The Killing

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Season 1
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 400 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 335 out of 400
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 400
  3. Negative: 24 out of 400
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  1. Arefin_Mahmud
    Feb 10, 2021
    9
    This first season is absolutely delicious. A must watch. It’s a shame none of the next ones could maintain the same high caliber due to weaknesses in the storyline even though the acting was consistently top-notch.
  2. AWESOM-0
    Aug 1, 2020
    10
    Linden and Holder are amazing characters and Mireille and Joel do a fantastic job. The rest of the cast round out nicely. This show focuses on the right things and keeps you invested, I love this show.
  3. sepehrgool
    Apr 7, 2017
    9
    After Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead, The Killing is a new adventure and gripping series from The TV cable AMC. So the series its is a mixture of Twin Peaks and Newer True Detective and also sort of David Fincher's Seven. The Plot is about the A teenage Girl Rosie Larson that killed by an anonymous person that connected to The Mayor Campaign. The Detectives (Holden and Sarah) try toAfter Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead, The Killing is a new adventure and gripping series from The TV cable AMC. So the series its is a mixture of Twin Peaks and Newer True Detective and also sort of David Fincher's Seven. The Plot is about the A teenage Girl Rosie Larson that killed by an anonymous person that connected to The Mayor Campaign. The Detectives (Holden and Sarah) try to find the killer but the murder is more much about the easy killing. so the pilot it was the best pilot is ever created. Great Direction, well-known handwriting, Dark atmosphere (like twin peaks)… Expand
  4. Ripandread
    Mar 27, 2017
    10
    While searching for some program to watch on Netflix I came across this show and ended up binge-watching the first season all day Sunday.

    What an amazing program! The writing is the best I’ve seen on TV in a long time. One cannot tell who the suspect is from episode to episode. The acting is also great.

    While Season #1 left one in suspense, Season #2 is even better.
  5. Daniel_Daniel
    Jan 16, 2017
    8
    I haven't watched Twin Peaks, so my review is disregarding any plagiarism, as pointed by others. It is a pretty good show. Characters are interesting. The plot is very well written and well developed. I am not giving a 10 because I was not pleased with the "change to the ending" in order to accommodate season 2.
  6. ScottRock
    Jun 16, 2016
    1
    The Killing is a watered down and soulless version of David Lynch's Twin Peaks. I don't think the people rating this show highly realise the extent to which The Killing is copying Twin Peaks. The same soundtrack, the same north west environment and weather, a dead teenage girl's body taken from the water, a mother crying, the detectives have their eyes set on the 'bad' boyfriend, the deadThe Killing is a watered down and soulless version of David Lynch's Twin Peaks. I don't think the people rating this show highly realise the extent to which The Killing is copying Twin Peaks. The same soundtrack, the same north west environment and weather, a dead teenage girl's body taken from the water, a mother crying, the detectives have their eyes set on the 'bad' boyfriend, the dead girl's best friend was jealous of her, the pacing, the secrets unravelling, this girl was living a different life her family were unaware of, she had a dark side... exactly like Twin Peaks. The detective in The Killing hops on a boat to travel to the other side because there's a casino there, just like in Twin Peaks, and when she gets there do you think Rosie (the dead white teenager) was working there as an escort? Just like Laura Palmer (the dead white teenager) did? Do these two characters look the same? What The Killing doesn't have, when compared to Twin Peaks, are engaging characters. And charm. And comedy. And quirkiness. And coffee.… Expand
  7. greenebrahim
    Oct 19, 2015
    9
    Greet Show.. Well done AMC!!
    Really good acting and good story line. Perhaps a bit slow during the Third season, but after that it picks up great!
    Everything is in place.
  8. Octomort
    Apr 12, 2015
    8
    Definitely not a show for anyone who has been raised on quick fix murder mysteries.
    Not all TV has to be wham bang thank you, rinse and redo.
    This is not pop-corn and cabbage-out viewing (which I do myself from time to time, just not all the time) This is not about solving the case but examining the personalities around it. It is less a crime drama more a psychological mystery; to a    Definitely not a show for anyone who has been raised on quick fix murder mysteries.
    Not all TV has to be wham bang thank you, rinse and redo.
    This is not pop-corn and cabbage-out viewing (which I do myself from time to time, just not all the time)

    This is not about solving the case but examining the personalities around it. It is less a crime drama more a psychological mystery; to a lesser extent a look at moral and political ambiguity and deceit.

