As the final season of The Blacklist progresses, Reddington finds himself on the run, discarding his formerly low-profile strategy as an outright police pursuit ensues. "Arthur Hudson," the 20th episode of season 10, proves the longevity of the popularity of The Blacklist, putting Congressmen Hudson, played by Toby Leonard Moore, and his gathered evidence against the FBI Task Force under the spotlight. Nevertheless, Red, true to character, doesn't surrender without a fight. By the end of the episode, he manages to tip the scales back in his favor, returning to his pre-show starting point. 

The episode begins with an anxious Cooper, played by Harry Lennix, preparing to encounter Hudson and discuss the fate of the Task Force.

The recent illegal activities of Red, along with the Task Force's increasingly apparent bending towards working for Red rather than with him, pose difficulties in defense against Hudson. Establishing this, Red has already begun dismantling his criminal empire via Task Force investigations to shift responsibility. 

Yet, absent Red, the Task Force begins to question its purpose. Without Red, would there be any need for a Task Force or Blacklist? As they ponder over their future, the agents may need to start job hunting soon.

In the following scene, we see Red with his lover and bodyguard, Weecha, portrayed by Diany Rodriquez.

Weecha seems reluctant about Red's plans to leave the country and "chase the moon across the world." However, Red remains optimistic and invites her to come along during his departure on his private jet. Weecha's decision to accompany him isn't confirmed yet.

Red also decides to visit some friends, including dear Agnes Keen, before leaving. Bestowing upon her the gift of Liz Keen's FBI badge, he attempts to inspire her while also encouraging her to choose a safer career than that of her mother. When Agnes questions him about his plans, he tactfully describes it as just another trip. He reassures her that no matter the distance, he'll always be in her heart.

Cooper's meeting with Hudson and FBI Attorney General Stromberg turns out to be less favorable. Hudson presents verbal evidence from Cooper that puts Red's treasonous acts under scrutiny. Cooper, however, shifts the conversation, highlighting their triumphs over the years instead. His eloquent speech, hinting at the exhaustion of justifying his actions to benefit others, is cut short when the television screens in the room begin to malfunction. 

Hacker Tadash Ito is behind the sudden appearance of Red's face on the screen, much to Hudson's displeasure. Red's intrusion only serves to solidify Hudson's belief in the need to disband the Task Force.

Unbeknownst to Hudson, however, Red has planned this moment in advance.

Throughout the final season, we've seen Red dismantle his criminal empire. Now, stepping away from his role as a criminal informant seems to be the last step in this process. This revelation hits Cooper hard and signals the end of Red's collaboration with the FBI.

Relaying to Hudson and the FBI that the issue lies within him and not the Task Force, Red takes responsibility for the recent security breach and the compromising situations he's put his allies in over the years. Striking a chord further, he emphasizes that anyone wanting to blame someone should start by blaming themselves.

 

This bold move from Red cements his stance and puts the Task Force and the viewers in a state of suspense. Following their exchange with Red, the Task Force is officially shut down, setting the scene for the FBI's raid on the Task Force headquarters. 

As soon as Dembe, loyal to Red, manages to warn him about the impending FBI raid, we see a beacon from Red's private airstrip being traced by the FBI. The jet takes off just as the FBI reaches the airstrip, only to explode, presumably with Red on board. Hudson demands confirmation of Red's death since no bodies were discovered at the crash site. 

In the wake of this development, Task Force 836 gets reinstated, pursuing the quiet arrest of Red to avoid a media circus. This shift provides the Task Force agents a temporary reprieve; if Red is arrested, they can avoid prosecution. 

Following the dramatic turns of the day, we see Cooper return home and find Red casually sitting at his dining table. Red responds to a baffled and dejected Cooper and frames their relationship as nothing more than a game of "cops and robbers". 

With the episode leaving us in suspense about his whereabouts, viewers eagerly await the high-stakes two-hour series finale of The Blacklist to see what becomes of Red, the concierge of crime, as he cleverly navigates his ways. Remaining largely unfazed, he seems ready to fight till the end. As an elusive character, Red could be anywhere, leaving fans in a frenzy of anticipation for the grand finale.