The Killing (AMC tv related)

Controller_7Controller_7 4,052 Posts
edited April 2011 in Strut Central
Anybody watchin this? Did I miss another thread?

I like it. Reading the online stuff adds a whole extra level of kookiness because people come up with wild, fully developed theories.

So far so good.

  Comments


  • dollar_bindollar_bin I heartily endorse this product and/or event 2,326 Posts
    I've talked about this show on the waxidermy TV thread, but I think this is the first dedicated thread to the show.

    So far the show has been very, very good. I like the characters and the stuff with the girl's parents has been emotionally effective without being melodramatic grief porn. The storytelling has an apparent density, but does a good job of suggesting character motivations and backstory without screaming out "this is a plot point!" I am an AMC fanboy; Breaking Bad and Mad Men are probably my #1 and #2 favorite current shows respectively; I liked The Walking Dead and I even enjoyed Rubicon, not enough to overlook that show's flaws; that it started too slow and the season arc (and in the end series arc) had an unsatisfying resolution.

    Unlike Rubicon, The Killing has been good from the beginning. I'd say they hold their destiny in their hands, it could end up being a great show or they could screw the pooch, I'll be watching to find out. I'd love to check out the original Danish series after watching the US version, I hope there's a subtitled (not dubbed) version available in the US.

  • Controller_7Controller_7 4,052 Posts
    I'd love to check out the original Danish series after watching the US version, I hope there's a subtitled (not dubbed) version available in the US.

  • Controller_7Controller_7 4,052 Posts
    Sorry, bad iPhone quoting. I'd like to check out the original too. I'm digging the main cop, former big love sister wife. I also dig the new guy, who may or may not be sketchy. I like the twin peaks without being bat shit crazy feel of the show. Maybe it's Seattle with subtle synth tones that makes it semi twin peaksy. Also the dead girl angle, but that's not what gives it that feel.

    It started strong and hasn't had any duds yet. Even pace so far.

  • dwyhajlodwyhajlo 420 Posts
    Does it pick up a bit after the first episode? The first episode was good, don't get me wrong, but I didn't feel compelled to continue watching.

  • white_teawhite_tea 3,262 Posts
    I am a sucker good murder mysteries and I do like this. HOWEVER, in the spirit of constructive criticism, I can nit-pick a little bit.

    Like Carcetti in "The Wire," the young city councilman-cum-mayor candidate has a very young, fast-talking know-it-all white campaign strategist that serves to always be ahead of the media cycle in the show and also tell not show the audience what's going to go down. It's like a crutch in writing for these types of shows to have characters do some heavy lifting and not trust the viewers to figure it out for themselves. Another character I am not really feeling is the police chief or chief detective -- a dude whose lines through the first four episodes have been variants of, "You're on my dime; you're done when I say." We don't really know why the main character lady is reluctant to move to marriage and California but her boss could use slightly more development, no? Those are my main gripes, small as they are.

    I've told a few friends about the show and told them it's sounds like it's like "Twin Peaks" but it isn't. And in this last episode -- without spoiling -- there was that letter written to the girl talking about how she was an "old soul" living in another person's body. Tongue in cheek in my private mind garden, I was like, They aren't going to take it there, are they?


  • keithvanhornkeithvanhorn 3,855 Posts
    i like this show, but it's not great. there's nothing else on tv though, so it will have to do.

    the actor who plays the father steals the show imo. the new detective is a kevin federline clone in appearance and actions, but i don't mind him. the mother is a little grating and i also don't like the mayor's character or anyone on his staff. all that being said, my wife and i look forward to watching this on sunday nights.

  • cookbookcookbook 783 Posts
    i have heard really good things about this, and have been recording the new episodes. i think it is up to about 5 at this point, should i take the dive?

  • barjesusbarjesus 872 Posts
    I'm hooked.

  • dollar_bindollar_bin I heartily endorse this product and/or event 2,326 Posts
    cookbook said:
    i have heard really good things about this, and have been recording the new episodes. i think it is up to about 5 at this point, should i take the dive?

    I'd say watch at least the first show, parts 1 & 2 (the two hour premiere). From what I've seen so far, if you like that episode, you'll like what comes after it. The show maintains a fairly consistent tone

    For those who haven't been recording it, I think you can watch the first four episodes on the AMC website, but only until tomorrow (Wednesday).

  • cookbookcookbook 783 Posts
    dollar_bin said:
    cookbook said:
    i have heard really good things about this, and have been recording the new episodes. i think it is up to about 5 at this point, should i take the dive?

    I'd say watch at least the first show, parts 1 & 2 (the two hour premiere). From what I've seen so far, if you like that episode, you'll like what comes after it. The show maintains a fairly consistent tone

    For those who haven't been recording it, I think you can watch the first four episodes on the AMC website, but only until tomorrow (Wednesday).

    thanks d_b, based on your avatar, i will take your recommendation to heart.

  • subsub 311 Posts
    after seeing the first 20 minutes i realised that i know the brilliant danish original and already know who the killer is. any of you wanna know -lol-?

  • dollar_bindollar_bin I heartily endorse this product and/or event 2,326 Posts
    sub said:
    after seeing the first 20 minutes i realised that i know the brilliant danish original and already know who the killer is. any of you wanna know -lol-?

    They changed it for the American version.

