Dead Show Walking

Rosie Larson is murdered. Her grieving family is devastated.

Enter two detectives, Sarah Linden, played by Mireille Enos [“Lie to Me”] and Stephen Holder, played by Joel Kinnaman [“No Time For Love”] who are paired together to try and solve the case. As clues start to appear, and suspects begin to get questioned, there is only one question t who killed Larson? This new murder drama from AMC entitled “The Killing” takes you on a day by day journey that follows the Larson investigation. However, unlike many cop dramas and shows on AMC, this show is void of excitement. The episode drags and leaves you extremely bored. Any anticipation eventually leads to disappointment.

Although “The Killing” focuses on three basic storylines, there isn’t an enticing feeling that excites while you watch. One main reason is the putrid acting. Both main stars are not relate-able at all. It is hard to believe that Holder’s character is an actual detective, and what is more frustrating is understanding him when he speaks. Reminiscent to Benicio Del Toro in “Fear and Loathing in Lav Vegas,” the deep mumble and gurgle is annoying. Linden’s character is not much better either. She seems extremely boring, and depressing. It could be that gorgeous Seattle Weather. Each scene throughout the pilot is repetitive in the sense that there are cell phones ringing, and the characters receive calls. At times, this is so annoying you want to change the channel.

“The Killing” focuses on three story lines, which are the murder of Rosie Larson, the grieving family, and the suspects in question, one of which is a politician by the name of Darren Richmond, played by Billy Campbell. Richmond is running for mayor of Seattle. Larson’s body was found in the trunk of one of Richmond’s campaign cars, that was retrieved from the bottom of a lake. It seems that the series will focus on the murder investigation, and that every character on the show will be a suspect. Sure, it sounds interesting, but with the bland characters and lack of true focus, it all goes out the window.

Overall, “The Killing” does not get off to a good start. If it’s going to take thirteen episodes to find out who killed Larson, well, that alone should tell you that the plot is simple and dry, just like the acting. Although murder dramas can be enticing, this one doesn’t seem to have the spark to ignite a big explosion. Instead, we are faced with different clues that will revolve around different suspects.

Sounds extremely repetitive and boring, which was what this pilot was.

If the season continues at this pace, it might as well be called dead.