AMC's teasers for the second season of "The Killing" worked. After seeing a banner ad and link on IMDb I then researched the show to learn it was a remake of a Danish production that received high accolades. In other words, I missed this entire first season which I have began to now watch since I'd rather catch up as opposed to drop in on the second season without previously watching. Perhaps useless information, this is, nonetheless how I'm approaching the series: I'll watch the first several episodes and I'll either be in or out depending on how they interest me.
Some series hit you with instantly likable character in which I call the show character driven. I'll use "Two and a Half Men" as an example. It is character driven and, presently, that it the trouble with the show sans Charlie Sheen (you can like the character even if you find him reprehensible). The first thing I noticed about "The Killing" is I really did not particularly like any of the characters, but I found their roles interesting. I didn't like the the atmosphere of Seattle, but I found it super atmospheric and dark, thus, interesting. Detective Sarah Linden wasn't very engaging, but it was a good device that she was given a case on her very last day as she was transitioning her job to her replacement. Speaking of her replacement, Detective Stephen Holder, he isn't particularly endearing either as he looks more like a loser than someone representing the Seattle Police Department...Again, interesting. Importantly, however, there is a mysterious case of a bloody sweater, a debit card, and a possible murder leading to a missing seventeen year old girl. At this time there is a high-profile city councilman running for political office named Darren Richmond. Councilman Richmond is polished, but is true to form here as not particularly likable, especially when combined with his spin-doctors attempting the usual media/voter manipulation. Well, perhaps not so surprisingly I'm beginning to feel a "hook" as this has the feel of real life without the Hollywood type over-the-top action and glitz. I'm going to compare it to the BBC's Case Histories but with less charisma (Jackson Brodie had it in spades, not anyone here however)and more grit and realism. Bottom line is it is, in a good way, not instantly character driven, though I'm sure it will build, and, to excellent effect, very story driven.
So, in a very low-key, but highly interesting way, "The Killing" gets off to a slow, but promising start. Characters that seem real, great cinematography featuring a menacing and depressing atmosphere, and a senseless murder that may have a connection to an up and coming prominent man who happens to be a politician. I'm now set to watch more as I must find out how this evolves. If it continues to build on the excellence hinted at here I will be pushing through the rest of the first season, catching up to the present second one with some haste. Recommended if you like less action and more atmosphere and story.
Some series hit you with instantly likable character in which I call the show character driven. I'll use "Two and a Half Men" as an example. It is character driven and, presently, that it the trouble with the show sans Charlie Sheen (you can like the character even if you find him reprehensible). The first thing I noticed about "The Killing" is I really did not particularly like any of the characters, but I found their roles interesting. I didn't like the the atmosphere of Seattle, but I found it super atmospheric and dark, thus, interesting. Detective Sarah Linden wasn't very engaging, but it was a good device that she was given a case on her very last day as she was transitioning her job to her replacement. Speaking of her replacement, Detective Stephen Holder, he isn't particularly endearing either as he looks more like a loser than someone representing the Seattle Police Department...Again, interesting. Importantly, however, there is a mysterious case of a bloody sweater, a debit card, and a possible murder leading to a missing seventeen year old girl. At this time there is a high-profile city councilman running for political office named Darren Richmond. Councilman Richmond is polished, but is true to form here as not particularly likable, especially when combined with his spin-doctors attempting the usual media/voter manipulation. Well, perhaps not so surprisingly I'm beginning to feel a "hook" as this has the feel of real life without the Hollywood type over-the-top action and glitz. I'm going to compare it to the BBC's Case Histories but with less charisma (Jackson Brodie had it in spades, not anyone here however)and more grit and realism. Bottom line is it is, in a good way, not instantly character driven, though I'm sure it will build, and, to excellent effect, very story driven.
So, in a very low-key, but highly interesting way, "The Killing" gets off to a slow, but promising start. Characters that seem real, great cinematography featuring a menacing and depressing atmosphere, and a senseless murder that may have a connection to an up and coming prominent man who happens to be a politician. I'm now set to watch more as I must find out how this evolves. If it continues to build on the excellence hinted at here I will be pushing through the rest of the first season, catching up to the present second one with some haste. Recommended if you like less action and more atmosphere and story.