The worst episodes of The Killing
Ranked by viewer rating, lows first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.
- 01
Holder and Linden attend the Stanbury's funeral hoping that the girl who visited Kyle would turn up. Reddick continues to investigate Skinner's disappearance putting more stress on both Linden and Holder. Holder has trouble coming to terms with the fact that he will be a father. We find out more about Colonel Rayne and Stansbury family past.
- 02
Holder acts aggressive in asking questions due to his recent drug relapse. Lincoln continues to "bully" Kyle in various ways at the academy. More is revealed about Kyle and his relationship with his mother. We learn more about Kyle's mother's sexual preferences. Reddick begins to close in on the whereabouts of Skinner.
- 03
Sarah searches for Rosie's backpack, while Richmond comes to grips with his situation and Mitch finally turns up. Later, Stan's involvement with the mob proves troublesome.
- 04
The survivor of the shooting returns to the academy where he has to face his fellow cadets. Lindon and Holder investigate a mysterious man living in viewing distance of the murdered family revealing a few secrets about the perfect-looking family. Lindon and Holder run into further issues trying to get to talk to the students at the academy as Lindon tries to hold it together after the death of Skinner.
- 05
Reddick comes down harshly on Linden about about the Skinner matter although Linden tries to uphold that all the evidence is circumstantial. Linden finds out that Holder mentioned the event at an NA meeting. Conflict between Linden and Holder rises throughout the episode. We learn more about family day and perhaps it's links to the murders.
- 06
The investigation takes an interesting turn when Sarah and Holder learn more about Rosie's whereabouts on the night of her murder. But everything must be put on hold when Jack goes missing, and the two detectives go searching for him.
- 07
Sarah receives a message from the dead that may shed light on the identity of Rosie's killer. Meanwhile, Mitch befriends a young runaway; and Richmond has grave doubts about his future in politics.
- 08
The investigation refocuses on the casino; Stan has an uneasy face-to-face with Richmond; tension grips the Larsen house.
- 09
Sarah returns to Seattle to look into a possible cover-up involving the events that led to Councilman Richmond's arrest, and she wonders if she can ever really trust Holder again.
- 10
An unsettling discovery is made at the Larsen house while Sarah is on her way to Tacoma, where she uncovers a revealing secret about Richmond.
- 11
Sarah zeros in on a Larsen-family secret; Stan comes to grips with some past indiscretions; and Mitch takes in a runaway girl. Meanwhile, the Richmond campaign entertains a surprise visitor.
- 12
Holder disappears and a desperate Sarah goes looking for him; Stan decides to take matters into his own hands; and Richmond returns to City Hall.
- 13
Richmond lends support to the investigation; Sarah tries to track down Rosie's key; and Stan deals with his troubled son.
- 14
Sarah is at her wit's end; Stan tries to mend fences; and Richmond gets a surprise boost in the mayoral race.
- 15
The task force shuts down a business; Sarah and Holder unite; and Seward is offered motivation to comply with orders.
- 16
One of Rosie's teachers provides Sarah and Holder with crucial new evidence. Meanwhile, the Richmond campaign comes up with an anticrime TV spot; and Stan steps up his search for Rosie's killer and enlists Belko's help.
- 17
The police discover more about Rosie's activities the night of her murder; candidate Richmond's campaign is in danger of being stopped in its tracks by a negative ad, and he takes action; and Mitch begins to wonder about the direction of the police department's investigation.
- 18
Sarah makes a grim discovery about a case from her past.
- 19
Bullet races to find a victim on the run. Elsewhere, Seward is an unkind host to surprise visitors.
- 20
Holder prepares for his child with Caroline. The case of the Stanburys' murders is brought to an end with a series of unexpected events. Reddick finally points a finger at Linden resolving the Spinner case once and for all. An incite into Holder and Linden's lives in a few years time is given to finish off the story once and for all.
- 21
A suspect's family, neighbors and friends are grilled by Sarah and Holder. Meanwhile, Richmond and his campaign adviser Gwen don't see eye-to-eye on strategy for his upcoming debate with the mayor; Rosie's funeral is held; and Stan intensifies his own investigation into his daughter's murder.
- 22
While steering clear of the FBI, Sarah and Holder uncover some surprising new evidence; Richmond scrambles to get back into the mayoral race; and Mitch's actions endanger her sons, leaving Stan to try and gain the upper hand.
- 23
Sarah and Holder's investigation comes to a close. Meanwhile, Richmond sets out on a bold new course; and a surprise source helps bring closure to the Larsens.
- 24
Sarah and Holder catch up to the latest victim; Seward comes face-to-face with his past; and Bullet struggles with the truth.
- 25
Holder and Linden start work on a new case where a quite wealthy family have been murdered. The only survivour attends an all-boys military academy and suspiscion instantly places him as a prime suspect. Lindon and Holder are struggle dealing with the final outcome of the last case.
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The FBI estimates there are currently over 300 active serial killers in the United States.






























