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. JennetP
    Apr 5, 2011
    10
    The critics have it right this time: "The Killing" is compelling television. Subtle and intricate without ever seeming slow, the series manages something rarely seen outside of Shakespeare: the sense of a single death having tainted an entire city, from the corridors of power to the hallways of the local high school, even the weather. Normally, I'm annoyed when the media depict SeattleThe critics have it right this time: "The Killing" is compelling television. Subtle and intricate without ever seeming slow, the series manages something rarely seen outside of Shakespeare: the sense of a single death having tainted an entire city, from the corridors of power to the hallways of the local high school, even the weather. Normally, I'm annoyed when the media depict Seattle as a place of hard rain, as its precipitation falls mostly as drizzle, but the torrents have a role to play in the series, not as pathetic fallacy, but as something apocalyptic, nature out of control and dangerous. As for more conventional role-playing, I can't cheer loudly enough about the casting, especially the two lead detectives. Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman give unusually raw, intelligent performances, demonstrating by contrast how used to bad acting we've become here in the US. Enos's senior detective, divided between longing for a gentler life and intimacy with violent death, serves as a master class in restraint, hinting at depths of understanding and compassion while maintaining the hard surface the job requires. Kinnaman's young gun is more brash, a badge-wearing bad boy emboldened by success working undercover narcotics and willing to cross ethical lines to solve cases. She's a little bit frumpy, and he's a little bit sleazy, which is brave and absolutely perfect. I'll admit, I don't see much of "Twin Peaks" here, outside the fact that the plot revolves around the body of a murdered girl in water. But "The Killing" lacks TP's quirky characters and fascination with the surreal, and its metaphysics are more "King Lear" than "The Lotus Sutra." The two series do have in common a respect for viewers' intelligence and for the artistic achievement possible in television when those involved are willing to take some real risks. Thank you, thank you, thank you.… Expand
  2. klopow
    Apr 8, 2011
    10
    Like other AMC ventures, this is a good show so far. I am not a huge fan of crime dramas, but I am a fan of good acting, and "The Killing" has plenty of that. The show is well cast - even the newly promoted homicide detective, played by Joel Kinnaman, seemed a believable sort. I mention him in particular because he does get quite a lot of face time, and his character seems the most outLike other AMC ventures, this is a good show so far. I am not a huge fan of crime dramas, but I am a fan of good acting, and "The Killing" has plenty of that. The show is well cast - even the newly promoted homicide detective, played by Joel Kinnaman, seemed a believable sort. I mention him in particular because he does get quite a lot of face time, and his character seems the most out of his element compared to the rest of the characters introduced thus far. The cinematography is exceptional. The scenery, superb. I was a bit irked at the perceived use of emotion inducing imagery meant to stir up feelings in the viewer. This is fine in and of itself, but I found it to be a tad gratuitous. They're really trying hard to tug at those heart strings. Also, there are several slow-panning close up shots of Sarah Linden, played by Mireille Enos, that are reminiscent of a soap opera. This device was used to show how she was analyzing the crime scene or her surroundings, but I found myself shaking my head during those brief parts. Despite those small annoyances, all-in-all this is a good show, one worth giving a shot.… Expand
  3. Badsniper
    Jul 20, 2011
    10
    The pace is just so well done, that to some people it's "slow". These people who find this show "slow" are the same people that dislike shows like Breaking Bad. It's plot is good, and the character interaction is interesting. the season finale is excellent. I want to know who murdered Rosie Larson.
  4. MattSDC
    Apr 7, 2011
    10