    I understand why they cancelled as the format of the first two seasons would not work without the backdrop of the Mayoral elections allowing for the time frame and pressure.
    I did find the ending episodes disappointing and fudged in season 2.

    It is moody and intense, it seems Seattle (Vancouver filmed) is in a state of almost perpetual downpour. At times it can seem a bit overwhelming. It is not meant to be a procedural piece of work but an emotional one, so the techniques used by the detectives are inaccurate for today, but they do nothing that wasnt standard practice in some forces within living memory. The writers do indicate they are not ignorant of procedure but bypassing for effect, when villains ask for lawyers the detectives approach changes and interview room brutality stops.

    Overall I liked the series, but they should have dropped the format to 8/10 episodes per season. I had the feeling the producers had trouble striking through script writers ideas and tightening the flow of the story.    … Expand
  9. Bo33y
    Jan 14, 2015
    2
    This show is example of how to really muck up any reality, turning what had started by being a casual ride, into completely laughable nonsense. Did they figure lets reel them in with a decent premise to than dismantle it all on the second season.

    This show was way to lengthy to achieve any finale, drawn out to end degree's, had nobody employed an editor? The same scenes, information    This show is example of how to really muck up any reality, turning what had started by being a casual ride, into completely laughable nonsense. Did they figure lets reel them in with a decent premise to than dismantle it all on the second season.

    This show was way to lengthy to achieve any finale, drawn out to end degree's, had nobody employed an editor? The same scenes, information keep on running again and again to drawn out this shows duration...

    The characters themselves were bunch of misfits whom would never achieve professional positions. outside of attempted political correctness showing itself into every picture. Believing suicidal, cripples, can gain the presidency, because they don't require an additional team of aids, who would be privy to national secrets, when making every single function accessible, to any man on a podium. Jeopardising those very positions power when upon making further demands of office. Also containing drugged AA, cops making detective, or institutionally insane cops being lead investigators. Because their ain't no such thing as public record. GBH is on bail, to do it all again without any ankle bracelet. The list is endless

    What started off as a Twin Peaks esque, but wrongly set in the big city. Quickly descend into total emotional nonsense, utterly painfully to then watch the who did it. Upon final conclusion the person who did it, it was unlikely to be in their nature at all. Although we must likewise believe in the impossible that everybody is a natural born killer, when it comes to power.

    Heck, I don't know if they tried to pull it back on the third season and the the fourth. I didn't care at all after the second....    … Expand
  10. jadeo
    Aug 3, 2014
    10
    Season 4 wrap was perfect. I almost gave up on Season 1, but the characters, Holder in particular, brought me back. Season 3 was so much better than first two seasons. The character of Bullet gave the series someone to care about and took the performances to another level. Season 4 gave us the ending we needed.
  11. Opinador
    Aug 3, 2014
    10
    The acting is great. The photography is superb; great close-ups and panorama shots. That blue-grayish tone goes really well with the storyline.

