The Killing

:

Season 2
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 140 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 120 out of 140
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 140
  3. Negative: 9 out of 140
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User Reviews

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  1. Parera_Starr11
    Apr 24, 2012
    8
    Larsen' killer not being revealed will try the patience of most viewers, who are unfamiliar with this kind of storytelling. In season two more characters are fleshed out, Sarah Linden too far into the case now to quit elects to stay on board and find the true killer. After the events in season one. Linden wonders who she can trust and must start looking at the case from a new angle andLarsen' killer not being revealed will try the patience of most viewers, who are unfamiliar with this kind of storytelling. In season two more characters are fleshed out, Sarah Linden too far into the case now to quit elects to stay on board and find the true killer. After the events in season one. Linden wonders who she can trust and must start looking at the case from a new angle and figure out what she missed. An how far this thing really goes. The Cast is just as good as in season one but the same cannot be said of the writing.… Expand
  2. Anna0502
    Jun 22, 2012
    10
    This show had us hooked from the first episode until the finale.
    It took you on many turns and twists and felt the ending was very satisfying. This is definitely a highly addicting TV series and truly hope they have another season because now that it's over, I feel like I definitely want to see more.
  3. MarcDoyle
    Apr 1, 2012
    7
    I'm encouraged by the 2-hour premiere episode. Sure, I was disappointed by many that we didn't figure out who the killer is in the season 1 finale, but plenty of shows have hidden the ball into season 2 - see Twin Peaks. The lead actors are phenomenal - and even though I love her, I was happy to see Michelle Forbes away from this long episode. She's a ponderous force in this seriesI'm encouraged by the 2-hour premiere episode. Sure, I was disappointed by many that we didn't figure out who the killer is in the season 1 finale, but plenty of shows have hidden the ball into season 2 - see Twin Peaks. The lead actors are phenomenal - and even though I love her, I was happy to see Michelle Forbes away from this long episode. She's a ponderous force in this series which I hope is either lifted or alleviated.… Expand
  4. FinnBarker
    Apr 30, 2012
    10
    I'm enjoying this season just as much as last year. What's striking is the chemistry that has developed between Holder and LInden. We haven't seen on-screen chemistry like this since Mulder and Scully. One last note, whenever I'm watching this show I'm reminded why I've always hated shows like CSI or NCIS or whatever ... They lack grittiness, which this show has in spades. Fantastic show,I'm enjoying this season just as much as last year. What's striking is the chemistry that has developed between Holder and LInden. We haven't seen on-screen chemistry like this since Mulder and Scully. One last note, whenever I'm watching this show I'm reminded why I've always hated shows like CSI or NCIS or whatever ... They lack grittiness, which this show has in spades. Fantastic show, don't miss out… Expand
  5. thenthomwaslike
    Apr 23, 2012
    7
    The pacing in season 2 again treats the audience like children. you find out absolutely nothing of importance until the last 2 minutes of every episode, and the importance level of those little perfunctory reveals is lessening more and more with every episode. the acting is passable in this season moreso than the first, and every now and then they pull an interesting cinematographyThe pacing in season 2 again treats the audience like children. you find out absolutely nothing of importance until the last 2 minutes of every episode, and the importance level of those little perfunctory reveals is lessening more and more with every episode. the acting is passable in this season moreso than the first, and every now and then they pull an interesting cinematography technique. to the killing's credit i now am finally invested in the plot. i've turned against nearly every character in the story, but i am coming back every week to watch more of it. *will update at the end of the season… Expand
  6. Ripandread
    Mar 27, 2017
    10
    Have to say I didn’t see this ending coming when it came to who really murdered the girl.

    Season # 2 was better than Season # 1 and, to me Season # 1 was excellent. Kudos to the writers and actors! One bit of criticism however regards the actors who played Linder and Holden. At times she seemed came across as stiff and wooden while Holden’s “hip-junkie” routine got a bit stale after    Have to say I didn’t see this ending coming when it came to who really murdered the girl.

    Season # 2 was better than Season # 1 and, to me Season # 1 was excellent.

