Over the previous week, I’ve read lots of buzz from television critics on Twitter about how much they loved The Killing. So, I patiently (maybe not so patiently) waited for Sunday to come so I could watch it and write up my thoughts. After the first hour, I started panicking that I didn’t have anything to say about the show. I don’t read any blog posts on shows I review until after I write mine, because I don’t want to be influenced. So, I didn’t know what they loved about it and thought maybe I was missing something.
Smart programming by AMC to air the premiere three times in a row, because I ended up watching the premiere twice, back-to-back. And, I got it; I really did. I loved it! It took watching the premiere twice — and two days to process the show — before I was ready to write about it. (Sorry to those of you looking for a review here earlier.)
Early in the premiere, Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) says to her boyfriend, “I’m not much for words.” No kidding. It took the full two hours for me to get into the pace and feel of the show. I think that was primarily due to the minimalist dialogue. With not much being said, it was difficult for me to get pulled into the show and understand the characters. I was drawn in by the visuals of the show; I loved the camera angles and cutaways. I don’t usually notice these aspects of a show, but in this case, I think the lack of dialogue drew my attention to the visuals.
When I watched the second time, I could enjoy the story and what was happening. A murder on television is nothing new. There are probably at least three to five murders every night in prime time television. But, The Killing intrigued me with the characters and the format. There is one case, and it takes place over 13 days, one episode a day.
I want to know more about the low-key head detective, Sarah. Why is she staying in town to work this case, instead of moving as she had planned? So far she seems like a very strong woman, yet extremely introspective. Her interactions with her new partner, Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) are unlike any I’ve seen before, and he is one freaky guy. The scene with him smoking pot at the school and attracting the two teenage girls repulsed me. But, he got the job done; he found out about the cage and, ultimately, the crime scene.
The most poignant scene of the two hours was when Stanley Larsen (Brent Sexton) showed up at the lake with his wife, Mitch (Michelle Forbes), on the phone, and realized his daughter was dead. I felt that pain deep in my heart; even thinking about it as I write, my eyes are watering. That was such a beautifully written and acted scene. I care about this family and want to know more about them. From a few of the scenes, I have a feeling they have great secrets to be revealed.
I don’t have much to say about politician Darren Richmond (Billy Campbell). If I’m disappointed in a storyline, it would be the inclusion of this political element. I’ve seen this before: A politician framed or implicated in a beautiful, young girl’s murder. Though … I have a feeling there will be unique twists to this storyline. What happened to his wife? What are these mysterious trips that he has been taking? I’m going to hold off on judging this part of the story for now.
While I wasn’t immediately drawn into the story, it has stuck with me these last two days and to me that’s what amazing stories do. I can’t wait to see more. I hope viewers that weren’t immediately fixated on this show give it a chance to grow on them as well.
Clacked by Carla Day 
on Apr 05, 2011 @ 21:09 EST5EDT
It kinda reminded me of Twin Peaks, but although I like the main female character, I really really dislike her new “partner”.
*POST AUTHOR*
She grew on me. At first, I wan’t so sure but in the end, I liked her. Her partner – just creepy.
I never watched Twin Peaks, but I have heard comparisons made. Is Rosie Larsen this decade’s Laura Palmer?
I actually have a post that will be published in the next day or two about how much it reminds me of Twin Peaks (minus the quirk)
I wasn’t sure what to expect … but I thought at least the first two episodes were amazing. I have to agree … when the father came across the murder site … you could completely feel his pain and agony …
BTW … iTunes has the first two episodes for free in HD
*POST AUTHOR*
That’s nice. If you haven’t watched … go get the eps for free!
Amazon Video also has the episodes free to download.
The female lead in this show played twins on Big Love, and she was phenomenal.
Didn’t have a lot to say on that show either, lol. I’m really glad that she nabbed this role. Now I need to watch it.
Just didn’t do much for me. I thought it was very good visually and had an interesting premise. Hard to judge what sort of a job the actors are doing because the writing was so atrocious. Nearly all of the dialogue was, in my opinion, stilted and poorly written. I seem to be in a minority, though; the NYT and the article above (as well as every other review I have read) all seem to give the show an enthusiastic thumbs up. I’ll watch an episode of Wallander on the DVR instead…
This was one of the most somber, dreary, and depressing two hours of a TV show I’ve ever seen. But at the same time its hard to not be mesmerized by how beautifully the depression is shown on this show. Its hard to not walk away from the show now.
I’m going to have to separate my past experiences with Billy Campbell from my viewing experience. He plays such good, creepy characters (Wayne Callison on Shark, Jordan Collier on The 4400). I’m going to have to go back and imagine him in the Rocketeer in order to not immediately have a bias towards the politician being the Who-Dun-It.
I love the show so far though. Love the premise. I’ve found that when shows have a solid, intriguing premise, the writing follows, the acting follows, it all follows on that same level of excellence. Can’t wait for more.
The similarities between Twin Peaks and The Killing have been mentioned. Yes there are some, but The Killing is so much better in just about everything. Acting, cinematography, direction — just plain reality.