Last night AMC’s “The Killing” premiered to an audience of 2.6 million viewers, the channel’s second highest series debut behind “The Walking Dead.” If the viewers stick with the show through the thirteen episode season, it will certainly speak for growing confidence in AMC’s original programming.
Each episode of “The Killing” focuses on a single day of a murder investigation. It’s a slow burn, crime procedural which is less gritty, but more gruesome than HBO’s “The Wire.” The show centers on the murder of 17-year-old Rosie Larsen, whose body is not discovered until the second hour of the premiere. The three plot arcs which are woven together follow the police investigating the crime, Rosie’s family, and a political campaign which may be marginally involved in the murder.
Very heavy in character development, “The Killing” allows the actors to display a range not seen on most shows.
Sarah Linden, the lead detective, is stoic yet extremely perceptive, and portrayed by Mireille Enos from “Big Love,” in which she played two polygamist twins.
Brent Sexton and Michelle Forbes are the Larsens, both come from HBO. Sexton was seen on “Deadwood” as the loveable bartender who ran for sheriff to become the fire marshal. Forbes is perhaps the most recognizable of the cast from her recent role as Maryann in “TrueBlood.”
It’s heartbreaking to watch the Larsen’s realize their missing daughter may be in more trouble than they initially believed. Finally, as Mr. Larsen comes upon the scene where his daughter’s body is discovered, his tortured cries are reminiscent of Sean Penn’s Oscar-winning moment from “Mystic River
The show is very slow moving, but that’s part of its charm. “Law & Order,” “CSI,” “NCIS,” and “Cold Case” all find resolve within the hour, but "The Killing” seems less conventional, more satisfying and realistic.
Each episode of “The Killing” focuses on a single day of a murder investigation. It’s a slow burn, crime procedural which is less gritty, but more gruesome than HBO’s “The Wire.” The show centers on the murder of 17-year-old Rosie Larsen, whose body is not discovered until the second hour of the premiere. The three plot arcs which are woven together follow the police investigating the crime, Rosie’s family, and a political campaign which may be marginally involved in the murder.
Very heavy in character development, “The Killing” allows the actors to display a range not seen on most shows.
Sarah Linden, the lead detective, is stoic yet extremely perceptive, and portrayed by Mireille Enos from “Big Love,” in which she played two polygamist twins.
Brent Sexton and Michelle Forbes are the Larsens, both come from HBO. Sexton was seen on “Deadwood” as the loveable bartender who ran for sheriff to become the fire marshal. Forbes is perhaps the most recognizable of the cast from her recent role as Maryann in “TrueBlood.”
It’s heartbreaking to watch the Larsen’s realize their missing daughter may be in more trouble than they initially believed. Finally, as Mr. Larsen comes upon the scene where his daughter’s body is discovered, his tortured cries are reminiscent of Sean Penn’s Oscar-winning moment from “
The show is very slow moving, but that’s part of its charm. “Law & Order,” “CSI,” “NCIS,” and “Cold Case” all find resolve within the hour, but "The Killing” seems less conventional, more satisfying and realistic.
