The Mystery Unveiled: Raymond Reddington's Real Identity
As a fan of The Blacklist, I was deeply disappointed that the story never revealed the true identity of Raymond Reddington, and his connection to Elizabeth Keen. Over the course of the series, there were numerous twists and changes in Reddington's backstory that left many viewers questioning who he really was.
A Complicated Past
To begin with, it is evident that the producers of The Blacklist changed their minds about Reddington's background and true identity at some point during the first four seasons. Before the reveal in the season 5 finale, it was believed that Raymond Reddington was the real deal and the biological father of Elizabeth Keen. This would have made for a simple and elegant origin story.
The Final Reveal
At the end of season 5, it was finally revealed that the bones in the bag which Kaplan dug up and Red tried to hide were from the real Raymond Reddington. The impostor claiming to be Raymond Reddington was actually another person.
A Complex Plot
In season 6, it was revealed by Dom Katerina Rostova's father that the man was Ilya Koslov - a childhood friend and lover of Katerina Rostova. Ilya Koslov planned to impersonate Reddington via plastic surgery as part of a plan to help Katerina hide from her many enemies. However, this plot was further complicated when Red went to meet Ilya Koslov, indicating that they were indeed two different people, though quite close friends.
Speculations and Theories
One theory that was widely discussed is that Raymond Reddington might have actually been Katerina Rostova all along. This idea, given the information we have seen in the show, is not impossible. Either way, the person behind the persona of Raymond Reddington was someone close to the real Raymond Reddington - Ilya Koslov and Katerina Rostova.
Private Meeting Details
When Ilya Koslov and Raymond Reddington met privately, they indicated that the two men knew each other and were close friends. Despite the bones being from the real Raymond Reddington, this theory would still be unlikely due to the known details of the fire and Elizabeth shooting him as a child. However, the scars on his back from the fire remain a tantalizing clue that such a theory might not be completely out of the question.
The Twin Brother Angle
Another intriguing possibility is the twin brother angle. The idea that there could be a twin brother who had taken on the identity of Raymond Reddington adds another layer of complexity to the story. This theory aligns with the multiple identity swaps and the confusion in the earlier seasons about who the real Raymond Reddington was.
Conclusion
While the true identity of Raymond Reddington may never be officially confirmed, the many theories and speculations offer a unique insight into the intricacies of the series. As viewers, we are left to piece together the puzzle, enjoying the thrill of the mystery that defines The Blacklist. Whether the true identity of Raymond Reddington will remain a mystery or be revealed in the future, the show has left a lasting impression on viewers and will continue to be a topic of discussion.