50 Raymond Reddington Quotes From The Blacklist (2024)

If you need quotes that will shift your perspective about life and morality, then these Raymond Reddington quotes are for you.

Raymond Reddington is the protagonist of the crime thriller series, The Blacklist. He is an intelligent and charming criminal mastermind who became a part of the FBI.

Despite being an outlaw and anti-hero, Reddington holds vast wisdom about morality and life. His words are inspiring and enlightening, which will help viewers to prepare for facing obstacles in the future. Moreover, his calm and relaxed personality is admirable, making fans want to be like him.

So, if you are interested in the smartest character of The Blacklist, then add this to your must-read list now. Our collection below contains the best lines from Raymond Reddington in the series, so be sure you don’t miss out!

Let’s get started.

And make sure to read these Criminal Minds quotes.

Best Raymond Reddington Quotes

1. “There is nothing that can take the pain away, but eventually, you will find a way to live with it.”

2. “When you love someone, you have no control. That’s what love is. Being powerless.”

3. “Sins should be buried like the dead. Not that they may be forgotten, but we may remember them and find our way forward nonetheless.”

4. “There will be nightmares. And every day, when you wake up, it will be the first thing you think about. Until one day, it will be the second thing.”

5. “Leadership is more than showing strength. It’s also about knowing when to show restraint.”

6. “You can’t judge a book by its cover. But you can by its first few chapters, and certainly, by its last.”

7. “I always found fear to be my most valuable sense.”

8. “Revenge isn’t a passion. It’s a disease that eats at your mind and poisons your soul.”

9. “So often people overestimate themselves, misapply their gifts. Wisdom is learning the boundaries of one’s designated lane.”

10. “Leave the past in the past, Tom. Nothing good comes from digging up secrets.”

11. “As you well know, one of the keys to my success is a clear and consistent understanding of my own limitations.”

12. “In this world, there are no sides. Only players.”

13. “Forgiveness doesn’t mean accepting what you’ve done, Donald. It means understanding that the line dividing good and evil cuts through the hearts of all of us.”

14. “Make sure your passion isn’t your sickness.”

15. “I can only lead you to the truth. I can’t make you believe it.”

Deep Raymond Reddington Quotes to Think About

16. “Once you cross over, there are things in the darkness that can keep your heart from feeling the light again.”

17. “Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about.”

18. “You have to make your choices. You have to be happy with them.”

19. “Time is the only thing that will allow you to find yourself again.”

20. “The world can be such an unsparingly savage place. One can be forgiven for believing that evil will triumph in the end.”

21. “What if I were to tell you that all the things you come to believe about yourself are a lie?”

22. “I could tell you how to win a marathon, but you’re assuming it’s a 26.6-mile race.”

23. “I had bullets. He had words. But when he was done talking for the first time, I truly understood which of those was more powerful.”

24. “I have found in my experience people rarely change. And when they do, they’re not to be trusted.”

25. “Regret requires age or wisdom.”

26. “A man’s greatest enemy is the dark forces pent up within himself.”

27. “So many people find cemeteries to be a reminder of loss. I find them to be a fervent reminder to seize the day.”

Short Raymond Reddington Quotes That Are Full of Meaning

28. “Value loyalty above all else.”

29. “You can’t possibly fathom how deep that well of mine truly goes.”

30. “Dead? Pishposh. What’s death? It’s just a process, right?”

31. “Every cause has more than one effect.”

32. “The future is a sucker’s bet, a maybe, a contingency, a ‘What if?'”

33. “God can’t protect you, but I can.”

Also read: Short Quotes

Raymond Reddington Quotes That Will Teach You About Morality

34. “You see that, Geoff? That is what a good man does. That is what separates men like him from men like you and me.”

35. Donald Ressler: “Why save me?”

Raymond Reddington: “Because that’s what you do when someone’s dying in front of you.”

36. “As bad as you think I am, as far as you think I’m willing to go to protect that which I hold dear.”

