Try (The Killing)

Last updated
"Try"
The Killing episode
Episode no.Season 3
Episode 8
Directed by Lodge Kerrigan
Written byNic Sheff
Aaron Slavick
Production codeBDH308/S308
Original air dateJuly 14, 2013 (2013-07-14)
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Hope Kills"		Next →
"Reckoning"
The Killing (season 3)
List of episodes

"Try" is the thirty-fourth episode of the American television drama series The Killing , which aired on July 14, 2013. The episode is written by Nic Sheff and Aaron Slavick; directed by Lodge Kerrigan. In the episode, Pastor Mike (Ben Cotton) kidnaps Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos). Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) and the police must listen to the Linden/Pastor conversation via her two-way radio, which she has activated unbeknownst to Pastor Mike. Ray Seward (Peter Sarsgaard) panics as his execution is two days away. Bullet (Bex Taylor-Klaus) roams the streets looking for Lyric (Julia Sarah Stone) and learns about Angie Gower (Laine MacNeil).

Contents

Plot

In Linden's car, Pastor Mike, holding a knife to her throat, takes her phone and gun then orders her to drive around. She secretly turns on her police radio and tries to talk him down.

At the police station, Bullet tells Holder that Lyric called and that Mike is taking Lyric to the woods where he killed the other girls. Holder relays the news to Skinner (Elias Koteas), who's reluctant to take action. When Holder vouches for his informant, Skinner pulls half the officers searching trains for Mike and redirects them to the woods around the pond. Holder hears Linden's voice over an open radio channel and realizes she's being held hostage. Skinner redirects all resources to find Linden's car. All officers in the room listen intently as Linden talks to Pastor Mike.

Linden tells Mike that she understands his work because she grew up in foster care. He accuses her of trying to humanize herself so that he won't kill her, adding that it won't work. He then opens up about the kidnapping incident in Tempe, Arizona, saying he was wrongly accused and was just trying to help the girl through drug detoxification. Instead, he lost his ministry. He says no one believed him, that they all looked at him as Linden was looking at him at that moment. He directs her to a desolate parking garage, where the radio cuts out. He sits in silence, gun at the ready, and she urges him to tell the police about the girl in Tempe. She then confides about her strained relationship with son Jack. He softens a bit then asks her to take him to the waterfront.

Back at the station, Linden's voice fades back into the open radio channel. Holder hears her tell Mike about a friend's moment of despair on a nearby bridge. Catching her reference to his own breakdown, Holder realizes Linden is describing Biltmore Pier. He and a team of cops rush out of the station.

Mike admits that he dropped Angie off at the veterinarian. Taking her to a hospital would have landed her back in the foster system. He then spots Linden's police radio and orders her to pull over. He marches her at gunpoint to the edge of a pier, but ultimately drops to his knees and tosses the gun into the water. As he prays for forgiveness, the police arrive with their guns drawn. She shields him, yelling that he is unarmed. He is taken into custody unharmed.

In prison, Ray Seward's lawyer (John Shaw) tells him that he was unable to reach Linden. Seward asks to change his execution method to lethal injection, but is told that it's too late to change his fate. While being led back to his cell, Seward suffers a panic attack. In a rare moment of compassion, Francis Becker (Hugh Dillon) calms him.

At the station, Skinner tells Holder that Mike isn't the killer—he was in Mexico City for the period that the 17 murders took place. Skinner adds that Lyric is not "missing." Patrol just picked her up on the street. Furious, Holder finds Bullet out in the hallway and screams at her for misleading him and endangering Linden. He threatens to put her back in the foster system and kicks her out of the station.

At home, Linden watches Skinner on television as he tells reporters that Mike is no longer a suspect. Holder visits with some Chinese take-out. She recounts her experience with Mike to him. He notices Trisha Seward's case file, and she remarks that Ray Seward will be executed in two days.

Bullet finds Lyric hustling on the street and asks what happened to her the night before. Lyric yells at her for telling the cops she was missing, then informs her that she isn't a lesbian and is back with Twitch. Heart broken, Bullet buys drugs from Poochie (Bryce Hodgson), who tells her he just sold drugs to a girl who had her finger chopped off and warns Bullet to be careful.

Becker's wife, Annie (Sonya Salomaa) stops Evan Henderson (Aaron Douglas) in the prison waiting room and tells him Becker hasn't been home in a couple of days. She asks for consolation but Henderson, seeing her son (Colin MacKechnie) sitting nearby, excuses himself and leaves.

Bullet tracks down Angie, who's about to leave town on a bus. Bullet pushes her to reveal her kidnapper's identity. When Angie refuses, Bullet tries to bribe her with the drugs she bought. Bullet stops at a diner and leaves a voice-mail for Holder, pleading with him to call her back. She apologizes for the Lyric incident and says she knows who the killer is.

Still at Linden's house, Holder ignores the calls from Bullet. As they pore over Seward's case file, Linden and Holder remark that Seward really loves his son, judging from family photos of Adrian's first birthday. As he leaves Linden's house, Holder offers to take the Seward file and look it over, as Linden might have tunnel vision, figuratively speaking.