    Judging from the first two hours, this is going to be a very, very good series, and possibly one of the best on television. The acting, writing, and cinematography are all top-notch, and the story has the potential to be extremely engaging. It's going to be a slow burn, but, for me, that's part of the appeal. Oh, and bonus points for featuring what might be the most heart-wrenching momentJudging from the first two hours, this is going to be a very, very good series, and possibly one of the best on television. The acting, writing, and cinematography are all top-notch, and the story has the potential to be extremely engaging. It's going to be a slow burn, but, for me, that's part of the appeal. Oh, and bonus points for featuring what might be the most heart-wrenching moment I have ever seen in a television show.… Expand
  5. noobcannon
    Apr 5, 2011
    10
    AMC has themselves a three-headed monster. First Mad Men, then Breaking Bad, and now The Killing. Believe the hype! Now if season 4 of Breaking Bad would just hurry up and start.
  6. throwinken
    May 23, 2011
    10
    While the show starts off as a Twin Peaks knock off with a lot of Mireille Enos staring off into space, it quickly begins to carve out a niche of its own. In a world where TV Crime Dramas are dominated by brash and wise cracking cops, The Killing is a breath of fresh air. It's not a show about solving a murder, but rather and show about how one girl's murder impacts a city. It won't appealWhile the show starts off as a Twin Peaks knock off with a lot of Mireille Enos staring off into space, it quickly begins to carve out a niche of its own. In a world where TV Crime Dramas are dominated by brash and wise cracking cops, The Killing is a breath of fresh air. It's not a show about solving a murder, but rather and show about how one girl's murder impacts a city. It won't appeal to everyone (or even most people), but for those that it does work for it is fantastic.… Expand
  7. Mirkosansan
    Apr 6, 2011
    10
    A truly compelling show and I'll keep on watching. The rainy Northwest backdrop is perfect as this tale unfolds. Great acting and production values. And, as an aside, it's refreshing to see lead characters in gritty jobs who don't all look like they bounce out of bed at 4 am to spend the two hours or so necessary to putting on makeup and so forth. Characters are dressed for the part theyA truly compelling show and I'll keep on watching. The rainy Northwest backdrop is perfect as this tale unfolds. Great acting and production values. And, as an aside, it's refreshing to see lead characters in gritty jobs who don't all look like they bounce out of bed at 4 am to spend the two hours or so necessary to putting on makeup and so forth. Characters are dressed for the part they are playing.… Expand
  8. theaustincritic
    Apr 4, 2011
    10
    It's an excellent crime drama, bending the genre and beautifully filmed. The performances are also very good, with Billy Campbell, Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman delivering stellar performances. If you want to see something very different from a standard crime show, then you should see this show!
  9. tr34
    Apr 4, 2011
    10
    Scandinavian noir at its very best. Original and compelling the best TV since The Wire. The acting is excellent and the story twists and turns its way to its climax.
  10. dotslasher
    May 17, 2011
    10
    This show is just amazing. It features one of the best put together cast in recent times. Most of the actors are unknown; but boy can they act! Especially the young actors (Arya and Bran for example), they do a terrific job of playing their roles.
    As the show goes on you sympathize with their characters, you feel what they are going through. The show is full of deceit, backstabbing,    This show is just amazing. It features one of the best put together cast in recent times. Most of the actors are unknown; but boy can they act! Especially the young actors (Arya and Bran for example), they do a terrific job of playing their roles.
    As the show goes on you sympathize with their characters, you feel what they are going through. The show is full of deceit, backstabbing, violence, outstanding dialogues, intriguing characters and much more. I would even go as far as putting this show up with the likes of The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, Deadwood and the Shield. It's by far one of the best shows in recent times.

