The Killing - The Complete Second Season - DVD

Film: After the assassination of mayoral candidate Darren Richmond (Billy Campbell), the prime suspect in the Rosie Larsen murder case, the cards are completely reshuffled once again. Because Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) find out during their investigation that the evidence that pointed to Richmond as the murderer of the schoolgirl was faked. More and more, tensions mount between the two disparate investigators, further complicating an already difficult investigation. It becomes more and more unclear whether the perpetrator comes from the political camp of Richmond or is rather to be looked for in the environment of Rosie's father Stan, who apparently has revived his old contacts to the Polish underworld. And what does the Wapi Eagle casino, where Rosie was seen shortly before her death, have to do with the case? Although obstacles keep getting in their way and they don't always get along with each other either, Linden and Holder don't let up - until the unexpected truth is revealed to them...

The end of the first season of The Killing, the acclaimed remake of the hit Danish series Inspector Lund - The Crime, was met with little favor from many U.S. viewers, as the murder of Rosie Larsen was not solved as hoped. On the contrary: not only were Linden and Holder still in the dark despite a hot lead, with the assassination of Darren Richmond and other unresolved subplots, the season said goodbye to its viewers with a nasty cliffhanger. Therefore, it can be said about season 2 that the death of Rosie will be solved in the end and many other questions will be solved satisfactorily. The American version also departs more and more from the original, but still retains its basic framework.

Despite this, the own impulses that are added to the story ensure that even loyal Lund fans still get a lot of suspense here, especially since the resolution is very different from that of the Danish version. In addition, the remake receives a small guest appearance by Commissioner Lund actress Sofie Gråbøl in episode 2 of this season quasi the accolade. And The Killing really deserves it. Because the good actors, the atmospheric production and the many exciting parts of the story also make the US version of the series crime fare at its best. Admittedly, there are some subplots that seem like unnecessary extras. Here the impression arises that they only serve to drag out the story and lure the viewers on a false trail.

But boredom never really arises despite some tame moments. Because of the fact that not only the work of the investigators is followed, but also the difficult life of the victim's family and the work of the team around Darren Richmond is observed, the story remains extremely exciting until the finale. In this, as in the first season, Rosie's father Stan Larsen (Brent Sexton) takes a central role. As a desperate father driven by his anger and helplessness to acts of vigilante justice and back to his dark past, Stan Larsen is undoubtedly the most interesting character in the series, alongside the still somewhat obscure Stephen Holder.

While The Killing never quite reaches the level and intensity of Inspector Lund - The Crime, the series is an excellent example of how even a remake can still be pretty damn good and provide top-notch quality television. And therefore applies to this second box again: Absolutely worth seeing!!

Picture + Sound: In the technical implementation has changed compared to the first season box purely nothing. The color scheme is extremely atmospheric, with the somewhat undercooked hues capturing the oppressive mood of the story very well. Image sharpness is at a good level for a current TV series. Although much of the action takes place in the gloom, smaller details often come through neatly. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is also pleasantly atmospheric, with voices sounding very directional. Ambient noises such as wind and rain and smaller sound effects, however, also ensure that the surround channels get something to do every now and then. Good!

Extras: The bonus material for the second season is on the final disc. In addition to Rosie Larsen's latest video blog (approx. 4:33 min.), there is also a short making of for both seasons (approx. 16:53 min.). And if you search a little bit in the menu, you will find an Easter Egg with amusing outtakes (ca. 4:48 min.), in which you can see how Mireille Enos would look like as a double for Joel Kinnaman. Worth watching!

Conclusion: The Killing enters its second season and finally the murder of Rosie Larsen is solved. Although the series still obviously adheres to the Danish original, there is also more and more of its own impetus as the story progresses, which still guarantees enough suspense even for connoisseurs of Commissioner Lund - The Crime. The thirteen episodes of the second season present themselves on the DVD in atmospheric picture and sound quality, the bonus material is quantitatively clear, but qualitatively convincing. Therefore, there is also for this box again a: Absolutely recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp