AMC Adds to the Killing of Quality TV

After reading that AMC is closing the case on The Killing and one "critic's" take that the show itself is to blame, attention must be paid to the quickly dwindling quality of TV and the industry's habit of catering to its loudest viewers over its loyal ones. As you may recall, the show's first season premiered to much acclaim for its writing and acting, but ended with much outcry that the case wasn't solved, nor a killer brought to light or justice.

Viewer backlash at the end of season one was a reflection of our culture, not the show's production or writing. At no point was a resolution promised - that was an expectation solely set up by the fans, as a result of this digital age, where immediate gratification is becoming the (unrealistically expected) norm, as well as the state of TV, where a show's fate hangs in the balance every year.

The Killing delivered exactly what it was supposed to: suspense, mystery, and a pace that would accompany a murder investigation. Season one ended with a cliffhanger - remember those? It's what shows used to provide at the end of every season because they were well-planned and well-written, leaving viewers wanting more. Season finales are supposed to make you gasp, tease you, and have you start the countdown to the next season to see how it all plays out.



The Killing did just that by ending with the discovery of Orpheus' identity in the season one finale. We were left thinking he was the killer, wondering if it was as simple as an indiscretion gone wrong or something more sinister. And while the second season showed us he ultimately was not the killer, he also became its victim and an unknowing participant in the crime at the same time.

Season two ended with an equally suspenseful cliffhanger - Rosie's killer was finally revealed, but left many questions unanswered: How will it affect the family dynamic? What about the kid who killed the mob boss? Where will the new mayor take the city now that he has been corrupted? How will Linden function without the job that she sacrificed her engagement and son for? Will Midge ever stop being a selfish bitch?

There were many more mysteries to be solved, mostly among the characters themselves. It's really too bad that TV writing is moving away from ongoing storylines that carry over season to season; instead, it's becoming complacent with stand-alone episodes that viewers can come in and out of without getting lost. There are a few of us who still want to be challenged and get to know the characters we watch. Perhaps TV executives should get to know us, too.