Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

So dude who played Charles Widmore on Lost plays Senator Eaton on The Killing?!

Something's up for sure

Anyhow, let's make this the official thread for The Killing discussion

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

(spoiler)
I knew something was up with Teach... but I don't think he had anything to do w/ the death.

Ep. 4 is where the fun starts! I knew this show was going to be epic... Excellent tv usually takes 3 episodes for set-up.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

Yeah I was on to the teach...no reason for all his screen time in the first 3 if he wasn't going to be a key story character.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

I am almost as quizzical about the Rosie's dad's past as I am to who her killer is. Something is up with that dude. And who gave him that money, that he got all pissey with?

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=mredskins;794185]I am almost as quizzical about the Rosie's dad's past as I am to who her killer is. Something is up with that dude. And who gave him that money, that he got all pissey with?[/quote]Going by that scene and the conversation he had at the house he secretly bought for his family I'd say he used to be into some serious organized crime. I'm getting a whole Sean Penn in Mystic River type vibe from him.

To me the most interesting character by far is Holder. Seems like maybe he got a little too involved in undercover work when he was a NARC. And I really want to know who he keeps talking to on the phone.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

Holder's become one of my favorite characters on television

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;794211]Holder's become one of my favorite characters on television[/quote]

The actor playing him played the same character in the original Danish version. And yes, he is pretty f'ing cool. "You look worse than the addict. Why don't you take a shower and put on a suit & tie."

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

Pretty clear that the Dad and his employee Belko have a seamy past.

Belko: "If you want us to take care of him, just like in the old days." Then a visit to a guy who considers him part of "the family".

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

I'm not really understanding what's happening with the whole "mole" story, and I feel like the detective's fiancee is kind of a waste of a character.

The teacher story line is getting interesting though

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;796091]I'm not really understanding what's happening with the whole "mole" story, and I feel like the detective's fiancee is kind of a waste of a character.

The teacher story line is getting interesting though[/quote]

The mole arc doesn't seem to fall into place right now, but hopefully it'll make sense as we go on. I see what the writers are doing with the detective's fiancee, however. We know Linden's good at her job- every episode gives you a glimpse of how she catches things others don't (or a creating a lead where no one saw it before).

What we don't know is much of her past... just from the few minutes of dialogue with her fiancee, I'm guessing she's seen some pretty gruesome stuff in her career. Her fiancee's consistent disappointment is a reflection of her obsession. He represents Linden moving on in her life; But for whatever reason, she can't leave the horror behind. Personally, I think she's driven by the pain inflicted upon the victims' surviving family members. I can't shake the stare she had when Rosie's parents were about to identify the body at the morgue.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

Maybe it's just the actor himself, or the interplay between the two characters. But I'm not feeling it.

I do get the purpose, just don't like the presentation

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

I'm with Smoot on this one. The fiance sub-plot is the weakest and most heavy handed of the various story lines. She's obsessed. I get it. Couldn't this be just as easily conveyed through the relationship with her son? He is a plot device to get her out the city but, to me, that's about it.

As for the mole issue, you got me. Not sure where that is going.

Gotta say, this past week's episode the weakest one so far in my opinion. It developed the teacher as suspect story line but didn't we all see that one coming from the first episode? Mole/Not Mole Jaime gets accepted in Mayor's camp - again, wasn't that obvious from the preview last week?

I dunno, when an hour long episode's outcomes are predictable from the last 3 minutes of the prior episode and a 1 minute preview, I would not consider that a real advancement of the story.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

I thought Sundays (5/1/11) episode was pretty good. I am just a bit confused about Benett, have the detectives cleared him in their minds and the dad is going to kill a innocent man? Or is he still a strong suspect. I was up and down through this episode doing chores, maybe I need to go back and re-watch it.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=mredskins;800837]I thought Sundays (5/1/11) episode was pretty good. I am just a bit confused about Benett, have the detectives cleared him in their minds and the dad is going to kill a innocent man? Or is he still a strong suspect. I was up and down through this episode doing chores, maybe I need to go back and re-watch it.[/quote]I don't think they've cleared him per se; I think they believe he was involved, perhaps by covering up for his wife. And involved, guilty, whatever, they don't want Stan to kill him.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;800848]I don't think they've cleared him per se; I think they believe he was involved, perhaps by covering up for his wife. And involved, guilty, whatever, they don't want Stan to kill him.[/quote]


Wait how does Benett's wife come into play? I really need to revisit this episode.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=mredskins;800878]Wait how does Benett's wife come into play? I really need to revisit this episode.[/quote]Haha, sounds like it. They figure out some more details about the night of the murder in the last 20 minutes or so of the episode.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

This is a really good recap, I am going to follow this writer through out the show.

