The Killing Danish Ending Explained, Cast, and Plot
by Abinaya
Updated May 22, 2023
About The Killing Danish
"The Killing," originally titled "Forbrydelsen" in Danish, is a gripping police procedural drama television series created by Søren Sveistrup and produced by DR in collaboration with ZDF Enterprises. The show made its debut on the Danish national television channel DR1 on January 7, 2007, and has since captivated audiences in various countries with its compelling storytelling.
Set in the city of Copenhagen, the series revolves around the dedicated Detective Inspector Sarah Lund, portrayed by Sofie Gråbøl. Each season of the show focuses on a single murder case, delving into the investigation on a day-by-day basis. Spanning across multiple episodes, with each episode running for approximately fifty minutes, the series intricately explores the events occurring within a twenty-four-hour period of the investigation.
"The Killing" stands out for its intricate plot twists, long-running storylines that unfold over the course of a season, and its dark and atmospheric tone. The show skillfully intertwines the perspectives of the victim's family, the impact on political circles, and the ongoing police investigation, providing equal emphasis on these interconnected aspects. This approach adds depth to the narrative and engages viewers on multiple levels.
The Killing Danish Ending Explained
In essence, The Forbrydelsen trilogy stands out due to its central theme of family, which takes center stage once again in its concluding moments. Lund, the protagonist who has struggled with her relationships throughout these three gripping adventures, experienced a glimpse of a contented family life. Mark, Eva, her mother, and the baby all eagerly awaited Lund's return as they moved into her home, while Borch, the one who had slipped away before, was determined not to repeat the past mistakes. Lund herself envisioned a future with their shared home, even making plans for an extension. This was the closest we had ever witnessed her to being settled and genuinely happy since the very beginning of the series. However, with a single action, everything crumbled away, shattering the idyllic scenario she had strived for.
Can Lund truly be considered the ultimate hero, or is she no better than the kidnapper she relentlessly pursued throughout the series? At first glance, one may interpret Lund's reaction to Reinhardt's belief that he would never be apprehended for his heinous acts against the children under his care as a momentary loss of control—a burst of anger in the face of an evil man shielded by his influential position. However, it was much more than that. You could sense that this was Lund's response to all the instances where she had witnessed justice being denied.
It was the culmination of a career marked by the abuse and torment inflicted upon countless girls, driving her unwavering determination to prevent Reinhardt from adding to their number. Lund knew there was only one way to stop him from harming more innocent children, even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness. The conclusion of this three-series-long journey took an unexpected turn, blending moments of brilliance with outlandish red herrings that could have easily repelled the audience.
Yet, we persevered, a testament to the artistry of writer Soren Sveistrup. However, it is Sofie Gråbøl's portrayal of Lund that truly shines. As she sat in the backseat, locking eyes with a remorseless man who callously allowed a child he had known since birth to perish rather than confessing to his crimes, her face conveyed a myriad of emotions, yet none at the same time.
At that moment, she meticulously calculated the repercussions of Reinhardt remaining at large. It was an awe-inspiring performance. To put it concisely, the revelation of Reinhardt being the antagonist didn't come as a massive shock to me or many others who had suspected him for weeks. However, the focal point was not the big reveal itself, but rather the manner in which Reinhardt eluded the grasp of the law and, thanks to Lund, the clutches of the kidnapper.
Stripping away the ransom demands, the intricate chase sequences, and the near misses, the most significant twist in Forbrydelsen III was Lund's decision to spare Reinhardt from death. However, in order to shield herself from the guilt of allowing him to live and potentially kill again, she had to personally pull the trigger. This storyline possessed layers of subtlety, particularly in addressing the question of whether a murderer who takes lives in the pursuit of justice for an unpunished killer is any less reprehensible than a murderer who takes lives for pleasure.
It explored the desperation of the kidnapper versus a man who cunningly presented himself as helpful and innocent to the family he served, all the while knowing he held power to save the child they were desperately searching for. Additionally, there was a harrowing twist involving the lawyer sanctioned by Robert, who assisted in fabricating a false alibi, provided by Zeeland, for the individual targeted by the kidnapper. This decision further endangered Zeuthan's child but aimed to prevent a scandal from devastating his company.