37. “Is it just me, or is the human race armed with religion, poisoned by prejudice, and absolutely frantic with hatred and fear, galloping pell-mell back to the Dark Ages? Who on Earth is hurt by a little girl going to school or a child being gay?”

Raymond Reddington Quotes to Revisit His Coolest Lines

38. “This is an end, and then, something new will begin. You deserve the best in life, Lizzie.”

39. “With survival, they became hideous. I’ve rarely thought about what I once was. But I wonder if a ray of light were to make it into the cave, would I be able to see it? Or feel it? Would I gravitate to its warmth? And if I did, would I become less hideous?”

40. “Meera was a casualty in a war that she didn’t even know she was fighting.”

41. “You know the problem with drawing lines in the sand? With a breath of air, they disappear.”

42. “The only thing that is real is the present, and you’ve plundered it, robbed it of the very geniuses that might have averted the dystopia you so fear.”

43. “Lawyers find and exploit loopholes. It’s what makes them so loathsome. And Marvin Gerard is the most loathsome of them all. That’s what makes him so invaluable.”

Raymond Reddington Quotes to Know More About His Character

44. “I’m a criminal. Criminals are notorious liars. Everything about me is a lie. But, if anyone will give me a second chance, it’s you. The two of us have overcome so much.”

45. “Most of my associates are under the impression that once I’ve granted them a favor, they’re indebted to me for life. But it’s a false assumption. They’re indebted to me because I make them a lot of money. They’re loyal to me because I’ve earned it.”

46. “Dembe didn’t stay with me because he saw me as his savior. He stayed with me because he saw me for the man I really was. A man surrounded by darkness. No friends who could be trusted. No faith that loyalty or love could truly exist. I was younger then, angrier. Dembe connected his life with mine to show me that day and every day that the world is not what I fear it to be. He is the light in the darkness. Living proof that there is another way. That life can be good. That people can be kind. That a man like me may, one day, dream of becoming a man like him. He pledged his life and offered it up as evidence that I was wrong about this world. Dembe guards my life because he’s determined to save my soul.”

47. “Have you ever sailed across an ocean, on a sailboat, surrounded by sea with no land in sight, without even the possibility of sighting land for days to come? To stand at the helm of your destiny, I want that—one more time. I want to be in the Piazza del Campo in Siena. To feel the surge as 10 racehorses go thundering by. I want another meal in Paris, at L’Ambroisie, at the Place des Vosges. I want another bottle of wine. And then another. I want the warmth of a woman and a cool set of sheets, one more night of jazz at the Vanguard. I want to stand on the summits and smoke Cubans and feel the sun on my face for as long as I can. Walk on the Wall again. Climb the Tower. Ride the River. Stare at the Frescos. I want to sit in the garden and read one more good book. Most of all, I want to sleep. I want to sleep like I slept when I was a boy. Give me that, just one time. That’s why I won’t allow that punk out there to get the best of me, let alone the last of me.”

Witty Raymond Reddington Quotes for a Day Full of Laughter

48. “I have no interest in cases that I have no interest in.”

49. “As a rule, I consider jealousy to be a base emotion, but in this case, it’s quite endearing.”

50. “I’m not a gumball machine, Lizzy. You don’t get to just twist the handle whenever you want a treat.”

Also read: Funny Quotes

What Are the Traits That Made You Admire Raymond Reddington?

Raymond Reddington may be a narcissistic and sociopathic criminal, but he has values that we could all use in our lives. In the beginning, we can only see him as a ruthless person who gets what he wants, but the quotes above prove that he is more than that.

Red is a loyal friend, a genius, and a person that you can trust. His intelligence and sociopathic tendencies are assets that let him catch criminals. But, at the same time, we witness how he is a kind and soft person who will do anything to protect his friends.

Indeed, he has a lot of remarkable traits that make his character development even more endearing. No doubt, this is one of the things that made viewers love The Blacklist more! With his immense wisdom, we learn more about improving ourselves and being smart about the world.

So, we hope you were able to pick up many lessons about life and morality through these Raymond Reddington quotes. Remember his wise words and make sure to apply them in your life!