    It's a shame the show cannot continue. The two actors are great working together, too bad they were found for a mini-series of limited episodes. They could had become an excellent TV series of many seasons.
  12. Ravens1294
    Jun 24, 2014
    9
    A great first season to this sad and dark show. The characters are very interesting and so is the plot. I was okay with the case not being resolved in the first season
  13. Zonzai
    Mar 25, 2014
    9
    Great show. There were times when I saw a plot twist coming from a mile away but the acting, cinematography, dialogue and overall writing is superb. I would say it is better than Sherlock in every way except the main characters' charisma but the plot is just a step behind Wallander. But if you liked either one of those shows The Killing is a must watch.
  14. mozee
    Jan 27, 2014
    10
    One of the best shows on TV, very underrated, i've rarely enjoyed a show as much as i did the first case (seasons 1 & 2), better to watch in a bundle though if you get them on DVD, the 3rd season was a new case and also great viewing, i'm very disappointed that all we are getting is a short 4th and final season, this show deserves so much more, as do the characters of Holder/Linden who areOne of the best shows on TV, very underrated, i've rarely enjoyed a show as much as i did the first case (seasons 1 & 2), better to watch in a bundle though if you get them on DVD, the 3rd season was a new case and also great viewing, i'm very disappointed that all we are getting is a short 4th and final season, this show deserves so much more, as do the characters of Holder/Linden who are played xecellently by the two leads, it's much better than 90% of the shows on tv today… Expand
  15. Ockthniel
    Jan 10, 2014
    9
    I didn't know about this series until season 3 was about to air and the show had already been cancelled once. My wife and I decided to binge watch the first season, which turned into the first two seasons because of the way the plot spread out over the two seasons.

    Without a doubt, these two seasons were some of the best TV I've watched in a long time. They were emotionally touchy and    I didn't know about this series until season 3 was about to air and the show had already been cancelled once. My wife and I decided to binge watch the first season, which turned into the first two seasons because of the way the plot spread out over the two seasons.

    Without a doubt, these two seasons were some of the best TV I've watched in a long time. They were emotionally touchy and somewhat emotionally draining because we were able to connect with the characters. I would highly recommend these seasons to anybody.

    The third season was not as good, but was still good TV. I'm saddened that it got cancelled again.    … Expand
  16. Metadiva
    Sep 8, 2013
    10
    I've seen all 3 series and campaigning for the 4th. Am a Dexter/Breaking Bad sort. This show is under-estimated, and under-marketed. The Killing is possibly the most realistic cop show on TV. I've seen reviews by real life cops who claim they watch this show for that reason. This show goes beyond realism however it draws you in, with surprises after surprises, slowly and surely. It goesI've seen all 3 series and campaigning for the 4th. Am a Dexter/Breaking Bad sort. This show is under-estimated, and under-marketed. The Killing is possibly the most realistic cop show on TV. I've seen reviews by real life cops who claim they watch this show for that reason. This show goes beyond realism however it draws you in, with surprises after surprises, slowly and surely. It goes beyond cop show cliches of the last decade, an amazing feat to pull off. Both lead characters were well-drawn by the writer and the actors. Enos is an amazing and courageous actress as Linda, possibly the sexiest deliberately-unsexy female cop ever. Kinnaman's Holden has depth, intensity, complexity and a unique brand of humor. The overall atmosphere is somber yet with tenderness. The story is well-paced and surprisingly caring about even the dead characters. The ending for Rosie series 1 & 2 promises surprises and satisfying enough resolution. Highly recommended for the discerning ones who're sick of cop genre cliches and cheap gores.… Expand
  17. sandraPinar
    Aug 5, 2013
    10
    Excellent series, beautiful filming, excellent story, very good balance between the protagonists. The performance of Peter Sarsgaard in the 3rd season is impressive.
  18. albuddha
    Jul 26, 2013
    10
    Great show! Atmospheric, intense, keeps you guessing, love the gloomy cinematography, reminiscent of seven/hannibal...the finale of the first storyline is heartbreaking, still shaking and i finished 3 days ago. 1/2way through season 3, just as good...missing billy campbell though!
  19. joeyperez
    Jul 19, 2013
    9
    solid adaptation of a danish show. it uses the same red herring device of a murder investigation to invesigate the community its set in. a lot of great moments and incredibly well realised tone and world, but increasingly hampered by its need to use the plot to investigate the characters.