    Kudos to the writers and actors! One bit of criticism however regards the actors who played Linder and Holden. At times she seemed came across as stiff and wooden while Holden’s “hip-junkie” routine got a bit stale after a while. On the positive side when Linder and Holden broke out of those molds they made up for an unusual but effective team.    … Expand
  7. Getbusyliving
    Apr 3, 2012
    10
    This is a terrific show. The character development is great. You really get a sense of what it would be like to be in their situation. Don't change a thing, this is some of the best television ever made.
  8. whynotty
    Apr 2, 2012
    10
    I for one am looking forward to seeing Mitch come back, but I do think the Larsen family dynamic is engrossing around Stan in the mean time, he is a great menacing protective bear of a character and coping with the absence of the Mitch is mirrored in subtle, well delivered reactions from the kids Denny and Tom, and is very interesting to watch. I love what has evolved with Holder as well -I for one am looking forward to seeing Mitch come back, but I do think the Larsen family dynamic is engrossing around Stan in the mean time, he is a great menacing protective bear of a character and coping with the absence of the Mitch is mirrored in subtle, well delivered reactions from the kids Denny and Tom, and is very interesting to watch. I love what has evolved with Holder as well - Certainly pleasantly pleased so far!… Expand
  9. gimmedatsammich
    Apr 2, 2012
    0
    I'm done with this show. I don't care about any of the characters anymore, I'm tired of the never-ending rain and fog that seems to inhabit Seattle (or at least "Seattle as Envisioned by Hollywood"), I can't bear to watch another weepy, mournful scene with the Larson family or an angst ridden exchange between Linden and Jack, I DON'T GIVE A **** ABOUT THE SEATTLE MAYORAL RACE (and neitherI'm done with this show. I don't care about any of the characters anymore, I'm tired of the never-ending rain and fog that seems to inhabit Seattle (or at least "Seattle as Envisioned by Hollywood"), I can't bear to watch another weepy, mournful scene with the Larson family or an angst ridden exchange between Linden and Jack, I DON'T GIVE A **** ABOUT THE SEATTLE MAYORAL RACE (and neither does anyone else, even people who live in Seattle) and I have lost all interest in the Rosie Larson case. I don't think Rosie Larson even knows who killed Rosie Larson. Veena Sud blew it. They should have revealed the murderer at the end of season 1 and started season 2 with a fresh case. I know, I know, unveiling the mystery at the logical point of conclusion is such a tired concept, but it's what the fans wanted- and what is a show without its fans? To expect people to stick around for another long, drawn out season based around the same exact case (WHICH WASN'T THAT INTERESTING IN THE FIRST PLACE) is ludicrous. I'm throwing in the towel. Thank God for Game of Thrones.… Expand
  10. stormD23
    Apr 3, 2012
    4
    I never really saw how 'The Killing' could make it as a television show, an ongoing tale about the murder of a single person stretched out in to an episodic drama isn't necessarily something that can hold my interest. With that said, I was shocked to find myself becoming invested in the story and the characters in season one, and I think i can speak for everyone when I say that I wasI never really saw how 'The Killing' could make it as a television show, an ongoing tale about the murder of a single person stretched out in to an episodic drama isn't necessarily something that can hold my interest. With that said, I was shocked to find myself becoming invested in the story and the characters in season one, and I think i can speak for everyone when I say that I was highly disappointed in the finale. It's okay for a show to slowly pace itself, as long as there is a payoff in the end. Unfortunately, "The Killing' failed to finished what they started, which puts me right back where is started in the first place. This story just isn't fit to be a serialized drama.… Expand
  11. Jacksjus
    Jun 22, 2012
    10
    This series was an easy 10. Excellent, surprising, and actually sad ending. This show has been number 3 behind Breaking Bad and Game Of Thrones. Even though the latter is on HBO, AMC is killing em right now.
  12. aSsh0le
    Apr 9, 2012
    10
    The best show on TV right now, the characters are some of the most endearing that I have seen, one thing is for sure, this show is not for people who think Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead are among the best shows ever, I enjoy Game of Thrones but The Killing has something much more special for me, it reminds me of my past, and how one struggles so hard after losing someone.
  13. podaddy
    May 1, 2012
    10
    I loved Season One but was extremely disappointed that the show didn't close the murder mystery with the finale. I started watching anew in Season Two assuming they'd solve the murder in the first episode or two, but now six episodes in and no resolution. I feel like I should be deeply disappointed in Season Two, but I am finding it every bit as good as Season One. It really has built upI loved Season One but was extremely disappointed that the show didn't close the murder mystery with the finale. I started watching anew in Season Two assuming they'd solve the murder in the first episode or two, but now six episodes in and no resolution. I feel like I should be deeply disappointed in Season Two, but I am finding it every bit as good as Season One. It really has built up nicely towards a stellar conclusion. Acting is tremendous and the writing is great.… Expand
  14. imthenoob
    Jun 9, 2013
    6
    A bit boring and uneventful so far into the season makes it less enjoyable then season 1 but I still like the show enough to sit through it. Hopefully it picks up later in the season.
  15. A_Northerner
    Jul 28, 2012
    8
    In contrast with it's Danish origin, the US adaptation of The Killing took the decision, for better or for worse, to not reveal Rosie Larsen's killer at the end of season one and dedicate another season to the Linden's investigation.

    I like The Killing as in a similar manner to The Wire, it shows the detective process in a more painstaking light and at a more realistic speed, with the    In contrast with it's Danish origin, the US adaptation of The Killing took the decision, for better or for worse, to not reveal Rosie Larsen's killer at the end of season one and dedicate another season to the Linden's investigation.

    I like The Killing as in a similar manner to The Wire, it shows the detective process in a more painstaking light and at a more realistic speed, with the detectives sometimes at a loss for clues or leads and makes a change from solved in an episode police shows. Again similar to The Wire, it dedicates time to the characters from both the police and the suspects as well as the grieving family.