  • cookbookcookbook 783 Posts
    got all caught up last night. i am really digging this show, and am also getting partial twin peaks vibes. i really like the main cop/mom character, she could so easily be extremely annoying. same goes for her partner, dude looks like a trashy piece of shit, yet somehow i like his character.

    the family is really good as well, the dad is especially great.

    not sure if i am trying to get this thread going again, but do people have thoughts on the killer? rosie's aunt seems weird to me, there have been a few scenes where she acted REALLY weird to characters she shouldn't know (at the wake, she makes an odd comment to jasper's wealthy father). her and the young mayor are at the top of my list right now (given the new developemnts from the last episode with the archival footage).

    either way, it will get me along till breaking bad comes back, july 17 can't be here soon enough! i also hope the killing gets picked up for a season 2.

  • WoimsahWoimsah 1,734 Posts
    I'm watching at this point because at the base of the show is the mysterious plot of whodunit. However, to me, it's there that the similarities end btwn this and Twin Peeks. The style and swagger of Twin Peaks is pretty unfuckwithable - The Killing really has none of that, IMO.

    Not trying to shit all over it, but the lead girl manages to bore and irritate me to tears. She has ONE facial expression - she's like permanent Blue Steel. Her dialog is the least of the shows problems, though, as she barely says anything, and that which she does say is completely forgettable. And dude -- the whole "I keep missing my flight to Sonoma" thing? That' whole thing is so flawed and weak it immediately puts a damper on whole show. That's not really a spoiler, so don't worry about it if you haven't watched.

    The dude cop is whatevs - a lot more DJ Qualls than Kevin Federline, IMO. The sargeant though - with you on that white tea. It's beyond cliche at this point. Only thing missing from his scenes is a box of donuts.

    At this point - I'm invested enough to wait it out and see who did it, but the journey getting there so far has been filled with a lot of sub par acting, horrible lines, and weak subplots (the city councilman issues could completely disappear and I don't think I'd even notice). The way it's shot all dark and dreary is cool, i commend them for that, but there are just too many flaws otherwise.

    And nothing else on TV??? Game of Thrones???!!?!?!?

  • cookbookcookbook 783 Posts
    Woimsah said:

    And nothing else on TV??? Game of Thrones???!!?!?!?

    i tried the first episode of GoT, but it just didn't click with me, and my lady was not feeling it at all.

    the twin peaks vibe i (and others) mentioned is exactly like you put it, its just a feel from the show, not specific plot comparisons. obviously there is no supernatural element at this point.

    the main cops' fiance(and maybe another cop character) has mentioned something about a previous case that she was involved with, usually brought up when she misses a flight out. i think there is more of a reason for her not wanting to leave than what we have been given at this point.

    i agree with most of your gripes (specifically the "chief" detective) but things like that rarely bother me in television shows for some reason.

  • Controller_7Controller_7 4,052 Posts
    The episode where holder is in the AA meeting was doo doo. That episode ha a series of line em up knock em down questions answered. Like"what's up with Holder?" oh here, the next 2 minutes will wrap that up. Also when the teacher is talking on the phone in Arabic and then says the two incriminating lines in English...garbage.

    I was kind of hating on it for a few episodes, it lost my full attention. Now ita getting juicy again and I'm actually curious who did it.

  • I keep thinking the Fiance is somehow involved.
    Seeing the family dealing with all the different things that come up to remind them of the tragedy is heart wrenching at times.

    I need to see Sunday's episode still.

  • keithvanhornkeithvanhorn 3,855 Posts
    cookbook said:
    rosie's aunt seems weird to me, there have been a few scenes where she acted REALLY weird to characters she shouldn't know (at the wake, she makes an odd comment to jasper's wealthy father). her and the young mayor are at the top of my list right now (given the new developemnts from the last episode with the archival footage).

    the aunt! there was definitely something strange (and unanswered) in that scene with jasper's father.

    as others have said, the suspense surrounding the identity of the killer is really what makes this show good, despite its flaws. no matter what happens, i predict disappointment. there is only so much satisfaction that comes from finding out who it is.

    i like how the cops' son is turning into AJ Soprano.

  • BUMP!

    I just started watching this show yesterday (on Netflix). I remembered this thraed and you dudes saying it was pretty good, so I gave it a shot.

    I watched the whole first season in one sitting. Obviously I was into it, but holy crap... the second season is terrible!!! I'm at about episode four and I'm wondering if it's even worth the time...

    I'll probably end up watching it all anyway (OCD related), but seriously... am I the only one who even dares to wade this deep?

  • Two was a turd. I gave up on the show. We ended up watching 3. It was pretty solid all the way through, but this show has major issues in its completion. Cannot end a season well.

    Holder is great.

  • Good to know! I didn't know there was a Season 3.

    Cosign on Holder. That dude rules

  • As far as I knew, it was cancelled, but then it came back for a third season. I liked it and was into it. They just can't make a satisfying finale. Saarsgard was a good addition.

  • i got sucked into the first season but the endless red herrings and cliff-hanger endings just felt manipulative after a while. i refused to watch the second iteration.

  • Third actually sheds most of the bullshit. Most. The shit that blew about two was pretty much gone.

  • crabmongerfunk said:
    endless red herrings

    THIS

    after a while it's like, "OK, they're following this lead, pretty sure they're not the culprit!"

    b/w

    These people are NOT good at their jobs!!!

  • BUMP

    Anyone watching Season 4? Controller7?

    The first episode was extra strong. Great direction, photography, double story lines...

    :killingit!:

    So this is a Netflix show now? I feel like they're really stepping it up this time. Seriously hope it can keep it's momentum

  • Have not watched yet. I think it's only 6 eps and then done. If they can't seal the deal knowing it's 6 eps and done then blahhhhhh on them. Perfect opportunity to right the wrongs.

    Yeah Netflix exclusive. It's been cancelled like 3 times now. Haha.
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