El Diablo (The Killing)
A devil mask leads detectives to a suspect.
The third episode of AMC’s *The Killing*, “El Diablo,” aired on April 10, 2011. Dawn Prestwich and Nicole Yorkin co-wrote the installment, with Gwyneth Horder-Payton directing. Sarah discovers a peephole in the school’s “Cage,” accessible only by the principal and janitor Lyndon Johnson Rosales. When she and her new partner, Holder, search Rosales’s apartment, he slashes her arm with a knife before jumping out a window. At the hospital, Rosales survives surgery; Sarah learns he has an alibi for the night of Rosie’s death—a DUI arrest. Rosales tells Sarah he saw Rosie at the Halloween dance and, pointing to a yearbook photo, whispers “El diablo” (Spanish for “the devil”). Meanwhile, councilman Richmond suspects a leak in his campaign. He discovers that his aide Jamie leaked news of a lost endorsement to the press. Richmond wins back the endorsement by offering a city contract to the councilwoman’s husband. Jamie leaves the campaign. Holder and Sarah identify Kris Echols, a runaway and Jasper’s best friend, as a suspect. Reviewing dance footage, Sarah spots someone in a devil mask. At the Larsens’ home, she reveals Rosie drowned. Later, a teacher confiscates a student’s cell phone and finds a video: it shows a masked male, later revealed as Jasper, forcing himself on a girl in a pink wig. The cameraman is Kris. Oakes orders both boys brought in. At the Larsen apartment, Stan eats quietly with the boys while Mitch cries in the bathroom.
- Series
- The Killing
- Episode Number
- 3
- Air Date
- April 10, 2011
- Network
- AMC
- Writers
- Dawn Prestwich and Nicole Yorkin
- Director
- Gwyneth Horder-Payton
- Viewers (millions)
- 2.56
Lore & Background
In the episode, councilman Richmond suspects a leak within his team. Sarah tracks down a witness, which leads to a suspect, while trying to work with her new awkward partner Holder. At Fort Washington High, Sarah discovers a peephole in The Cage. Principal Meyers unlocks a room adjoining The Cage to which only she and school janitor Lyndon Johnson Rosales have a key. The peephole provides a clear view of The Cage. Later, Oakes asks Sarah to remain on the job through the end of the week because he feels that Holder isn't currently capable of controlling the case. In Rosales’ apartment, Holder distracts the mother while Sarah explores. When she notices a teen-themed porn magazine on the floor, Rosales comes up behind her and slashes her arm with a knife. Holder rushes him, with gun drawn, while Sarah pleads with Rosales that they just want to talk to him. He jumps out the window. At the hospital, Rosales is diagnosed with a skull fracture and rushed into surgery. While a medic stitches and bandages Sarah's arm, Holder lists the suspect's priors: indecent exposure and "kid diddlin'." He also notes that this suspect has an alibi: picked up for a DUI, he spent Friday night in the drunk tank. In his hospital room, Sarah questions Rosales. He confirms seeing Rosie, but not Jasper, at the Halloween dance. Pointing to a yearbook photo of Kris Echols, Rosales whispers, "El diablo (Spanish for 'the devil')."
Reader's Guide
The episode deepens the political subplot as Richmond deals with leaks and betrayal within his campaign. Jamie is revealed as the source of the Yitanes endorsement leak, and Richmond offers a city plumbing contract to win back her support. Meanwhile, the investigation focuses on Kris Echols, a runaway and Jasper's best friend. Reviewing video from the dance, Sarah notices someone wearing a devil's mask. She whispers, “El diablo.” At the police station, Sarah, Oakes, and Holder watch a cell-phone video showing a male in a devil's mask forcing himself on a girl in a pink wig and witch costume. The male mentions Rosie's name. When the mask is removed, the male is revealed to be Jasper. Jasper then switches roles with the cameraman, who turns out to be Kris. Oakes tells his detectives to bring in both boys. The episode received favorable reviews, with Meredith Blake of The A.V. Club rating it a B and TV Fanatic's Teresa L. rating it 4.5 out of 5 stars. It was watched by 2.56 million viewers.
Did You Know?
- The episode was co-written by Dawn Prestwich and Nicole Yorkin, who also served as series producers.
- The title 'El Diablo' is Spanish for 'the devil,' referring to the devil mask worn by a suspect in the episode.
- The cell-phone video reveals that Jasper and Kris were both involved in the incident with Rosie Larsen.
- The episode was directed by Gwyneth Horder-Payton.
More in The Killing episodes 1-24
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