Red claims he wants the FBI to track down Koehler to give them his client list, but his true motive is more personal: he needs to erase his own file from Koehler's records.
The episode explores the concept of "identity as a tool," highlighting how a face can be changed, but a voice—and a reputation—can be adopted to build an empire.
The sisters visit their childhood home and begin tracing the history of the surgery that turned a stranger into Reddington. [S6E1] Dr. Hans Koehler
While Reddington hunts for his past, Liz and Jennifer embark on their own investigation. Having discovered that the bones in the duffel bag belonged to the real Raymond Reddington, they are certain that the man they know is an imposter.
Despite the doctor's death, Red manages to secure Koehler's computer files. He hand-delivers them to Liz, but not before deleting the data pertaining to his own surgical history. Liz and Jennifer's Secret Alliance Red claims he wants the FBI to track
Reviewers at TV Fanatic and The Johnny Green noted that this premiere successfully balanced the "Blacklister of the week" formula with the overarching mystery of Red’s identity, setting up a season of intense psychological games between Liz and her "father".
The episode introduces a dangerous new antagonist, Bastien Moreau (known as "The Corsican"). Moreau has taken Dr. Koehler and his medical team hostage to undergo a complete facial reconstruction. While Reddington hunts for his past, Liz and
Liz remains wary and resentful of Red's secrets. She chooses to continue working with him to gain access to his resources, all while hiding the fact that she knows his greatest secret. Key Episode Details Original Air Date: January 3, 2019 Blacklist Number: No. 33