After an acclaimed ten-season run, The Blacklist ended on a surprising and startling note that had its ardent fans gasping. NBC Insider has offered a detailed breakdown of the heartbreaking final scene and offered some insights into why the story ended on such an unexpected note.

Raymond "Red" Reddington, the fan-favorite anti-hero of the series brilliantly enacted by James Spader, tragically died in the last episode of the two-part series finale. The surprise came from the manner of his demise - not treacherous enemies, but an animal attack - leaving fans with a bittersweet goodbye.

The pivotal event of Red's death unfolded during a peaceful walk in the Spanish countryside. Here, Reddington was unexpectedly charged and trampled by a charging bull leading to his fatal end. The intensity escalated as Reddington and the bull stared each other down in a tense standoff before the bull launched its lethal attack. Although the actual moment of impact was not shown, the subsequent scene painted a gruesome picture - Red crumpled and bloodied, lying in a nearby ditch with the bull ominously close.

Donald Ressler, played by Diego Klattenhoff, who was tracking Red in Spain, discovered the morbid tableau from his helicopter. In an emotional gesture, Ressler placed Red's signature hat, dislodged during the bull attack, on his body, signifying a tangible goodbye to his former colleague.

Dembe Zuma delivered a poignant eulogy for Red capturing his unique perspectives about life and death. "Death is inevitable", Reddington used to say, suggesting how that inevitability only robs death of its significance.

The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.