[url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2011/05/01/the-killing-season-1-episode-6-recap/]'The Killing,' Season 1, Episode 6 Recap[/url]

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

The dude who plays Holder may just be my favorite actor on tv right now

And I kept looking at the girl who plays Bennett's wife because she looked so familiar...and then it hit me, I think she's the girl who played Chrissy (the youngest daughter) on Growing Pains!

Anyhow, another solid episode but again I feel the mayor plotline is weak. I'm eager to see that become more relevant

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;800974]The dude who plays Holder may just be my favorite actor on tv right now

[B]And I kept looking at the girl who plays Bennett's wife because she looked so familiar...and then it hit me, I think she's the girl who played Chrissy (the youngest daughter) on Growing Pains![/B]
Anyhow, another solid episode but again I feel the mayor plotline is weak. I'm eager to see that become more relevant[/quote]

[url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0424534/]Ashley Johnson - IMDb[/url]

You watch far too much TV.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

Could someone give me an update on last week's episode?

I've forgotten to DVR it every time it was on this weekend, and I don't think it's on again before the new episode airs on Sunday night.

Thanks

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;802665]Could someone give me an update on last week's episode?

I've forgotten to DVR it every time it was on this weekend, and I don't think it's on again before the new episode airs on Sunday night.

Thanks[/quote]Have you checked On Demand? Not sure what kind of cable you have but I'm pretty sure Comcast has at least the last few episodes up.

Anyways, for a quick run down:
- Stan didn't kill Bennett because years ago he promised his wife that if they started a family he'd turn his back on crime, so he couldn't go through with it.
- Linden questioned Bennett's wife and she said she wasn't home when Rosie stopped by the night of the murder because she was at the school dance spying on her husband (worried he might be cheating on her with a student). She said that his friend from his mosque could have been at their house at the time.
- Tony Romo and Jerry Jones made cameos as drag queens and danced to Like A Virgin for Liden's fiancee. It was weird.
- The mayor forced the city counsel to shut down Richmond's basketball program because he didn't demand that Bennett quit since he's a murder suspect.
- Linden and Holder went to Bennett's mosque to check up on the friend someone slipped Linden a note pointing them to this old butchers shop in the city. They went there that night and it looks like they may have found something in a meat locker but then the FBI busted in out of nowhere and threw cuffs on Linden and Holder and the episode ended.

I think that was about it. Also, I might have made one of those up, it's hard to say.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

Time Warner doesn't have it on demand. AMCTV.com has had some episodes, but I don't think they have this one up yet.

Thanks for the recap, I'm really interested in the Tony Romo story arc. I hear he was going to kill Rosie, but then fumbled the knife

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;802665]Could someone give me an update on last week's episode?

I've forgotten to DVR it every time it was on this weekend, and I don't think it's on again before the new episode airs on Sunday night.

Thanks[/quote]
[url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2011/05/08/the-killing-season-1-episode-7/]'The Killing' Season 1, Episode 7 Recap[/url]


this lady does a great job, I read it even after watching to pick up on stuff I may have missed.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

Last night episode was a total filler. Seriously other then the video at the end the case/story didn't move an inch.

The show has been losing steam over the past few weeks; it probably has gone a few too many episodes at this point.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

Well, the show has never been just about solving the crime. It billed itself as showing how the crime effected those involved with it. To that extent, substantial backstory on the detectives involved was to be expected.

But otherwise I agree, the first few episodes were absolutely gripping. These last couple have been okay to good. It has only two left and we don't have a real lead. Am wondering how they will handle it. I hope they wrap it up and don't try to stretch it out into another season - pretty sure that is the plan.