A more-desperate Seward calls Linden to beg for her help exonerating him. He hopes that Adrian has additional information and says he will get the foster parents to allow Linden to speak with Adrian again.

At the diner, Bullet continues calling Holder but cannot reach him. Outside, a car pulls up and its unseen driver watches Bullet through the diner window.

Production

In a July 2013 interview, actor Ben Cotton (Pastor Mike) spoke about his character: "I did a lot [of preparation]. I didn't know what would be coming up in terms of the details, so I was reading the Bible. And there were some people who I looked at and was like, 'I'll sort of be like that' — but I don't know if I'm allowed to say who. I wasn't terribly familiar with the world of runaway teens, but I went to YouTube and typed in 'heroin' and 'documentaries' and watched enough hours that I started to have a response to it. I felt I had to manufacture the story with the girl in Tempe in my mind." [1]

He also spoke of the inspirations for Pastor Mike: "There were people when I was young and in my teens who were trying to help kids, and they did help. There are people who without whom I don't know where I'd be today. And I think that's what Pastor Mike is ultimately trying to do. He's trying to save lives and be compassionate, in a system that doesn't really allow it. I have a friend who's a schoolteacher who was telling me how you're not allowed to hug the students anymore, and I think that's just unbelievable. I understand it, I get it, but I had teachers when I was growing up who were so kind and supportive. It was wonderful." [1]

Reception

Critical reception

Sean McKenna of TVFanatic stated: "You can certainly add 'Try' to the list of good episode on this roller coaster ride of cops, killers and the heightened drama surrounding the characters involved. I really can't get over how well done this return season of The Killing has been crafted and executed. If it can deliver a solid ending after all this rising tension and drama, not only will it be the best of the seasons, but it'll have me craving and clamoring for season four." [2]

Ratings

"Try" was watched by 1.52 million total viewers, and received a 0.4 rating in the 18-49 ages demographic, marking slight drops from the previous episode. [3]

Related Research Articles

"Vengeance" is the seventh episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on May 8, 2011 on AMC in the United States. The episode was written by Linda Burstyn and was directed by Ed Bianchi. In the episode, Detectives Linden and Holder uncover more evidence about Bennet Ahmed; and Richmond’s decision to remain loyal to Bennet backfires.

"Undertow" is the ninth episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on May 22, 2011. The episode was written by Dan Nowak and was directed by Agnieszka Holland. In the episode, after their warrant for Bennet Ahmed gets quashed, the detectives question an acquaintance of his. Mayoral candidate Darren Richmond puts an end to any personal attacks on his opponent. The Larsens take justice into their own hands.

"Beau Soleil" is the twelfth episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on June 12, 2011. The episode is co-written by Jeremy Doner and Soo Hugh and is directed by Keith Gordon. In the episode, the detectives investigate the link between Rosie Larsen and casino camera footage. Mitch Larsen learns that her jailed husband, Stan, has drained their bank account. The Richmond campaign gets new life as the Mayor's takes a hit.

"Ghosts of the Past" is the eighteenth episode of the American television drama series The Killing, and the fifth of its second season, which aired on April 22, 2012. The episode is written by Wendy Riss and is directed by Ed Bianchi. In the episode, Detectives Linden and Holder obtain a voicemail left by Rosie Larsen when she was alive; Mitch Larsen talks with a woman the same age as Rosie; and Darren Richmond learns who may have been behind his previous arrest.

"Off the Reservation" is the twenty-first episode of the American television drama series The Killing, and the eighth of its second season, and aired on May 13, 2012. The episode is written by Nathaniel Halpern and directed by showrunner Veena Sud. In the episode, Sarah Linden frantically searches for a missing Stephen Holder, Stan Larsen meets with several people regarding his reward to find his daughter's killer. and Darren Richmond returns to work.

"Sayonara, Hiawatha" is the twenty-second episode of the American television drama series The Killing, and the ninth of its second season, which aired on May 20, 2012. The episode is co-written by executive producers Nicole Yorkin and Dawn Prestwich and directed by Phil Abraham. In the episode, Sarah Linden obtains Rosie Larsen's keys, which allow access to the casino's tenth floor; Stan Larsen learns of son Tommy's bad behavior at school; Mitch Larsen meets David Ranier ; and Darren Richmond asks Nicole Jackson to assist the police.

"72 Hours" is the twenty-third episode of the American television drama series The Killing, and the tenth of its second season, which aired on the AMC channel in the United States on May 27, 2012. It is written by Eliza Clark and directed by Nicole Kassell. In the episode, Sarah Linden finds herself in a psychiatric ward, while Stephen Holder continues the investigation. Stan Larsen attempts to repair the damage that his past actions have caused. Darren Richmond returns to the Seattle All Stars basketball program.

<i>The Killing</i> (season 3) Season of television series

The third season of the AMC American crime drama television series The Killing premiered on June 2, 2013, concluded on August 4, 2013, and consisted of 12 episodes. The series was developed and produced by Veena Sud and based on the Danish series, Forbrydelsen . Set in Seattle, Washington, this season follows detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder as they investigate a string of murders that connect to a previous case of Linden's. AMC originally announced that they had canceled the series in July 2012, but, in January 2013, officially announced it would return for a third season, which would ultimately be the last to air on AMC. On November 15, 2013, Netflix announced it would produce a fourth and final season to consist of six episodes.