Are you a fan of The Blacklist? Which Raymond Reddington quote is your favorite? Leave a comment below!

50 Raymond Reddington Quotes From The Blacklist (2024)

FAQs

What is Raymond Reddington's true identity? ›

In “Sutton Ross”, it is revealed that he is not Raymond Reddington but an imposter who has been using his identity for more than 30 years. In “Rassvet”, it is revealed that he is Ilya Koslov, a childhood friend of Katarina Rostova, the love of his life and her occasional lover.

What does red Reddington say about sin eater? ›

I absorb the misdeeds of others, darkening my soul to keep theirs pure.

Who is Reddington best friend? ›

Background. Ilya Koslov is a former KGB intelligence officer and a childhood friend/lover of Katarina Rostova. Also, Ilya is one of Raymond Reddington´s oldest and dearest friends and they seem to know each other since they were children.

How can I be like Raymond Reddington? ›

Here are some of Raymond Reddington's (who Spader plays with devilish perfection) other traits we can strive to emulate.
  1. Red's a master storyteller. ...
  2. Loyalty is paramount. ...
  3. Connecting people is a gift. ...
  4. He doesn't give away all his secrets. ...
  5. Look out for yourself. ...
  6. He remains calm even in chaos. ...
  7. Know when to fold them.
8 Dec 2015

Does Dembe know red is Katarina? ›

So unless there is a continuity error, Katarina was still alive and in enough proximity to Red in 1993 to have met Dembe. And Dembe admits to Liz that he knows Red's true identity and relationship to her.

Is Red Katarina's brother? ›

Red is a relative or friend of Katarina. He seems to love her and he is ridden by guilt for not being able to help her. Most probably I believe that he is her brother, which would justify his love for his only sister and for her child (once he failed the mother). Red was never in love with Katarina.

Why did Dembe leave Raymond? ›

"Red and Dembe's relationship reaches a new low as Red blames Dembe for Liz's death and Dembe blames Red for the tragic incident that resulted in Dembe leaving Red to become an FBI agent," The Blacklist executive producer John Eisendrath tells EW.

Who replaced Dembe on blacklist? ›

Reddington's serves as bait and the Weecha takes care of disarming the man, Vasco, one of Lovic's bodyguards. The man will be questioned by Geoffrey, and Reddington explains to Weecha who his father, Teddy Brimley, is who he replaces and why. They learn from Vasco that Jovan ordered Dembe's execution.

Is Raymond Reddington Elizabeth's mother? ›

The Blacklist season 6 seemingly revealed the truth, revealing that yes, Raymond Reddington IS Liz's father — but the man Liz knows isn't Reddington.

Is Red Reddington a good guy? ›

Red Reddington is a major villainous protagonist of the NBC series The Blacklist.

What is Raymond Reddington worth? ›

His ventures are probably worth 1bill and brining in 100mill+ in net income year ovet year. His empire is at least over a billion.

How do I dress like Red Reddington? ›

To look like him, you'll need to wear a Mondaysuit Gray 3-Piece Suit, a Van Heusen Pin Stripe Dress Shirt, and a Purple Tie with White Pin Dots. Over your suit, you'll add a London Fog Black Rain Coat.

Who is number 1 on The Blacklist? ›

Elizabeth Scott Keen (Blacklister No. 1) is an FBI profiler. According to Reddington and the FBI, her birth name is Masha Rostova, and she was born in Moscow to Katarina Rostova, a Russian intelligence agent whom everyone regards as a "myth".

Is Reddington a Rostova? ›

Well, kind of. Though the origin of Red's connection to Liz isn't fully explained by the end of Wednesday's Season 8 finale, the hints laid out across the last two episodes of the season strongly suggest that Raymond Reddington is actually Liz's mother, Katarina Rostova (played in flashbacks by Lotte Verbeek).

Does Dembe become an FBI agent? ›

The Blacklist reveals how Reddington's former right-hand man Dembe became an FBI agent.

Is Raymond Reddington Liz's uncle? ›

Red was once Liz's father and uncle

Fans of The Blacklist will remember when Red was revealed to be Liz's father, however, Red was later found out to be an imposter which returned his identity to mystery once again.

