AMC's 'The Killing': A 'Twin Peaks' for a new generation?

The network's dark thriller is drawing comparisons to David Lynch's show — and getting rave reviews. What makes it so good?

Mireile Enos stars in AMC's latest drama "The Killing."
(Image credit: Facebook, AMC 2010)

On Sunday night, AMC debuted its latest original series, "The Killing," to (mostly) rapturous reviews. The slow-paced, moody crime drama follows two Seattle investigators as they try to crack a single case — the murder of a young girl — over 13 one-hour episodes. "The Killing" is an adaptation of "Forbrydelsen," a 2007 Danish effort that unexpectedly hit big on British television last year. Given its murder-mystery plot, Pacific Northwest setting, and moody score, the American version is reminding many critics of "Twin Peaks," David Lynch's eccentric cult classic. Will "The Killing" be as fondly remembered as the early '90s touchstone? (Watch a promo for "The Killing.")

It's very dark — in a good way: "The music, the imagery," and "even some of the plot details" may remind viewers of "Twin Peaks," says David Bianculi at NPR. But "there's none of David Lynch's metaphysical whimsy to lighten things." In fact, this is "AMC's most depressing series yet," and that's saying something for a network that's hardly known for its light touch. And yet, "I love, and recommend" this show, and its "astoundingly good acting."

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