Show cover for The Killing

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 murder investigations by homicide detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder.

Genres:DramaCrimeMystery
Networks:AMCNetflix

Season 1 Ratings Summary

The best episode of "The Killing" season 1 is "Pilot", rated 8.1/10 from 2214 user votes. It was directed by Patty Jenkins and written by N/A. "Pilot" aired on 4/3/2011 and is rated 0.2 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "The Cage".

  • Pilot
    8.1/10 2,214 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

  • The Cage
    7.9/10 1,678 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

  • El Diablo
    7.8/10 1,587 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

  • A Soundless Echo
    7.7/10 1,436 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

  • Super 8
    7.7/10 1,426 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

  • What You Have Left
    7.9/10 1,417 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

  • Vengeance
    7.8/10 1,373 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

  • Stonewalled
    7.8/10 1,355 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

  • Undertow
    8.1/10 1,359 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

  • I'll Let You Know When I Get There
    8.0/10 1,351 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

  • Missing
    7.6/10 1,529 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

  • Beau Soleil
    8.6/10 1,489 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

  • Orpheus Descending
    8.4/10 1,587 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: Nic Pizzolatto, Veena Sud