"The Jungle" is the twenty-seventh episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on June 2, 2013, as the third season's premiere. The episode is written by series developer Veena Sud and is directed by Ed Bianchi. In the episode, Detective Stephen Holder and his new partner Carl Reddick investigate a teenage girl's murder, which has similarities to a previous case of Sarah Linden. Meanwhile, Ray Seward, who had been convicted in that case, is sent to death row.

"That You Fear the Most" is the twenty-eighth episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on June 2, 2013, after the season opener. The episode is written by Dan Nowak and is directed by Lodge Kerrigan. In the episode, Detective Holder and Detective Reddick continue the investigation and enter the world of the runaways, one of which is now missing. Meanwhile, death row inmate Ray Seward continues to impose his will on the prison and the detectives who arrested him, James Skinner and Sarah Linden.

"Seventeen" is the twenty-ninth episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on June 9, 2013. The episode is written by Eliza Clark and is directed by Kari Skogland. In the episode, James Skinner creates a task force after Sarah Linden discovers 17 dead bodies in a pond. Bullet points Detectives Holder and Reddick to a new suspect. Ray Seward is slipped a hidden razor blade in prison.

"Head Shots" is the thirtieth episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on June 16, 2013. The episode was written by series co-executive producers Dawn Prestwich and Nicole Yorkin and is directed by Michael Rymer. In the episode, the 7 Stars Motel and its proprietor are investigated as the site for the DVD production. Detective Holder attempts to mediate between Linden and Reddick. Bullet helps Twitch when he gets into trouble. Seward rejects his medicine and his guards must persuade him.

"Scared and Running" is the thirty-first episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on June 23, 2013. The episode is written by Coleman Herbert and is directed by Dan Attias. In the episode, Detective Holder and Sarah Linden learn a potential victim has escaped the killer. Bullet assists them to retrace the victim's steps, while also hoping to find Kallie, her missing friend. Kallie's mother, Danette, grows worried and discovers something about her boyfriend Joe. Seward gets a visit from his son's adoptive mother.

"Eminent Domain" is the 32nd episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on June 30, 2013. The episode is written by David Wiener and is directed by Keith Gordon. In the episode, Detective Holder and Sarah Linden revisit the Seward case in hopes of finding a connection with the current one. Bullet takes Danette Leeds to Kallie's favorite hangouts. Seward asks to speak to his imprisoned father.

"Hope Kills" is the thirty-third episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on July 7, 2013. The episode is written by Brett Conrad and is directed by Tricia Brock. In the episode, Detective Holder and Sarah Linden learn Pastor Mike is not who he claims to be. Bullet and Lyric get closer. Seward becomes more disturbed, while the gallows is being prepared for his execution.

"Reckoning" is the thirty-fifth episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on July 21, 2013. The episode is written by Dan Nowak and directed by Jonathan Demme. In the episode, Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder seek out Joe Mills after he attacks Danette Leeds. Their pursuit proves costly to everyone. With Ray Seward's execution scheduled the next day, he desperately accepts Dale Shannon's suggestion to pray, only to learn his cellblock mate's true nature.

"Six Minutes" is the thirty-sixth episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on July 28, 2013. The episode is written by series creator Veena Sud and directed by Nicole Kassell. In the episode, Sarah Linden spends Ray Seward's remaining twelve hours with him. He allows his son Adrian to visit, but Becker denies entry. Seward's execution occurs, despite Linden's belief that he is innocent of his wife's murder.

"From Up Here" is the thirty-seventh episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on August 4, 2013, as the first of a two-part season finale. The episode is written by Eliza Clark and directed by Phil Abraham. In the episode, Stephen Holder and Sarah Linden are called to another case, which has similarities to the recently solved one. Holder suspects a cop has committed all the murders. They find clues which cause Linden to deduce that Adrian Seward was the target in 2009 and not his mother, as Adrian is followed home by a car whose driver he recognizes.

"The Road to Hamelin" is the thirty-eighth episode of the American television drama series The Killing, which aired on August 4, 2013, as the second of a two-part season finale. The episode is co-written by series executive producers Dawn Prestwich and Nicole Yorkin and directed by Dan Attias. In the episode, frantic to find Adrian, Stephen Holder and Sarah Linden voice their suspicions about Carl Reddick to James Skinner. Linden later sees a ring from the missing Kallie on Skinner's daughter's finger. She knows Skinner is the killer and must ride with him to find Adrian. Holder must race to save Linden when Adrian is found safe.

References

  1. 1 2 Rosenberg, Eli (July 14, 2013). "Q & A – Ben Cotton". blogs.amctv.com. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  2. ↑ McKenna, Sean (July 14, 2013). "The Killing Review: Joy Ride". TVFanatic. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  3. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (July 16, 2013). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'True Blood' Wins Night + 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians', 'Sprint Cup', 'Real Housewives of NJ', 'Falling Skies' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on July 19, 2013. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.