Head Shots
A motel investigation and prison tensions drive the episode.
"Head Shots" is the thirtieth episode of the American television drama *The Killing*, first broadcast on June 16, 2013. Co-executive producers Dawn Prestwich and Nicole Yorkin wrote the episode, and Michael Rymer directed it.
The episode follows detectives investigating a motel tied to a DVD production. After viewing a DVD found in Goldie's apartment, Bullet identifies the location as the 7 Stars Motel, run by Mama Dips. A search warrant reveals a hidden room behind the front desk used for filming pornographic DVDs. Mama Dips is questioned, claims ignorance, then asserts she is the voice on the DVDs. Linden shows the DVD to Danette, who does not recognize the man's voice but admits Kallie came to her trailer the night she vanished and Danette did not answer the door.
Twitch learns his urine test is positive for drugs, despite his insistence he has been clean. His parole officer forces him to have sex. After using meth, Twitch leaves an abandoned hotel when Bullet arrives and scolds him. He ignores her warning to avoid Freeway Park, where thugs beat him. Bullet brings him back to the hotel room, where he cries about his lost dreams. Lyric comforts him, and they kiss; Bullet leaves.
At the station, Assistant D.A. Caroline Swift advises Skinner to focus on Mama Dips. Two new photos of identified victims are posted. Linden and Holder match one to a girl from the porn videos. In prison, Seward removes his tattoo, calling it a "point of weakness." He refuses antibiotics, throwing them in the toilet. In the yard, he bonds with Alton, showing off scars, while Becker monitors them.
A cop recognizes a girl from the porn videos as Tiffany, recently picked up for solicitation. Linden questions her, but Tiffany claims she cannot remember the man. Holder and Reddick stake out Goldie. Reddick warns Holder not to risk his career for Linden. They follow Goldie to the retention pond crime scene, where he proclaims his innocence to reporters, says the woman with him is his mother, and claims another girl is missing. Danette receives a call from her boyfriend and agrees to go out that night.
Becker confronts Henderson about Seward's medication; Henderson lies that there was no problem, then admits Seward did not take it. Becker's wife confides to Henderson about the strain the job has put on their marriage. When Seward again refuses medication, Becker orders guards to beat
- series
- The Killing
- episode_number
- 30
- air_date
- June 16, 2013
- writers
- Dawn Prestwich and Nicole Yorkin
- director
- Michael Rymer
- network
- AMC
Lore & Background
In the episode, detectives investigate the 7 Stars Motel and its proprietor, Mama Dips, after a DVD seized from Goldie's apartment is identified as being shot there. Bullet helps Twitch when he gets into trouble, and Seward rejects his medicine, leading guards to force compliance. The episode features multiple plot threads: the motel search, Twitch's parole violation and beating, and Seward's prison standoff.
Reader's Guide
The episode is significant for advancing the season's central mystery while deepening character conflicts. The investigation into Mama Dips and the discovery of a hidden room behind the motel desk ties the DVD production to the disappearances. The subplot involving Twitch's drug relapse and brutal beating highlights the collateral damage of the case. Seward's refusal of medication and the guards' violent coercion underscore the prison system's harsh realities. The episode received a B+ grade from The A.V. Club, which noted the show's ability to sustain tension through confrontations and suppressed resentments. It was watched by 1.36 million viewers.
Did You Know?
- The episode was written by series co-executive producers Dawn Prestwich and Nicole Yorkin.
- The 7 Stars Motel is investigated as the site for the DVD production.
- Seward rejects his medicine and guards must persuade him by beating Alton.
- The episode was watched by 1.36 million viewers.
More in The Killing episodes 1-24
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