    the idea is in line with the wire, but the device and adaptive duty, holds the whole thing back a    solid adaptation of a danish show. it uses the same red herring device of a murder investigation to invesigate the community its set in. a lot of great moments and incredibly well realised tone and world, but increasingly hampered by its need to use the plot to investigate the characters.

    the idea is in line with the wire, but the device and adaptive duty, holds the whole thing back a touch.

    even at its worst, its stll easily one of the best things on tv though.    … Expand
  20. Erickalynne
    Jul 15, 2013
    10
    I love this show. Everything about it. It keeps my interest, it's suspenseful, the cast is great! I'm sad to see some of my peers are unhappy about this season. I hope they come back for another season!
  21. imthenoob
    Jun 9, 2013
    7
    I stopped watching after the pilot and picked it up when season 3 started. I am glad that I did because it's a rather good show and pretty enjoyable to watch.
  22. drlowdon
    Feb 27, 2013
    5
    I have yet to watch the well received Danish original (it is on my 'to do list' with a number of other shows) but seeing the US version advertised on TV decided to give it a try and was initially quite impressed. The major cast members were all very good and not having the usual case per episode formula seen on countless cop procedurals made a pleasant change.

    Of course I am unable to    I have yet to watch the well received Danish original (it is on my 'to do list' with a number of other shows) but seeing the US version advertised on TV decided to give it a try and was initially quite impressed. The major cast members were all very good and not having the usual case per episode formula seen on countless cop procedurals made a pleasant change.

    Of course I am unable to make any comparisons to the Danish version but purely judged on its own merits I found that, despite a well written and intriguing opening episode, everything moved along at far too slow a pace. I have no problem with slow-burning drama, The Wire and Mad Men rank amongst my favourite shows, but The Killing provides too many obvious red herrings that the protagonists waste their and the audiences time on. Worst of all after sticking with the show for thirteen episodes we were still left guessing as to who killed Rosie Larsen until season two is available!

    While the first season of The Killing certainly had plenty of things going for it I can’t help but feel it would have benefited from a shorter, tighter season in order to better keep audience’s attention.    … Expand
  23. maclaughlin
    Oct 9, 2012
    5
    Although this show does a good job of exploring grief and addiction, the tone is too consistently dark. There are no light moments, there's no humour, no character quirks, nothing to help the audience actually root for the characters. Everyone is very serious and very boring. I enjoyed some of the plot and structure, but the show doesn't have enough range.
  24. AlvaradoKTA
    Aug 1, 2012
    10
    This has so far been my all time favorite television show. I honestly think this is better than Lost and Breaking Bad, which or two of my favorite and most critically-acclaimed shows. The Killing is the most suspenseful show I have ever watched, It has produced bigger thrills not even films have given me.BEST SHOW EVER!!!
  25. RobotHamster
    Jun 25, 2012
    6
    Definitely a show that takes a lot of patience. The start of the series is a bit slow and it took me two tries to finally get into it. Once you have a better sense of the characters and the storyline around episode 4, you'll begin to feel more of a connection with the show, in my opinion. Definitely not a series I would recommend hands down but if you're in between series, I would sayDefinitely a show that takes a lot of patience. The start of the series is a bit slow and it took me two tries to finally get into it. Once you have a better sense of the characters and the storyline around episode 4, you'll begin to feel more of a connection with the show, in my opinion. Definitely not a series I would recommend hands down but if you're in between series, I would say check this out.… Expand
  26. Fullmetal
    May 20, 2012
    10
    This show was pretty straightforward at first, and then had you guessing the rest of the time. The pacing was great, the acting was spot on, and the tone of the show matched the subject matter. I was glad that I could watch all of season 1 in one sitting. If I had to wait all week I would freak out. Just like Lost. I am totally looking forward to season 2.
  27. Mike_M
    May 14, 2012
    3
    In brief, two points:
    1)You can't judge this show by its first few episodes, which is why the scores are so drastically inflated. 2) I am simply in shock at how bad the writing is [scene by scene and in the series overall]. It's like an elephant playing piano. How did this show-runner get to adapt a series? More details:
    The writing's so bad that it's hard to gauge the talent of the    In brief, two points:
    1)You can't judge this show by its first few episodes, which is why the scores are so drastically inflated. 2) I am simply in shock at how bad the writing is [scene by scene and in the series overall]. It's like an elephant playing piano. How did this show-runner get to adapt a series? More details:
    The writing's so bad that it's hard to gauge the talent of the actors, so I will reserve judgment there. However, for those of you who haven't studied the interplay of writing and acting, you may find yourself frequently inclined to blame the actors.

