The Jungle (The Killing)
A new murder case echoes a past conviction.
"The Jungle" is the twenty-seventh episode of the American television drama *The Killing*, premiering on June 2, 2013, as the third season's opener. Series creator Veena Sud wrote it, and Ed Bianchi directed. In the episode, Detective Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) and his new partner Carl Reddick (Gregg Henry) probe the murder of a teenage girl, a case that echoes one previously handled by Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos). Meanwhile, Ray Seward (Peter Sarsgaard), convicted in that earlier case, is moved to death row.
The plot begins with a teenage girl (Keira Jang) entering an unseen driver's car. Later, Holder and Reddick discover her body in an abandoned factory, her head severed. Elsewhere, homeless teen Bullet (Bex Taylor-Klaus) finds her friend Kallie (Cate Sproule) on a bridge, seemingly about to jump, and persuades her to find shelter. They go to Beacon Home, a homeless youth shelter, where Kallie and Bullet joke about Bullet's crush on Lyric (Julia Sarah Stone), who is dating Twitch (Max Fowler). Bullet shows Kallie a stolen large blue ring she plans to give Lyric.
At the morgue, the coroner (Fred Keating) estimates the victim's age at 16 or 17, citing multiple sharp-force neck injuries as cause of death. He notes vaginal bruising, a broken finger, and a spinal cord nicked by a serrated edge. When Holder asks about a "calling card," the coroner says the killer used a condom. Reddick suggests handing the case to detective Tim Jablonski (Phil Granger), who agrees, though Holder is hesitant and still needs to sign paperwork.
In prison, the warden (Michael Kopsa) reads Ray Seward his death warrant for murdering his wife Trisha. Seward is moved to death row, where commanding officer Francis Becker briefs him on rules. Seward asks for the prison chaplain (John R. Taylor), then bashes his head against the bars after lulling him into complacency. A lawyer urges Seward to use his last appeal, but Seward requests death by hanging.
Sarah Linden now lives in Vashon, Washington, working for the Vashon Island Transportation Authority. She receives a Department of Corrections envelope but doesn't open it. She kisses her coworker and new boyfriend Cody (Andrew Jenkins) before they go upstairs. Holder visits, saying he and Reddick have solved seven consecutive cases, boosting his status. They claim to have quit smoking. Holder mentions the new murder's similarities
- Series
- The Killing
- Episode Number
- 27 (Season 3 Premiere)
- Air Date
- June 2, 2013
- Writer
- Veena Sud
- Director
- Ed Bianchi
- Network
- AMC
Lore & Background
Critical reception was positive, with reviewers praising the portrayal of the runaways and the show's mood. The episode was watched by 1.76 million viewers with a 0.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
Reader's Guide
The episode marks a fresh start for The Killing after its first two seasons, introducing a new mystery while connecting to the unresolved Seward case. It establishes the central tension between Holder's new partnership and Linden's reluctant involvement. The episode's focus on homeless youth and the brutal murder of Ashley Kwon sets a dark, atmospheric tone for the season. The premiere's critical reception was strong, with many reviewers noting the compelling setup and improved direction. The episode's ratings, while modest, were considered acceptable for the cable network. The episode's title, "The Jungle," refers to the harsh environment the homeless teens navigate, and the episode's final scene—Kallie getting into a car—creates a chilling cliffhanger that ties the season's central mystery to the opening sequence.
Did You Know?
- The episode is the twenty-seventh episode of The Killing overall.
- The dead girl is identified as Ashley Kwon, age 16 or 17.
- Ray Seward asks for death by hanging after bashing the prison chaplain's head against bars.
- The episode was watched by 1.76 million viewers.
More in The Killing episodes 1-24
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