Fans were shocked when a major character in "The Blacklist" season 5 finale episode faced his demise. With that, many wondered how the show would go on without him. The character Tom Keen, played by Ryan Eggold, is a schoolteacher who has a double life. In the fall finale of the series, Tom died on the hands of a fellow Blacklister.
Tom's death is featured in the episode titled "Ian Garvey: #13." Someone tied Tom in his apartment when his wife Liz (Megan Boone) arrived. Tom was stabbed, and Liz was beaten, but they were helped by Red (James Spader) and Dembe (Hisham Tawfiq). Although Tom made it to the hospital, he was already declared dead.
With Tom's demise, fans want to know how the show will go on without him since he has been there since the pilot episode. Producer Jon Bokenkamp said that the death of Tom will lead to many changes in the series. The rest of the characters will move on quickly after his death.
"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, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. He added that it would not be the same without Tom, but everything will be fine.
Some fans may speculate that Tom's death is just a stunt, but Bokenkamp clarified to TV Line that Tom is really dead and he has met his maker. He added that the producers are not anticipating to feature flashbacks of Tom in the show.
Since actor Eggold is already out of the TV series, he expressed his gratitude to his fans and the crew in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He said that he is lucky to play the role with a "uniquely dynamic evolution." He added that he is thankful for the chance of being able to work with Megan, James and the rest of the cast.
"The Blacklist" will return on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, at 8 p.m. EST on NBC.