The Killing Danish Cast
Cast Name
Character Name
Sofie Gråbøl
Sarah Lund
Lars Mikkelsen
Troels Hartmann
Søren Malling
Inspector Jan Meyer
Morten Suurballe
Lennart Brix
Bjarne Henriksen
Theis Birk Larsen
Marie Askehave
Rie Skovgaard
Ann Eleonora Jørgensen
Pernille Birk Larsen
Nikolaj Lie Kaas
Mathias Borch
The Killing Danish Netflix
The Danish version of The Killing, a gripping crime drama series created by Søren Sveistrup in 2007, is unfortunately not available on Netflix in the United States. However, it can be streamed in other countries like Australia and New Zealand. On the other hand, the American version of The Killing, based on the Danish series and created by Veena Sud in 2011, is accessible on Netflix in the United States, as well as other streaming platforms like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
The Danish version follows Detective Sarah Lund (Sofie Gråbøl) as she investigates the murder of Nanna Birk Larsen, while the American version centers around Detectives Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) solving the murder of Rosie Larsen. Both versions have garnered acclaim for their realistic portrayal of crime and nuanced characters. The Danish series received numerous accolades, including the BAFTA Television Award for Best International Television Programme in 2008, while the American series garnered award nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series – Drama in 2012
The Killing Danish Plot
"The Killing," also known as "Forbrydelsen" in Danish, is a gripping police procedural drama set in Copenhagen, Denmark. The series follows Detective Inspector Sarah Lund (Sofie Gråbøl) as she investigates complex murder cases.
Each season focuses on a single murder case, with each episode covering 24 hours of the investigation. With intricate plot twists, season-long storylines, and a dark atmosphere, the show explores the personal and political consequences of the crimes, delving into the impact on the victim's family and the world of politics. Lund works alongside key characters such as Troels Hartmann (Lars Mikkelsen), a mayoral candidate entangled in the investigations, and Inspector Jan Meyer (Søren Malling), her dedicated colleague.
The dynamics within the police department, represented by Lennart Brix (Morten Suurballe), provide additional depth to the story. The series showcases the atmospheric cinematography of the picturesque Danish setting and features exceptional acting performances, including Bjarne Henriksen as Theis Birk Larsen and Marie Askehave as Rie Skovgaard. With its intense storytelling and multi-dimensional characters, "The Killing" has captivated audiences worldwide, earning critical acclaim for its compelling plotlines and ability to keep viewers guessing until the very end
The Killing Danish Where to Watch
"The Killing" can be watched on various streaming platforms and television channels. Here are some options to watch the Danish series:
The Killing Danish Ending Explained - FAQ
"The Killing" is a gripping police procedural drama set in Copenhagen, Denmark, following Detective Inspector Sarah Lund as she investigates complex murder cases. Each season focuses on a single murder case, delving into the personal and political consequences of the crimes.
Unfortunately, the Danish version of "The Killing" is not available on Netflix in the United States. However, it can be streamed on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. The entire series is accessible on these platforms, allowing viewers to enjoy the show
The main cast members in "The Killing" Danish series include Sofie Gråbøl as Detective Inspector Sarah Lund, Lars Mikkelsen as Troels Hartmann, Søren Malling as Inspector Jan Meyer, Morten Suurballe as Lennart Brix, Bjarne Henriksen as Theis Birk Larsen, Marie Askehave as Rie Skovgaard, Ann Eleonora Jørgensen as Pernille Birk Larsen, and Nikolaj Lie Kaas as Mathias Borch.
Yes, the American version of "The Killing," based on the Danish series, is available on Netflix in the United States. Additionally, it can be streamed on other platforms like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
Yes, the Danish version of "The Killing" has received several awards, including the BAFTA Television Award for Best International Television Programme in 2008. The American version has also garnered award nominations, such as a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series - Drama in 2012.