At this point is the political subplot even relevant?

Seems to me there are a lot things just floating around (Are we done with Regi and the boyfriend? Does Stan rot in jail? What about the skater tweeks from early on are they done and done?). A lot of characters seem to just get tossed aside and forgotten.

Two more episodes - I am betting it is the Richards campaign assistant (I think his name is James - the short guy).

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

yeah we need to all post who we think did it.


I am going with Gwen.

[url=http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-killing/cast/gwen-eaton]The Killing - Gwen Eaton – AMC[/url]

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=mredskins;805898]Last night episode was a total filler. Seriously other then the video at the end the case/story didn't move an inch.

The show has been losing steam over the past few weeks; it probably has gone a few too many episodes at this point.[/quote]

I think both you and JR make very solid points...I'll tell you what though, that full hour further solidified my opinion that dude who plays Holder has given the best performance on TV of the last few years.

I'm tempted to think someone tied with the political campaign was the killer because otherwise it does feel kind of like a wasted storyline.

I'll say it's Richmond himself...after she threatened to RT a picture he sent her of him lying on the bed showing off his Space Needle.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

Two other AMC shows have each had really good episodes that were really similar to this one where the entire episode basically just focuses on the two main characters: Breaking Bad "The Fly" and Mad Men "The Suitcase". I almost think The Killing writers were trying to recreate these episodes.

I wouldn't have minded (is that a word?) this one if it had been earlier in the season or even midway through next season if the show gets renewed. It helped develop Linden and Holder and obviously it pushed their partnership to a new level, but I agree that it brought the Rosie investigation to a screeching halt. At this point in the season I'd rather they just focus on the case, especially since the season almost over and the case hasn't really moved.

As for the killer - I'll go with the incumbent mayor, because I don't trust men named Leslie, except for Nielsen.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;805975]I think both you and JR make very solid points...I'll tell you what though, that full hour further solidified my opinion that dude who plays Holder has given the best performance on TV of the last few years.

I'm tempted to think someone tied with the political campaign was the killer because otherwise it does feel kind of like a wasted storyline.

I'll say it's Richmond himself...after she threatened to RT a picture he sent her of him lying on the bed showing off his Space Needle.[/quote]

I feel like it has to be Richmond. Otherwise I can conceive of no ending involving the whole campaign arc being even remotely worth the time and effort expended on it.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;805977]Two other AMC shows have each had really good episodes that were really similar to this one where the entire episode basically just focuses on the two main characters: Breaking Bad "The Fly" and Mad Men "The Suitcase". I almost think The Killing writers were trying to recreate these episodes.

[/quote]

Spot on with the comparisons... I actually like the standalone eps- it gives two leads a chance to breathe. In all three shows, the viewers got a deeper look into the a pair of psyches and the intricate balance within a relationship. Plus it shakes up the season a little.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=itvnetop;806611]Spot on with the comparisons... I actually like the standalone eps- it gives two leads a chance to breathe. In all three shows, the viewers got a deeper look into the a pair of psyches and the intricate balance within a relationship. Plus it shakes up the season a little.[/quote]

Great comparison with The Suitcase (Don't watch Breaking Bad-I know, I know-so I can't compare)

Difference for me was The Suitcase was early in season 4 of a series with multiple story lines, while this past episode of The Killing was late in season 1 of a series with essentially one main story-Who Killed Rosie. It's like the series was marching down the field with relative ease then suddenly had to call time out because they couldn't get the play in in time, so the momentum is kind of shot, or stalled at least.

And I also have found it kind of interesting that there really hasn't been much background on Rosie herself. She's quite the enigma.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;806619]Great comparison with The Suitcase (Don't watch Breaking Bad-I know, I know-so I can't compare)

Difference for me was The Suitcase was early in season 4 of a series with multiple story lines, while this past episode of The Killing was late in season 1 of a series with essentially one main story-Who Killed Rosie. It's like the series was marching down the field with relative ease then suddenly had to call time out because they couldn't get the play in in time, so the momentum is kind of shot, or stalled at least.

