8.1/102,232 votes#1 - Pilot
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 4/3/2011
On her last day of work, homicide detective Sarah Linden is drawn into a new case about the disappearance of a teenage girl, Rosie Larsen. Mitch and Stan Larsen frantically try to track down their daughter when they learn she did not show up at school. City Councilman Darren Richmond prepares for an important forum with the Mayor as the election nears.
Director: Patty Jenkins
Writer: N/A
7.9/101,691 votes#2 - The Cage
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 4/3/2011
The investigation into Rosie’s killer begins as Sarah and Holder question the missing girl’s parents, Stan and Mitch, as well as Rosie’s friends and City Councilman Richmond. Rosie’s school becomes a potential murder site when Sarah and Holder uncover shocking evidence on campus. Heartbroken and grief-stricken, Mitch and Stan face the aftermath of losing their daughter.
Director: Ed Bianchi
Writer: Veena Sud
7.8/101,602 votes#3 - El Diablo
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 4/10/2011
Councilman Richmond suspects a leak within his team; Sarah tracks down a witness and is led to a suspect.
Director: Gwyneth Horder-Payton
Writer: Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin
7.7/101,450 votes#4 - A Soundless Echo
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 4/17/2011
Linden and Holder pressure Jasper for answers and interview a new suspect.
Director: Jennifer Getzinger
Writer: Soo Hugh
7.7/101,440 votes#5 - Super 8
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 4/24/2011
Rosie's teacher provides Sarah and Holder with a new piece of evidence. Richmond's campaign team plans a new anti-crime television commercial. Mitch continues to struggle with the loss of her daughter, while Stan becomes more determined to find Rosie's killer, and asks his colleague Belko for help.
Director: Phil Abraham
Writer: Jeremy Doner
7.9/101,432 votes#6 - What You Have Left
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 5/1/2011
Sarah and Holder intensify their investigation on a suspect's family and friends. Gwen and Richmond disagree over strategy for the next debate with the mayor. Meanwhile, Rosie's funeral takes place and Stan concentrates on his own investigation into her death.
Director: Agnieszka Holland
Writer: Nic Pizzolatto
7.8/101,383 votes#7 - Vengeance
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 5/8/2011
Mitch questions the validity of the police investigation while Richmond has to deal with a negative ad. It's discovered that Rosie was at Bennett's apartment the night she died.
Director: Ed Bianchi
Writer: Linda Burstyn
7.8/101,366 votes#8 - Stonewalled
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 5/15/2011
Sarah and Holder evade the FBI and unearth new evidence. Mitch endangers the boys, prompting Stan to take matters into his own hands. Richmond tries to climb back in the race.
Director: Daniel Attias
Writer: Aaron Zelman
8.1/101,372 votes#9 - Undertow
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 5/22/2011
The police are thwarted in their efforts to arrest Bennet. Richmond thinks long and hard about removing himself from the Mayor's race. Mitch and Stan have had it with the police.
Director: Agnieszka Holland
Writer: Dan Nowak
8.0/101,362 votes#10 - I'll Let You Know When I Get There
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 5/29/2011
Richmond rises in the polls; a surprising individual turns himself in.
Director: Ed Bianchi
Writer: Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin
7.6/101,546 votes#11 - Missing
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 6/5/2011
Sarah and Holder discover more on Rosie, but the investigation gets stalled when they have to set out on a search for Jack.
Director: Nicole Kassell
Writer: Veena Sud
8.6/101,503 votes#12 - Beau Soleil
Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 6/12/2011
The police connect Rosie to a suspicious website. Stan faces his demons while Mitch learns secrets she never knew about Rosie.
Director: Keith Gordon
Writer: Jeremy Doner, Soo Hugh
8.4/101,602 votes#13 - Orpheus Descending
Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 6/19/2011
The identification of the mysterious Orpheus provides a vital connection to the case. Mitch and Stan reflect on the past while contemplating their family's future.
Director: Brad Anderson
Writer: Veena Sud, Nic Pizzolatto
The Best Episodes of The Killing Season 1
Every episode of The Killing Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Killing Season 1!
The Killing is an American crime drama television series based upon the Danish television series Forbrydelsen. Set in Seattle, Washington, the series follows the various...
Genres:DramaCrimeMystery
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Pilot" is the best rated episode of "The Killing" season 1. It scored 8.1/10 based on 2232 votes. Directed by Patty Jenkins and written by N/A, it aired on 4/3/2011. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "The Cage".