The Blacklist season 6 key art: Making sense of the Reddington choice
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Is there a lot to like here? In some ways, sure. We do like the black-and-white stylization of the image, just as we also do like that NBC keeps it fairly simple here. yet, there is a clear element of it that is fairly controversial: The decision to not feature James Spader’s face, given that he as Raymond Reddington (or at least the faux version of the character) is the most recognizable person on the entire series. You see him in the key art, and you immediately understand what you are looking at without even seeing the show’s name. We do feel the same about Megan Boone, but given that she is a little more tucked-away here, her face is not necessarily the first thing your eye naturally gravitates towards. Instead, it is the back of Reddington’s head, seemingly looking off in a different direction than Boone’s Liz Keen.
If there is a major reason why the art was designed in such a way, it may have a thing or two to do with perception: How Liz views Reddington and, in turn, how he chooses to shield himself from her. This is a version of the Reddington character who clearly now has justification for being so aloof and distant.
All of this is fairly symbolic. Liz is looking towards Reddington here in a way that she likely would not in real life, largely because she is not the sort to want to give some of her secrets away regarding what she knows / does not know. Meanwhile, Reddington would likely never shield himself in her presence because of his relationship and caring for her. His aloof nature is how he often chooses to protect himself — it’s a distraction, and Reddington is a master at this just how he is also a master manipulator in so many different ways.
The Blacklist season 6 will premiere on NBC come Thursday, January 3 with a special airing; on Friday, January 4, episode 2 will air in the show’s standard timeslot of Friday nights at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time.
What does this The Blacklist season 6 key art tell you about the future of the series? Be sure to share right now in the attached comments. Stay tuned, as we do plan to have some additional news coming on the series and its future. (Photo: NBC.)