Recap and Review: The Killing, 3x11 and 3x12

The Killing
Season 3, Episode 11/12
"From up Here" and "The Road to Hamelin"
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

After the Emmy worthy performance of Peter Sarsgaard in last weeks episode, the finale opens up with the aftermath of his death. Linden and Skinner are back to their extracurricular activities in the bedroom (can I just say at last despite the end results), Holder makes nice with his girlfriend and Becker leaves prison life whilst Henderson finally embraces the job.
Just when it seems like not a lot can happen, it all comes crashing down.

Linden and Holder catch a new case, the body of a girl is found in a burnt out car, execution style bullet wound to the head, teeth and ring finger removed. The Pied Piper is still at large (shocker!).

Going into the episode I had my suspect pool narrowed down to Henderson, Reddick and Skinner - and I have to admit Skinner was at the bottom of that list.

All arrows, however, were pointing at Reddick (the far too obvious suspect). After trying to pawn off the case to someone else, taking bullet's call, having a connection with one the victims and access to police records it seemed only obvious for Linden and Holder to start chasing him down as the real killer. Such a damn shame that the person they shared their suspicions with was Skinner. A big 'oh shit why did I do that' moment when Linden spots Kallie's ring being worn by none other than Skinner's daughter.

Linden's realisation that she was in love with a serial killer was probably one of the most heart wrenching moments in the episode. Sarah Linden, forever unfortunate in love and in life. For once I'd just love to see her happy for longer than 5 minutes and for that happiness to at least last for a while.

The finale ends with Linden pointing her gun at Skinner (after she takes yet another dangerous drive with a criminal on the promise that she'll be lead to Adrian - the missing son of Peter Sarsgaards, Ray Seward). Skinner confesses to all 21 murders and then some. As if 21 women weren't enough there are plenty more bodies scattered around Seattle that are yet to be found and identified. The women he killed were viewed as nothing more than whores and "human garbage".

It was somewhat shocking and cathartic to see Linden put a bullet between Skinner's eyes despite Holder's objections. Though the ending was crisp and abrupt, it leave me yearning more. I need a season 4 to see how this fatal move plays out and affects all the character's involved.

Highlights of the episode
The cute scene between Skinner and Linden in his office and the little discovery that Linden is always singing in the car (something we haven't seen happen with her and Holder). It was nice to see Linden in a different light and happy.
The (always) brilliant chemistry between Holder and Linden

“Oh c’mon Linden, I don’t gotta be my sleuth par excellence to see the cat’s got a hand in the jelly jar — and it ain’t the first time, neither!”

(gif not mine)

Sassy!Holder vs. IA

"You mind if we take a look at your phone?" 
"As long as you don't mind the pictures of me banging your momma last night."

Sassy!Reddick vs. IA

"Holder's an idiot, he's not Al Qeada. Jesus! Where are you brain trusts getting your intel from anyway? You couldn't solve a crime if it fell out of the sky and sat on your face. My PBA rep's on the line. I expect you pull that tampon outta your ass and cut him loose"

I just love the sass!

Ultimately, the finale was 2 hours of compelling drama that never became weak or dragging - The Killing is a show that deserves a 4th season! A show unlike any other crime show on TV; It will be extremely interesting to see how characters develop after this case and what more the show has to offer.

What did you think of the finale? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.