Elizabeth “Liz” Keen, portrayed by Megan Boone, meets her tragic end in Season 8, Episode 22, titled “Konets,” of The Blacklist. This episode marks a pivotal and controversial moment in the series, permanently altering its trajectory.
The Circumstances Surrounding Liz’s Death
Liz’s death is not a straightforward affair. Throughout Season 8, she grapples with accepting her mother, Katarina Rostova’s, legacy and navigating the complexities of Raymond Reddington’s enigmatic presence in her life. “Konets,” Russian for “The End,” aptly foreshadows the concluding chapter of her character arc.
The episode culminates in a prearranged moment where Liz is supposed to kill Reddington, inheriting his criminal empire and shielding herself and Agnes from the countless enemies he’s amassed over the years. This plan, orchestrated by Reddington himself, is intended to provide her with power and protection. However, as Liz is poised to pull the trigger, a member of Townsend’s (now deceased) network, Vandyke, fatally shoots her.
The scene is deliberately ambiguous, leaving the audience to question the precise circumstances of her death and the true nature of Reddington’s long-term plans. The ambiguity surrounding Reddington’s health, further complicated by the arrangement for Liz to take over, added layers of intrigue and fueled ongoing fan debate.
The Immediate Aftermath
Following the gunshot, Liz collapses into Reddington’s arms. The final moments are heart-wrenching, focusing on the emotional impact on Reddington, Dembe Zuma, and Donald Ressler. The scene avoids showing graphic details of her injuries, opting instead for a focus on the emotional devastation of her loss.
The subsequent episode, “Nachalo” (Russian for “The Beginning”), delves into the origin of Reddington and Katarina’s relationship, shedding light on the decades-long conspiracy that ultimately led to Liz’s demise. These episodes highlight the ripple effects of past decisions and the heavy burden of Reddington’s secret.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Liz Keen’s Death
FAQ 1: Why did Megan Boone leave The Blacklist?
Megan Boone’s departure from The Blacklist was reportedly a mutual decision between the actress and the show’s producers. While the exact reasons remain somewhat private, reports suggest that Boone desired to pursue other acting opportunities and explore different creative avenues after eight seasons on the series. Contractual obligations and potentially a desire for a change of pace are commonly cited reasons.
FAQ 2: Was Liz Keen supposed to die in Season 8?
The decision to kill off Liz Keen in Season 8 was reportedly made mid-season. While the writers had considered various scenarios for her character, the specific choice to have her die was solidified later in the production process. The decision undoubtedly aimed to revamp the narrative and explore new avenues for the remaining characters, particularly Reddington.
FAQ 3: Did Red know Liz would die?
This remains one of the most hotly debated questions. While Reddington orchestrated the circumstances leading up to the planned transfer of his empire, it’s highly unlikely he intended for Liz to die. His reaction in the immediate aftermath clearly portrays grief and shock. The setup was designed to protect her, not to put her in mortal danger. The involvement of Vandyke was an unforeseen, albeit predictable, consequence of Reddington’s past actions.
FAQ 4: Could Liz Keen return to The Blacklist?
Given the explicit nature of her death scene and the narrative focus on her absence throughout the subsequent seasons, it’s highly improbable that Liz Keen will return to The Blacklist in any significant capacity. Flashbacks or brief cameos might be possible, but a full-fledged resurrection is exceedingly unlikely.
FAQ 5: How did fans react to Liz’s death?
The fan reaction to Liz Keen’s death was overwhelmingly negative. Many viewers expressed disappointment, anger, and frustration with the decision. Common criticisms included the feeling that her character arc was unresolved, the perceived lack of a satisfying conclusion to her relationship with Reddington, and the overall grim tone of the ending. The death sparked numerous online discussions and petitions calling for a different resolution.
FAQ 6: What happened to Agnes after Liz died?
Following Liz’s death, Agnes went to live with Mr. Kaplan’s granddaughter, a person that Liz entrusted with the care of Agnes should anything ever happen to her. Ressler provided Agnes with a safe and loving environment. Reddington maintained a presence in Agnes’s life, albeit from a distance, ensuring her well-being without directly interfering with her upbringing.
FAQ 7: What episode does Ressler react to Liz’s death?
Donald Ressler’s immediate reaction to Liz’s death is primarily shown in Season 8, Episode 22 (“Konets”) and the opening scenes of Season 9, Episode 1 (“The Skinner”). He experiences profound grief and guilt, as he had developed a strong emotional connection with Liz throughout the series. He grapples with his failure to protect her and questions the consequences of his choices.
FAQ 8: Did Liz know she was going to die?
There’s no explicit indication that Liz knew she was going to die. The plan centered around her taking Reddington’s place, implying she expected to survive the ordeal. However, given the precarious nature of their lives and the constant threat of danger, she was likely aware of the inherent risks involved. She likely expected to be in danger after assuming the new criminal empire.
FAQ 9: How did Red and Liz’s relationship evolve leading up to her death?
Red and Liz’s relationship was consistently complex. It evolved from Red being a mysterious figure with hidden agendas to a reluctant mentor, and ultimately, something resembling a father figure (although never explicitly stated as such). Leading up to her death, Liz was increasingly torn between her loyalty to Red and her desire for independence. The final season saw them at odds, testing the limits of their bond before a semblance of understanding was reached—though tragically cut short.
FAQ 10: What impact did Liz’s death have on the remaining seasons of The Blacklist?
Liz’s death served as a catalyst for significant changes in the remaining seasons. It created a void in the narrative, forcing the remaining characters to confront their own mortality and re-evaluate their relationships with Reddington. The show shifted its focus to the unresolved mysteries surrounding Reddington’s identity and his ultimate endgame, while also showcasing the lingering emotional impact of Liz’s loss on the team. The absence of a central character like Liz fundamentally reshaped the dynamic of the series.
FAQ 11: Is there any official statement from the showrunners about Liz’s death?
While the showrunners didn’t release a detailed, comprehensive statement, they have acknowledged the controversial nature of the decision. They’ve emphasized that Liz’s death was intended to serve as a pivotal turning point in the narrative, forcing the remaining characters to confront the consequences of their actions and ultimately bringing the series to a planned conclusion. They have also addressed fan criticisms, suggesting that the ending was carefully considered and designed to be thematically resonant, even if it wasn’t universally embraced.
FAQ 12: Were there alternative endings considered for Liz Keen?
While it’s impossible to know the full extent of the brainstorming process within the writers’ room, it’s highly probable that alternative endings for Liz Keen were considered. The decision to kill her off was likely weighed against other possibilities, such as sending her into hiding, giving her a chance to start a new life, or resolving her relationship with Reddington in a more conclusive way. Ultimately, the creative team opted for the dramatic and tragic ending that ultimately transpired, believing it served the overarching narrative arc of the series.