    Of course this show won't appeal to everyone. If you're not into the genre then there's a chance you will not enjoy all other amazing aspects of Game of Thrones.

    A special note should go to the performances of Ned Stark (Sean Bean) and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage). Especially the Imp :). He plays his character with so much wit and style that he even outclasses Sean Bean. He's by far the best actor in this series.
    He owns every scene he is in.

    There is however one thing that I dislike about the show and that's King Robert (Mark Addy). I'm sorry but he's the weakest link here.
    Other than that, there's not much to dislike about Game of Thrones.
    I'm always a little sad that I have to wait another week for the next episode! haha.

    oh and I like this show so much that I even went ahead and ordered the books :)    … Expand
  11. ez88uc
    May 30, 2011
    10
    Easily the best show on TV at the moment... the characters are so well drawn and the acting and production is nothing less than masterful. I am always sad to see each episode end.
  12. Jams
    Jun 3, 2011
    10
    I love this show and can't get enough of it. I can't remember the last time I would watch a show and 45 minutes would literally fly by... I get so sad when it comes to an end every week because I have to wait until the next Sunday. Beautifully written and shot, there better be a second season!
  13. andrewsky124
    Jun 3, 2011
    10
    The hopelessness that is omnipresent throughout this show was shocking at first, but definitely in a good way. I hadn't seen a show like this before, and, like always, AMC delivers with another terrific drama. The Killing has the same addictive quality as Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and The Walking Dead. That being said, if you like any of the aforementioned series and love realistic crimeThe hopelessness that is omnipresent throughout this show was shocking at first, but definitely in a good way. I hadn't seen a show like this before, and, like always, AMC delivers with another terrific drama. The Killing has the same addictive quality as Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and The Walking Dead. That being said, if you like any of the aforementioned series and love realistic crime dramas, then you will love this show.… Expand
  14. jedodes
    Jun 9, 2011
    10
    The critics are right: this one is phenomenal. The pacing, the acting, the story, the music--all of it is top-notch. Dark, moody, intense, and truly entertaining.
  15. LeahAndNic
    Jun 20, 2011
    10
    I watched the entire series and could not wait for each upcoming episode. And the season finale was just the best icing on any cake. Way to finish it. I can't wait for it's return. Yes there is a lot of raining. Yes it's very dark. Yes it's not C.S.I. and it's paced very slowly. It's more like Mystic River in it's plotting. It's extremely depressing at moments. But it'sI watched the entire series and could not wait for each upcoming episode. And the season finale was just the best icing on any cake. Way to finish it. I can't wait for it's return. Yes there is a lot of raining. Yes it's very dark. Yes it's not C.S.I. and it's paced very slowly. It's more like Mystic River in it's plotting. It's extremely depressing at moments. But it's emotionally thorough. It's smart too. The police work seems to me what an exhausting mysterious case would be for a dedicated detective. And I felt compassion for her trying to be a parent and be a dedicated detective. I can understand where people are not interested. It's not just quick resolutions every Night. It's an emotional roller coaster and at times gut-wrenching and challenging. It's everything I would choose over Hawaii-50, C.S.I. or any standard television. I'll be back for sure.… Expand
  16. UncleBen
    Jun 20, 2011
    10
    Likely to be remembered, ex post facto, as one of the best TV crime dramas ever created - this show is almost cinematic in nature; a great mix of developed characters, intrigue with its narrative and supported by a high quality troupe of actors. Season 1 was simply phenomenal.
  17. JoeinMD
    Sep 4, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I thought I might get some idea of where the story is heading by watching the Danish version -- NOT! While this may be (roughly) based on the Danish show, it has been redone so that this version is its own show. And, what a show. I love the flawed characters, especially Mirelle Enos. I was disappointed in the last show of the season's ending, but I suspect that was intended even though it may (like the Dexter show when his wife is killed) turn some off.… Expand
  18. Olive
    Sep 26, 2011
    10
    Just started in South Africa - only seen three episodes - great show different than the normal crime show. Slow paced but compelling, hope it contunues to be a good show.
  19. ddot24
    Oct 15, 2011
    10
    I love this show!!!! I read about it after the first season was almost over and saw the cast members and knew I just had to watch it. I watched all the missed episodes in marathon style since with this show there really isn't any other way. The cast is as amazing as i thought they would be and the storyline is excellently written and executed. I will say it was a tad slow going at first,I love this show!!!! I read about it after the first season was almost over and saw the cast members and knew I just had to watch it. I watched all the missed episodes in marathon style since with this show there really isn't any other way. The cast is as amazing as i thought they would be and the storyline is excellently written and executed. I will say it was a tad slow going at first, but only the first episode so that the viewers could get all the information needed to continue on. I wasn't sure at first if this was going to be a mini-series or a multiple episode series and I am glad for the latter. I have to say that it is a little ridiculous all the reviews that say how depressing the show is. It's call "The Killing"! Did you think it was going to be a cheerful uplifting comedy?!?!??? It is a depressing concept, but the show is not so much about the killing, but the apprehension of the killer. It is also about how this one event impacts the lives of people who haven't even met each other. Awesome, awesome show and I am sorry to those who gave up on it, you truly missed out on an excellent season.… Expand
  20. 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.
  21. 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!!!
  22. 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
  23. moopity
    Apr 2, 2012
    10
    The Killing has become my absolute favorite show of all time. I cannot get over its depth and precision. I'm in awe of this series and am grateful for the wonderfully talented actors who bring it to life. I just recently discovered the show a few days before the season two premiere, and I watched the first season in two days. I wish I could watch season two in this way -- waiting betweenThe Killing has become my absolute favorite show of all time. I cannot get over its depth and precision. I'm in awe of this series and am grateful for the wonderfully talented actors who bring it to life. I just recently discovered the show a few days before the season two premiere, and I watched the first season in two days. I wish I could watch season two in this way -- waiting between episodes is aggravating to say the very least. Bravo to all who are involved in this series, and I cannot wait for more!… Expand
  24. 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.
  25. 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!
  26. 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!
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
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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

All reviews »
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.
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