"Mrs. Larsen, do you have a daughter?" - Det. Linden
Starring: Mireille Enos, Joel Kinnaman, and Bill Campbell
Synopsis: The Killing is a TV show that recently aired on AMC, based on a Danish series entitled Forbrydelsen. The show follows the 13 days (1 episode for each day) after the murder of a young girl, named Rosie Larsen -- focuses on the police investigation, the family (and friends) of Rosie, and an on-going Mayoral race in Seattle -- and how these stories intertwine.
*spoilers ahead*
The primary focus is the that of the police investigation headed up by Det. Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and her new and inexperienced partner Det. Steven Holder (Joel Kinnaman). The two detectives follow and investigate their fair share of clues and suspects throughout the season, only to be decieved by a red-herring usually. This part of the series, was probably my favorite because Linden and Holder didn't follow the same terrible formula that you'll find on your typical police procedurals.
The family was, of course, the most emotional part of the show, often showing sadness, anger, and guilt of Rosie's death. Stan (Brent Sexton) and Mitch Larsen (Michelle Forbes), their sons, and Mitch's sister, Terry (Jaime Ann Allman) were definitely the heart of the show. You could just feel for them, and like the rest of the cast, they felt real.
The campaign was seemingly a side-story that occasionally added clues to the investigation (until we saw the end of season 1, but I won't ruin that for you). Headed by Mayor hopeful Darren Richmond (Bill Campbell), "the integrity candidate" with an extremely saddening past, and his too aids Gwen (Kristin Lehmen) and Jamie (Eric Ladin).
The entire series took twists and turns and had enormous amounts of possibilities and red herrings. But, of course, that's what I want out of a mystery show. The suspects went from Rosie's Ex, to Rosie's Ex's friend, to Rosie's teacher, to Darren Richmond himself, until we settled on a killer (but not really). We were kept guessing the entire time.
The show did move slow at some points, but it was usually able to hold my attention and keep me interested --there was plenty of suspense and some head-scratchers. Seemingly unconnected things were, of course, connected in some crazy way, but it kept the show fun and fresh.
Very intelligent.
It kinda felt like Mystic River, especially in the beginning.
The show was written exceedingly well, and, as previously stated, made the characters feel real. Some of the best on television in recent years. Not to mention, the characters were well acted....I see some Emmys (at least nominations) in the furture:
My 5 Favorite Performances:
Linden (Enos) was a divorced mother who was planning on marrying her current boyfriend and movie with him to another city, but couldn't because the investigation kept carrying over. She was strong and smart, and even vulnerable at times. A very subtle performance, yet powerful. I expect, at least, a nomination for and Emmy.
Holder (Kinnaman) was an ex-undercover cop who got too far in. Throughout the show, he was in revory from from his drug addictions. You could see his emotions all over the board. You can tell you was a street tough, and yet you could feel sorry for him. His back story is, arguably, the best of the bunch. I wish for an Emmy nomination, but I doubt it. Though, he did have to hide his Swedish accent (and he did great at it).
Michelle Forbes' Mitch Larsen was usually torn apart every episode at he death of her daughter. It is understandable. However, from reading other comments, some fans weren't feeling it very much. I enjoyed her performance, especially when paired with Brent Sexton. Emmy? Probably not, though I wouldn't be very surprised.
Brent Sexton (as Stan Larsen) easily was on a level all his own. That man better get a damned Emmy or I will cry for for him. Stan was the father of Rosie, and an ex-mob member. He was the backbone of the family and was in process of moving them forward, until this giant step back. His performance in the pilot alone, was worth everything. A conflicted character, he seems like the nicest man in the world, but then, his mob mentality sneaks up on him and tears him apart emotionally.
Brandon Jay McLaren's (one of the most underrated actors out there) Bennet Ahmed. He was a compllicated character. He was Rosie's teacher, and they connected on a whole different level -- kinda spiritual. He was also tied up in a whole different side-story that made him a red herring...that is...until Stan Larsen bashes his head in, thinking Ahmed was the murderer. But, don't worry, he is still alive and maybe he could make an appearance next season? I'll keep my fingers crossed. Emmy? Most likely not.
Other Stand-Outs: Bill Campbell, Brendan Sexton III, and Eric Ladin.
Some of the stand-out episodes: "Pilot" (and "the Cage"), "Missing", and "Orpheus Decending"
-The Pilot for obvious reasons.
-"Missing", though hated by impatient fans, was one that showed Linden's true nature, and her vulnerable side. It was a great character episode. Further advanced her relationship with Holder and a phenomenal way.
-"Orpheus Decending", being the season finale, left us with a lot of questions that will make for a great Season 2. It didn't just have one cliff-hanger....it had several. Of course, fans aren't too happy, but I loved the way it turned out.
If you are into Mystery, Police, Drama, or Cerebral TV shows, this one is for you.
Ruling: 4.5/5.
Watch it (online), so you can enjoy Season 2 with me.
Best new show of the year (thus far), Best show of the year (thus far), Best Characters (and Actors). One of my favorite shows in recent times. Should be nominated for Best Drama at every award show.
I can't wait to see what they end up doing with season.
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