Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Road Less Traveled Key Art Analysis

Because the key art always has something to share about the final product.

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I may have been short on analysis this past month due to my recent move, but that doesn't mean I haven't started accumulating thoughts about the key art for Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Road Less Traveled. So to flex my analytical muscles ahead of the premiere, I thought I'd take a shot at decoding the key art.

The Background

What's interesting about this key art background is that it is, by comparison, considerably darker than any before it. In many ways it signals something ominous, dangerous and/or intense should be expected, a reality echoed by the trailer we've already seen. The Motel sign confirms the road trip idea we've been tossing around since they were filming last year. 

Blocking
The configuration of Norman, Shane, Oliver and Rita also has something to share about the relationships in The Road Less Traveled.

After being separated in the key art to Home Again, where they navigated some relationship issues in the form of Rita's dad, Norman and Rita are once again separated, suggesting that their pre-nuptial challenges might not be over yet. Both are depicted with concerned expressions, and once can't help but wonder whether they're more associated with the nature of the case or the state of their relationship.

Note also that Norman casts---or is standing in---a rather long shadow that seems to stretch in the direction of Oliver. One can't help but wonder if Norman begins to question his fitness to be a husband for one reason or another, questioning his ability to step into the role. I've always wondered if Norman might begin to wonder about whether or not he's prepared to support both him and Rita, or some other manner of pre-nuptial jitter on his end that might need addressed. Not to mention he's holding the camera that more than likely triggers their cross-state road trip.

Rita, interestingly, is dressed in her traditional floral print, but is dressed in white, while everyone else seems dressed in much darker hues. It's hard to say what, if any, bearing that might have on where she is either emotionally or otherwise with regard to their current letter mystery. Perhaps it's a sign that while others may be struggling with things internally here and there, that perhaps Rita is the "bright light," or the core of optimism, required to keep the POstables motivated to move forward. Or perhaps it's meant to signal that whatever pre-nuptial jitters might be plaguing Norman are a non-issue for her?

After being separated for multiple rounds of key art, Shane and Oliver are once again together, front and center. Where Norman and Rita struggle to match to some degree, these two appear in sync, much like they were in at the end of Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Home Again. For all intents and purposes, both appear confident. Oliver's stance suggests not only his confidence, but that he's ready to lead his team on this adventure, key clue---likely a photograph---in hand, as he tugs those cufflinks as we've so often seen. There's also a determination about him that I think will drive what it sure to be a very challenging case given its nature and the road trip involved.  


What are your thoughts on The Road Less Traveled according to the key art, POstables? Share them with me in the comments.

And since I know you're anxious out of your seats to see this Sunday's installment, here's the on-location video for anyone who hasn't had a chance to check it out yet---or wants to see it for the one-hundredth time! 

Don't forget---Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Road Less Traveled, airs Sunday, February 11 at as special time of 7pm EST! Tune in, set your DVRs & tweet like crazy. The fun begins at 9am with The Impossible Dream, leading up to the premiere!

Pumped,
~C