    I've found this show to be an interesting study in what a series can get wrong at the same time that it gets several things right. [Its strong points are cinematography, design and editing; and the fact that it's based on a Danish series with an interesting premise: an in-depth examination of a murder case]

    Many user reviews cite "slow and depressing" as a problem with this show, but I disagree. I think that a show like this, if written well, would not bother people with its heavy themes and in-depth examination of a case.    … Expand
  28. Parera_Starr11
    Apr 24, 2012
    9
    This isn't the kind of show for those who like fast paced crime drama's that solve their cases in a mere 45 minutes. It's a slow burning show that mirrors real life more then any crime drama before it. I would honestly say the score this show has been given is on the low end. It deserves much higher. The cast and crew behind the show do an outstanding job. The writing is terrific. TheThis isn't the kind of show for those who like fast paced crime drama's that solve their cases in a mere 45 minutes. It's a slow burning show that mirrors real life more then any crime drama before it. I would honestly say the score this show has been given is on the low end. It deserves much higher. The cast and crew behind the show do an outstanding job. The writing is terrific. The images, like for example the weather are used to great affect. The show is set in Seattle, there they happen to get a lot of precipitation but the shows directors wisely use the weather not just for realism. But to showcase the mode and/or tone of this series. The colours are also used brilliantly. Lots of dark colours. Black, blue and grey are often used. They should illustrate to at least the competent viewer that this a show that is bleak. An it tackles hard issues that can make some people uncomfortable. We see throughout the season how this one event has affected lives of so many people. An not just for example the parents but i would dare to say the entire community. The performances are of the highest quality. Especially that of the lead protagonist and the grieving mother, who is a supporting actress on the show. I would say to anyone about to watch this series you're in for superb acting and a meticulous well crafted story line with many twists and turns in it.… Expand
  29. xahkdlys119
    Apr 10, 2012
    7
    The series's plot is quite good, but it is tooooooooooooo slow. Usually the other series about crime and murders, it is one case one chapter. But it is quite realistic and the actors and actresses are fantastic!
  30. nerdlust
    Apr 3, 2012
    10
    Frustratingly compelling mystery. Like that long-winded author whose book you just can't put down. Would give it a 9.5, but it's worth rounding up. Superbly acted and very well thought out. It's Breaking Bad for the mystery lovers.
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best TV Season of 2011
10
#10 Most Discussed TV Season of 2011
16
#16 Most Shared TV Season of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    Apr 7, 2011
    80
    Sharply contrasting with the florid Borgias is AMC's emotionally spare and atmospherically dank series The Killing.
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  2. Slate
    Reviewed by: Troy Patterson
    Apr 5, 2011
    80
    In the suspenseful early hours of The Killing, Rosie's family goes about its bereavement in muted tones, and a subplot about a mayoral candidate drawn into the crime's eccentric orbit flashes with potential, and, primarily, our expectations for cop shows are teased, gratified, and artfully upended.
    Read full review
  3. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    Apr 4, 2011
    90
    The Killing is also the least prepossessing, an eerily quiet, yet compelling and complex, tale of the way the murder of a teenager affects the lives of many people.
    Read full review
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