Dembe Blacklist actor

At the end of Season 6, it looked like Dembe was leaving the force and Red behind. When the criminal mastermind showed up at Dembes house to work things out, he found his former ally with his bags packed.

"I went away to think about you and me, and all I could think was that I missed you," Red admitted to Dembe. "I realized, you dont need my forgiveness ever. Because when it comes to this, you can do no wrong."

But Dembes response came like a punch to the gut. "I appreciate that, Raymond. But I cant forgive you," he said.

The showrunners must have known that if Dembes absence dragged on for too long, the shows audience would have started a riot. Dembe is one of the most beloved Blacklist characters, having been rescued by the task force from a sex trafficking ring. He later began working for Red as his confidant and bodyguard, so it's no surprise that he returned in the Season 7 premiere to save Red.

By Season 9, however, Red has disappeared, and Dembe is working as an FBI agent. In the first episode of the season, Dembe is injured when his partner is killed, but luckily, he makes it out alive.

In Season 9, Episode 5, "Benjamin T. Okara," Dembe reaches out to a returned Red to discuss a dangerous weapon that's surfaced. Their friendship quickly turns fraught when Red calls Dembe out for asking for a favor to get an injured Park to the hospital. "Youre in or youre out; you cant be both its one or the other," Red says.

Some of Red's colleagues even order a hit on Dembe, but Red stops them in time and shows up at Dembe's house. While the pair talk, Red notices a gift he gave Dembe that was to be opened at the end of their working relationship. Red instructs Dembe to finally open the box. Before Red leaves, Dembe tearfully admits, "I almost opened it after Brasilia," and opens the box.

Audiences don't yet know what's inside, but this could indicate the end of Dembe on The Blacklist. We'll have to wait until the next episode to find out!

So far, Dembe has sustained some serious injuries on The Blacklist, but he hasn't died yet. However, he seems to be getting into greater and greater danger. He's still alive... for now, and hopefully he stays that way!

Watch new episodes of The Blacklist Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST on NBC.