Why is Liz so important to red? ›

Many fans believe that Liz is so important to Red because he is her biological parent. This makes what happened to Liz all the more devastating. In the season 8 finale, “Konets,” Red instructed Liz to kill him to solidify her taking over his criminal empire.

Who is the real n13 on blacklist? ›

As viewers will remember, the previous episode ended with Red revealing to Liz that he is in fact N-13, the elusive spy she's been hunting this entire season.

Is Reddington Ilya or not? ›

While Liz initially defends Red, her mother provides shocking news: Red is lying, he is not Ilya Koslov. With that Liz's world blows up again and she ends up helping Katarina and her comrades evade the FBI and Red.

Is Red Reddington Katarina Rostova? ›

Though the origin of Red's connection to Liz isn't fully explained by the end of Wednesday's Season 8 finale, the hints laid out across the last two episodes of the season strongly suggest that Raymond Reddington is actually Liz's mother, Katarina Rostova (played in flashbacks by Lotte Verbeek).

Is Red Reddington Katarina? ›

Showrunners teased that Red previously had plastic surgery, which helped him assume his new identity. This fact further confirms fan theories that Red is actually Katarina Rostova.

Who is number 1 on The Blacklist? ›

Elizabeth Scott Keen (Blacklister No. 1) is an FBI profiler. According to Reddington and the FBI, her birth name is Masha Rostova, and she was born in Moscow to Katarina Rostova, a Russian intelligence agent whom everyone regards as a "myth".

Is Raymond Reddington Liz's mother? ›

The Blacklist season 6 seemingly revealed the truth, revealing that yes, Raymond Reddington IS Liz's father — but the man Liz knows isn't Reddington.

Why is Liz so important to red? ›

Many fans believe that Liz is so important to Red because he is her biological parent. This makes what happened to Liz all the more devastating. In the season 8 finale, “Konets,” Red instructed Liz to kill him to solidify her taking over his criminal empire.

What did Tom whisper Liz? ›

While he lays on the floor, apparently dying, he whispers to Liz that her real father is still alive.

Who is the real n13 on blacklist? ›

As viewers will remember, the previous episode ended with Red revealing to Liz that he is in fact N-13, the elusive spy she's been hunting this entire season.

Whose bones are in the suitcase blacklist? ›

4) The bones are of Liz's mother Katarina Rostova.

The DNA report does not say how she died, just identifies who she is. Red already told Liz that her mother died from committing suicide.

What did Raymond say to Kirk? ›

The user recalled the scenes leading up to the whisper when Alexander asked Red if he was Liz's father, which Red denied. They added: “Then Kirk rephrased the question, asking if she is Red's daughter, and Red said, 'Yes, Elizabeth is my daughter.

Who killed Elizabeth Keen mother? ›

And for Liz, Red has now gone one step too far on her ethical scale: He's killed her mother when she explicitly asked him not to.

Who is the real Katarina Rostova? ›

It's revealed that the woman we believed to be the present-day, now-deceased Katarina Rostova (played by Laila Robins), is actually a woman named Tatiana Petrova, the person who was tasked by Ilya Koslov and Dom with taking over her identity so the real Katarina could go into hiding to keep herself and Liz safe, ...

Who is Elizabeth's Keen's father? ›

It is later revealed in “Sutton Ross” that the real Raymond Reddington is her father, not the imposter who took his place 30 years ago and is currently known as Red.

How much money does Raymond Reddington have? ›

Originally Answered: What is Raymond "Red" Reddington's estimated net worth? Given what we have seen on the show, it's probably 10 to 20billion. Depends on how you value things like the fulcrum.

Is Aram the mole in blacklist? ›

Aram is framed for being the mole to both the FBI and Raymond Reddington.

Is the Blacklist a real list? ›

The Blacklist is very loosely based on truth

James Spader's character is based on James Joseph “Whitey” Bulger, the Boston supercriminal who was finally arrested after 11 murders.

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