Those Who Kill

Those Who Kill is a chilling psychological crime drama that originally launched on the A&E network in 2014. This American adaptation of a popular Danish television series carves out its unique space in the broad panorama of crime television series. It is a dark exploration of the psyche of some of society's worst criminals, focusing unflinchingly on the world of serial killers.

Set in Pittsburgh, the series follows Detectives Catherine Jensen (Chloë Sevigny), a recently promoted homicide detective, and Thomas Schaeffer (James D'Arcy), a forensic psychologist, who both have a deep understanding of the complex minds of killers, but come from entirely different perspectives. Jensen is a tough, no-nonsense detective who is obsessively driven to hunt down killers after the unsolved murder of her brother and suspicions about her stepfather's violent tendencies. Schaeffer, on the other hand, is a professor and a forensic psychologist who finds himself drawn into the murky depths of criminal profiling, often becoming dangerously close to his subjects.

As a team, Jensen and Schaeffer share an almost symbiotic relationship. As the episodes progress, the interplay between the dedicated detective and the passionate psychologist brings about extreme character development. Each episode typically features a different murder case that they must solve, but an underlying story arc ties the series together, adding a layer of intrigue tied to the main characters’ personal lives.

The brilliant interplay between Chloë Sevigny and James D'Arcy is one of the highlights of the series. Both deliver gripping performances, bringing intensity and believability to their complex, tormented characters. Their singular focus on understanding those who kill drives the narrative, taking viewers on a grim odyssey into the mindsets of serial killers.

The execution of Those Who Kill bends towards the graphic representation of violence. This could be both a strength and a drawback depending upon viewer sensibilities. However, it delves into graphic territories not for mere shock value, but to offer an unflinching portrayal of horrific acts committed by these criminal minds. The show uses these elements to create nerve-wrecking tension and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With its eerie lighting and the grim, color-drained industrial ambience of Pittsburgh as a backdrop, the show manages to maintain a palpable sense of dread and suspense.

At the same time, Those Who Kill is not solely about profiling murderers. It’s also about the devastating effects such brutal crimes have on the victims and their families. It stresses the impact of these crimes on society and subtly points to the cracks in the justice system. The series leaves viewers with unanswered questions about morality, justice, and the human capacity for evil.

In terms of direction, the show is carried out with a certain level of finesse. Its use of clever camera angles and the perturbing, atmospheric surroundings of Pittsburgh renders an added dimension to the suspense. The art direction manages to incorporate the city's industrial wastelands, muted colors, and sombre moods effectively, lending a prevailing sense of gloom and fear.

The writing is another strong point of Those Who Kill. Its eerie representation of serial killers isn't exactly a novel idea, but the manner in which the characters delve into the psychology of these killers sets it apart from the available selection of crime dramas. Each storyline is crafted with precision and is supplemented by strong character development.

Overall, if you are intrigued by psychological thrillers, complex murder mysteries, and the exploration of criminal minds, Those Who Kill is a gripping choice. It's a show that takes viewers into the dark recesses of humanity and challenges them to witness the disturbing reality of those who kill. While it's not a series for the faint-hearted, for those who appreciate an intense and thought-provoking crime drama, this show is a must-watch. Its exploration of the human mind in its most dangerous form is unsettling and fascinating in equal measures.