The Killing debuted on AMC in 2011. The show follows two Seattle homicide detectives, veteran Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and rookie Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman), as they investigate the murder of teenager Rosie Larsen.

In the series premiere, Rosie’s body is found in the trunk of a car belonging to a mayoral candidate’s campaign. While the candidate, Darren Richmond (Billy Campbell), and others associated with the election are suspects in the murder, few characters are above suspicion in this complex drama.

These suspects include one of Rosie’s teachers (Brandon Jay McLaren), her ex-boyfriend (Richard Harmon), one of her father’s friends (Brendan Sexton III), her aunt (Jamie Anne Allman), and numerous others. The theories for her murder run the gamut from sex crime to Mob hit.

This show, however, is more than just a police procedural. The Killing also explores Rosie’s family’s grieving process. Her parents (Brent Sexton and Michelle Forbes) are shown in private moments of emotional distress as they attempt to navigate their new reality without their daughter.

The series also shows the inner workings of the Richmond campaign. Since Rosie’s body was found in the trunk of one of their cars, her murder becomes a central issue in the election. Richmond’s tragic personal past is also slowly revealed.

The Killing is a fresh and original program that weaves a complex web of murder, intrigue, and politics. The show’s advertising asks, “Who killed Rosie Larsen?” Viewers are on The Edge of their seats as they wait to find out.