NBC’s The Blacklist said goodbye to a major character during its midseason finale, and the show’s executive producer says that it’s a death that will deeply affect the show going forward.
During Wednesday night’s episode, Tom Keene, who has been portrayed by Ryan Eggold since the pilot, met an untimely demise after being held captive by a blacklister. He and his wife Liz suffered life-threatening injuries and were rushed to the hospital, but in a 10-month time jump, it’s revealed that Keene didn’t make it.
Videos by PopCulture.com
While Keene’s death and Eggold’s departure from the show have left fans reeling, executive producer Jon Bokenkamp says that the death will act as a catalyst for change going forward, and that it’s not a loss that characters will simply move on from quickly.
“Looking ahead, Tom’s death upends the show in a way we’re very excited about, and our next episode is unlike anything we’ve done before,” Bokenkamp said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “But it won’t be the same around here without Mr. Keen. As for Mr. Eggold, I think he’s gonna be just fine — he’s gonna have a long and rewarding career.”
Following the episode, Eggold released a statement expressing his gratitude for his time spent on the show.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have played a role with such a uniquely dynamic evolution,” he said. “I’m grateful for the time spent working with Megan, James and the entire cast. I’m thankful to the incredibly hard-working crew for consistently making the show better. Sony and NBC have both been deeply supportive, conscientious and adept in managing the show. Mostly I’m indebted to Jon Bokenkamp, John Eisendrath and the writers for continuing to elevate the show creatively and always impassioning me to further explore the true nature of this character. I will miss this TV family immensely and diligently look forward to the opportunity to embody new characters and tell new stories.”
The Blacklist returns Wednesday, January 3, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
Most Viewed
-
Side-by-side: Images of Tim Allen, Stefan Gossler and Jackie Chan (Credit: Christian JENTZ/Gamma-Rapho // Franziska Krug/Getty Images // Stephane Cardinale/Corbis) -
A defocused police car sits behind crime scene tape with flashing lights at night. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) -
Handcuffs laying on top of fingerprint chart in file (Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto) -
Beverly Hills, CA – January 31, 2026: Jelly Roll, left, and Bunnie Xo, right, pose for portraits on the red carpet during the 68th GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Avery Lipman & Monte Lipman at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 in Beverly Hills, CA. Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy party hosts an array of A-listers from entertainment, sports, and politics to come together and enjoy performances. (Kayla Bartkowski/ Los Angeles Times) -
Netflix logo (Credit: Netflix) -
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 20: Bijou Phillips attends the World Premiere of "Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir" at AMC The Grove 14 on January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) -
PARK CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 25: Brandi Glanville attends the PBM Princess x Kemo Sabe red carpet event special screening of Rachel Strauss’ Documentary "Side Effects May Include” during Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2026 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Rachel Strauss) -
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 6: Lindsey Vonn of Team United States during the course inspection before the Downhill Training of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on February 6, 2026 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/VOIGT/GettyImages)