    Season two begins immediately where the first left off, as Linden pieces together clues of a possible conspiracy to frame Richmond. This has Linden questioning Holder's loyalty to the case and the two lead characters manage to avoid each other's attempts to explain the situation for the first few episodes. This became frustrating as first Linden ignores Holder and then Linden struggles to reach Holder after she clears him. There are only so many times you can watch someone choose to not answer the phone.

    Holder remains as amusing as before with his macho posturing but Linden becomes quite dislikeable during the season. Her neglect of her son as she becomes addicted to the case is abhorrent.

    A lot of screen time of the first half of the season is spent with Richmond recuperation in hospital. While I assumed that this time was being well spent, and that Richmond's involvement hadn't finished yet it was a distraction from the crime solving activities.

    The season improved greatly from Episode 8 onwards. Linden manages to save Holder, loses her badge, sends Jack away and the episode ends with her and Holder driving away from the camera in a new direction, both having found new determination.

    The final episode brought all three groups of characters together and despite the anti-climax of the first half of the episode, the second half provided a heart-breaking twist and some solid acting from Rosie's family as all was revealed, both from a justice point of view and with regards to Rosie's feelings towards her parents.

    The show has now been cancelled by AMC and I feel that having solved the Larsen case and been through so much in doing so, there is little left for the writers to work with for Linden and it would not be the same starting with a fresh investigation so all in all a good decision to let the show finish on a high.    … Expand
  16. Ravens1294
    Jun 24, 2014
    9
    Another great season, but this one did have some issues on the way. At least the case has finally been solved. Characters are great and so is the acting
  17. 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 touch.
  18. AxeT
    Mar 15, 2015
    7
    8 for season 1, 6 for season 2. This would be a great show if not for the miscasting of the lead. The perpetual scowl on her miserable face becomes not only tiresome but relentlessly unrealistic. Sure most all network cop shows have ridiculous female super models playing detectives, so you can understand the insight to go the other way. But this goes so far the other way as to wind up8 for season 1, 6 for season 2. This would be a great show if not for the miscasting of the lead. The perpetual scowl on her miserable face becomes not only tiresome but relentlessly unrealistic. Sure most all network cop shows have ridiculous female super models playing detectives, so you can understand the insight to go the other way. But this goes so far the other way as to wind up even worse off. Certainly more gratingly annoying. The actress seems attractive out of character in AMC promos, but here she waddles around with a hideous 1973 style pony tail appearing to be about to burst into tears in every other scene. Maybe one smile per season? The character is supposed to be mentally unbalanced which is not very realistic to begin with for a detective, but a short little woman who puts her head down and meekly hobbles out like a little disturbed duck when dismissed (which happens way too often in the story)? That's a hard nose detective?
    That is NOT realistic. That is NOT good acting. That is NOT entertaining TV.
    Her partner is nearly as annoying as a sloppy eating, juvenile, silly jive talking, unprofessional junkie detective. An actor grabbing for something just to stand out.
    Of course the feminist Nazi creator and moron producers pat themselves on the back for doing something different but they being not nearly as smart as they think they are may not realize they blew it by overlooking this.
    There is also a MAJOR glaring, absurdity of time frame in season 2 that defies any plausibility whatsoever. Look if you're going to set up a one day per episode chronology then stick to the reality of what's possible within that, or DON'T DO IT FOR THE SAKE OF THE STUPID GIMMICK!
    To top it off the DVD menus (on at least the second season) are utterly unclear as to the order of the episodes. The stupid amateur who designed them should never work again. Anyone so dumb as not to understand viewers' intuitive navigation on something as simple as 4 episode titles without numbers arranged on a menu card that can be read in 2 different orders is not smart enough to work in the industry in any capacity.
    And the Fox jackasses who approved the DVD should all be fired as well.    … Expand
  19. elained
    Aug 2, 2015
    1
    Oh, nooooooo. A rip off of Twin Peaks and I didn't even KNOW it? I am so lame....and this show has lost almost all touch with any semblance of internal integrity or external logic. How long can rain and a grim faced female keep me entranced. One season's worth, that's how long. Ciao Sarah and the rain. I didn't like Seattle anyway.
  20. EPMD
    Aug 2, 2016
    6
    The conclusion to this season wasn't especially satisfying. It certainly did not justify two seasons of circular plot to get there. Everything else about the show was good, though.
  21. AWESOM-0
    Aug 1, 2020
    10
    I'm sure I would have been a little frustrated by the cliffhanger at the end of season 1 if I watched it as it aired, but I binged it and it worked for me. Holder and Linden make this good show great for me.

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best TV Season of 2012
41
#41 Most Discussed TV Season of 2012
30
#30 Most Shared TV Season of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Apr 2, 2012
    75
    The series needs to propel its mostly superb actors into action, to push the narrative forward. [6 Apr 2012, p.63]
  2. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Apr 2, 2012
    50
    Once viewers accept it for the mediocre melodrama it is, they'll be more satisfied, tuning in for the strong performances and high production values while rolling their eyes at the umpteenth red herring and illogical plot turn.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Cynthia Fuchs
    Apr 2, 2012
    70
    It's more subtly, and more forcefully too, a quest for understanding, specifically an understanding of how the world works.
    Read full review
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