12 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
Detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder investigate a series of murders connected to a past case involving death row inmate Ray Seward. Linden, initially out of the force, is drawn back in when a horrifying discovery of 17 deceased teenage girls suggests a serial killer is at large. They focus on the victims, many of whom are runaways, and the disturbing pornographic videos linked to their disappearances.
The investigation intensifies as the killer, later revealed to be Lieutenant James Skinner, operates in the shadows. Key turning points include the brutal rape of Bullet, a young runaway aiding the detectives, and the eventual execution of Ray Seward, despite Linden's growing doubts about his guilt. The season culminates with Linden confronting Skinner, leading to a violent showdown where Skinner is shot and killed by Linden, and Adrian Seward, a potential witness, is found safe.
Season 3 of The Killing covers episodes 1-12. Here's everything that happened:
Season 3, Episode 1: The Jungle - Detectives Holder and Reddick investigate the murder of a teenage girl, Ashley Kwon, whose death bears striking similarities to a past case involving Ray Seward, who is now on death row. Linden, no longer a detective, is drawn back into the investigation. The episode concludes with Linden discovering a horrifying collection of body bags in a murky pond, hinting at a much larger serial killer operation.
Season 3, Episode 2: That You Fear the Most - Detectives Linden and Holder investigate a string of murders connected to a past case of Linden's. They delve into the world of runaways, discovering one is missing. Meanwhile, death row inmate Ray Seward's behavior becomes increasingly erratic as his execution looms. Bullet is brutally raped, and Linden realizes Skinner lied about his involvement in the Seward case.
Season 3, Episode 3: Seventeen - Linden officially rejoins the force as a task force is formed to investigate the discovery of 17 deceased teenage girls found in a pond. Meanwhile, Ray Seward, on death row, finds a razor blade hidden in his soap, setting up a dangerous confrontation. The episode concludes with the investigation into the murders intensifying, and the potential connection to Seward's past case becoming clearer.
Season 3, Episode 4: Head Shots - Linden and Holder investigate the 7 Stars Motel, the site of the pornographic DVDs, leading them to question Mama Dips. Bullet identifies the ring Kallie wore in a video, narrowing the timeline. Joe Mills, Kallie's mother's boyfriend and the filmmaker of the tapes, is revealed. Meanwhile, Twitch is brutally beaten after being forced into a sexual act by his parole officer. The episode concludes with Danette opening her door to Joe Mills.
Season 3, Episode 5: Scared and Running - A severely injured girl, not Kallie, escapes a car crash and a pursuer. Linden and Holder, aided by Bullet, track the girl to a makeshift operating room where her throat has been stitched. Meanwhile, Seward receives a visit from his son's foster mother, and learns about an inmate who found forgiveness. Joe Mills is revealed to be the man behind the porn videos, and Kallie's mother discovers her daughter's phone in his possession. The episode concludes with the unsettling realization that the victim found is not Kallie, leaving her fate uncertain.
Season 3, Episode 6: Eminent Domain - Linden and Holder investigate the possibility that Pastor Mike is the serial killer, while Ray Seward faces his impending execution. Danette, Kallie's mother, is arrested after causing a scene at the police station. Seward is executed, despite Linden's belief in his innocence. The episode concludes with Linden and Holder suspecting Pastor Mike, and a new clue suggests Adrian Seward may have witnessed his mother's murder.
Season 3, Episode 7: Hope Kills - Detectives Linden and Holder investigate Pastor Mike, discovering his real name is Mark Elwood and he was previously charged with kidnapping. Pastor Mike abducts Linden, holding her at knifepoint. Meanwhile, Seward grapples with his impending execution, and Bullet and Lyric's relationship deepens. The episode concludes with Linden held captive by the increasingly desperate Pastor Mike.
Season 3, Episode 8: Try - Pastor Mike kidnaps Sarah Linden, forcing her to drive while he confesses his past actions. Bullet tries to find Lyric and learns Angie Gower had her finger severed. Pastor Mike is ultimately apprehended after Linden protects him from police gunfire, and he is cleared as the killer. Bullet is later observed by an unknown individual.
Season 3, Episode 9: Reckoning - Detectives Linden and Holder pursue Joe Mills, leading to a violent confrontation where Mills attacks Linden. Holder intervenes, apprehending Mills. Tragically, Bullet is found dead, discovered in the trunk of a car, having suffered numerous defensive wounds. Meanwhile, Ray Seward's execution proceeds despite Linden's lingering doubts about his guilt.
Season 3, Episode 10: Six Minutes - Detective Linden races against time as Ray Seward awaits execution. Despite discovering evidence suggesting Seward's innocence, including a ring he gave his wife, Seward is executed. His son Adrian witnesses the event from afar, and Linden is left to grapple with the system's irreversible outcome.
Season 3, Episode 11: From Up Here - Detectives Linden and Holder investigate a new murder with similarities to a past case. Linden realizes Adrian Seward was the original target, not his mother. James Skinner is revealed to be the serial killer, and Linden confronts him. The episode concludes with Linden killing Skinner to prevent him from escaping, leaving her in a precarious position.
Season 3, Episode 12: The Road to Hamelin - Linden and Holder identify Lieutenant Skinner as the Pied Piper killer after Linden spots a ring belonging to a victim on Skinner's daughter. Linden confronts Skinner, who confesses to the murders and leads her to Adrian. Linden shoots and kills Skinner, and Adrian is found safe. The episode concludes with Linden and Holder facing an internal affairs investigation.
