouldn't be believable.

If Raymond dies, however, or gets so ill that he can't be the "Red" fans have become fascinated with, the show will not end on the high note it deserves.

1 Keep Going: Lots Of Loose Ends To Tie Up

As noted, there are so many loose ends to tie up that it would take time. What happens with Liz? What was the big secret with Red? Why is Dembe so loyal to Raymond and refuses to tell Liz the truth given how moral and honest a person he is?

Was Raymond indeed NC-13? Will the public ever figure out that the FBI was working with Raymond, the man who was number one on the Most Wanted list? And what happens with Blacklisters once Raymond is no longer around? So many characters, and stories, need resolutions that the show needs more time to do them justice.

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