Megan Boone, who portrayed Elizabeth Keen on The Blacklist, was last seen during the season 8 finale. Audiences have been curious about her departure from the show, especially as Keen was a central figure throughout much of the series. Introduced in the pilot episode, Elizabeth Keen was developed into a key character—a gifted FBI profiler whose personal journey included unraveling intricate connections to the enigmatic criminal mastermind, Raymond “Red”Reddington.
As one of the show’s leading characters, Keen was pivotal to many of the primary arcs, which has led to questions regarding Boone’s exit, particularly given her long-standing involvement. Surprisingly, the decision for Boone to leave was a collaborative one between her and the show’s creators, reflecting a straightforward narrative rather than drama.
Megan Boone Left The Blacklist For New Ventures
Keen’s Exit Was Anticipated
Long before the renewal of The Blacklist for its ninth season, Megan Boone made the decision to pursue new career opportunities outside the show. This mutual agreement to write out Elizabeth Keen was acknowledged by the production team, including NBC and Sony Pictures TV, though no additional comments were provided regarding the shift in storyline. Following her departure, only James Spader, Diego Klattenhoff, and Harry Lennix remained as original cast members.
Boone Did Not Come Back for Subsequent Seasons
Elizabeth’s Final Moments
In her final arc, Elizabeth Keen is depicted as a fugitive. During the climactic moments of season 8, Red confronts her, urging her to end his life due to terminal illness. As she hesitates and struggles to decide, one of Neville’s henchmen tragically shoots her from behind. This culminates in her dramatic demise, sealing the conclusion of Boone’s tenure on the show.
Although Elizabeth’s death profoundly affected the narrative trajectory in seasons 9 and 10, it prevented Boone from reprising her role. Despite her departure from The Blacklist, she continues her creative pursuits, notably through her own production company, Weird Sisters.
Assessing The Blacklist’s Quality Post-Boone
Viewership Trends After Boone’s Exit
Determining if The Blacklist experienced a decline in quality due to Megan Boone’s exit is a nuanced debate. By season 8, when Boone concluded her run, viewership numbers had already shown a decline. Specifically, season 9 averaged just over 5.4 million viewers per episode, a statistic that echoed the viewership from season 8, according to THR. Interestingly, some fans have expressed opinions suggesting that her absence might have positively influenced the show.
While Elizabeth Keen played a crucial role in the plot, it’s worth noting that James Spader’s character, Raymond Reddington, consistently attracted viewer interest. Critics have observed that the series faced challenges in the latter seasons, particularly by the time season 10 concluded, indicating that Boone’s departure was just one of several factors impacting the show’s legacy.
Megan Boone’s Post-Blacklist Career
Limited Roles Following The Blacklist
Since her departure from The Blacklist, Boone’s acting career has remained low-key. In 2021, she made a cameo in the miniseries The Underground Railroad, directed by Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins, where she played Miss Lucy. Following that, she returned to screen in 2023 with a role in the crime anthology series Accused, contributing to its compelling narrative centered on various court cases.
In addition to her acting endeavors, Megan Boone is a passionate advocate for climate change and environmental legislation. Since becoming a spokesperson for climate initiatives in 2017, she continues to champion this critical cause.
The Blacklist’s Challenges Compared to Similar Shows
Boone’s Role As A Central Character
The Blacklist is not alone in facing the challenges posed by losing a leading character. It shares similarities with notable shows like The Office and Cheers, which managed to continue despite significant character departures. The difference lies in the fact that Boone’s Elizabeth Keen was consistently pivotal to the overarching plot, making her exit particularly challenging to navigate.
Other series, such as House of Cards and Yellowstone, have faced similar struggles after the sudden exit of their leading characters. Kevin Spacey’s removal due to misconduct left a void that Robin Wright attempted to fill, but many viewers were left unsatisfied by Frank Underwood’s off-screen demise. Likewise, That ’70s Show struggled with the departure of Topher Grace, whose character’s centrality made it challenging for the series to maintain its initial charm. Two and a Half Men‘s situation, however, showcases that even after losing a primary character like Charlie Sheen’s, the show could pivot successfully, demonstrating resilience in storytelling.