And I also have found it kind of interesting that there really hasn't been much background on Rosie herself. She's quite the enigma.[/quote]

Yeah I think they've done a relatively poorish job following up on the first two eps that were just fantastic. They hung around on the Ahmed/Terrorist arc too long, they've given no reason to care about the politics arc at all, they've spent an inordinate amount of time on Linden's kid/personal life, we know zippy about Rosie Larson. I mean there are two eps left and NOW we're advancing the timeline on her whereabouts 45 minutes past where it has been for 6 weeks? Seriously? The show is well acted and pretty well written. The story arcs are just too many, too random, and seemingly too irrelevant to the underlying point of the show. Who killed the kid? They needed to spend more time on that and advance that more consistently and effectively.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

Starting to make sense now..

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[quote=FRPLG;806847]Starting to make sense now..[/quote]

Yes, no, sorta ... still don't know much about Rosie or her apparent slide into the sleazy world of high school escort. She know her aunt did it, okay ... but lots of loose ends on that it seems. And what's with the Mayor all of a sudden playing nice by not leaking the photos? Seems more than a little out of character.

A lot to do in one episode ... resolve the family issues, resolve Linden's issues (it would have been nice to get a little backstory on the prior case that sent her over the edge but I guess that's not happening) and that's not even considering how they get the proof needed to finally arrest the murderer.

I think they spent too much time on the Bennett story arc. They could easily have been done with that in a couple of episodes and then had a good three episode arc on for the conclusion.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/06/13/the-killing-renewed/]'The Killing' renewed for second season | Inside TV | EW.com[/url]

Well The Killing has been renewed for a second season. I'm happy to hear it since I think Linden and definitely Holder are both pretty interesting characters. A second season means they don't have to spend as much time on their back stories/relationship building, which should mean that more focus can be placed on whatever the case may be.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;806862]Yes, no, sorta ... still don't know much about Rosie or her apparent slide into the sleazy world of high school escort. She know her aunt did it, okay ... but lots of loose ends on that it seems. And what's with the Mayor all of a sudden playing nice by not leaking the photos? Seems more than a little out of character.

A lot to do in one episode ... resolve the family issues, resolve Linden's issues (it would have been nice to get a little backstory on the prior case that sent her over the edge but I guess that's not happening) and that's not even considering how they get the proof needed to finally arrest the murderer.

[B]I think they spent too much time on the Bennett story arc. They could easily have been done with that in a couple of episodes and then had a good three episode arc on for the conclusion.[/B][/quote]

Yeah this is the most concrete failing so far this year. Why we spent half the season on that to have it resolved out of thin air I have no idea.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

As to the Bennett story arc, the only reason I can come up with is that, in the original Danish version, the whole "Rosie is hanging out with a muslim" was ultimately related to the murderer and was an integral part of his motivation.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;806895][url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/06/13/the-killing-renewed/]'The Killing' renewed for second season | Inside TV | EW.com[/url]

Well The Killing has been renewed for a second season. I'm happy to hear it since I think Linden and definitely Holder are both pretty interesting characters. A second season means they don't have to spend as much time on their back stories/relationship building, which should mean that more focus can be placed on whatever the case may be.[/quote]

Good. I think it is a good series and, once they strike out on their own (away from the original, Danish, story), I am hopeful that the writing will be closer to the first few episodes as opposed to the middle 7-10. Maybe the writers, on one hand, felt constrained to follow the original series and, on the other hand, were writing as if they only had this one year to show everything.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

I think everyone on this thread should pick their killer and say why. Then we will see who is right next Monday.

I am going with Gwen, I think she was jealous of Richmond and the girl.

[url=http://suspecttracker.amctv.com/breakdown.php]The Killing - Suspect Breakdown[/url]

The tracker is pretty interesting, funny the mom is not listed as a suspect as I feel she would be my second choice.

Re: Official The Killing Thread (Warning: Potential Spoilers)
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;806899]Good. I think it is a good series and, once they strike out on their own (away from the original, Danish, story), I am hopeful that the writing will be closer to the first few episodes as opposed to the middle 7-10. Maybe the writers, on one hand, felt constrained to follow the original series and, on the other hand, were writing as if they only had this one year to show everything.[/quote]

I was reading that the aunt will be back next season, which leads me to believe next season will somehow be tied to the first, as opposed to a whole new story line