‘The Blacklist’ Season 4, Episode 8 Spoilers: Is Red Really Liz’s Father? Kirk Dead, Katarina Alive?

"The Blacklist" Season 4 aired its midseason finale last week and it raised questions more than answers. In the tense episode titled "Dr. Adrian Shaw: Conclusion," Red Reddington (James Spader) seemingly succeeded in removing Alexander Kirk (Ulrich Thomsen) out of Elizabeth Keen's (Megan Boone) life. Prior to that, Red admitted to Kirk that he is Liz's father -- but is that really the truth?

Red's confession came after Kirk tortured him with chemicals, saying, "What do you want me to say? Yes, Elizabeth is my daughter," Cinema Blend reported. Throughout the show's course, "The Blacklist" focused on Red's odd interest on Liz and many have wondered whether that has something to do with him being her biological father.

Despite Red admitting that he is Liz's father, some "The Blacklist" viewers are hesitant to believe him because he was drugged, plus the show is known for its numerous twists and turns. "The Blacklist" writer and producer Daniel Cerone said on Twitter that Red "never lies" and that he previously said that "he wasn't [Liz's] father." So which of these contradicting statements are true?

Cerone assured viewers that "it will all make sense in the end." It remains to be seen whether Red is really Liz's father or he was just lying and there's another explanation behind his confession.

Last week's "The Blacklist" Season 4 episode also showcased Red getting the upper hand before Kirk planned to kill him by injecting a chemical into his neck. Red whispered something in Kirk's ear that shocked him and stilled his hand, sparing Red's life, TV Guide reported.

What did Red whisper to Kirk? Red's statement holds so much gravity judging from Kirk's stunned reaction. Perhaps it was something about Liz's mother, Katarina Rostova (Lotte Verbeek), given that they were talking about her during their showdown? Red could have revealed to Kirk that Katarina is still alive.

"The Blacklist" Season 4's midseason finale left fans wondering whether Red killed Kirk. At the end of episode eight, Red told Liz that Kirk is "gone" for good but didn't confirm whether he killed him.

"The Blacklist" executive producer Jon Bokenkamp told Entertainment Weekly that viewers are "not going to find out" what Red told Kirk because it "was a secret between the two men who loved Katarina." Bokenkamp also revealed to TV Guide that they have "no plan to see" Kirk again, adding that he's "either dead" or Red saved him using Dr. Adrian's advanced medical technology.

Do you believe that Red is Liz's father? Any guesses about what he whispered to Kirk? Share your thoughts below. "The Blacklist" Season 4 returns on NBC on Jan. 5.