The Killing :: First Thoughts :: Night 10

If I subtitled this post, I'd call it "So Far out in Left Field I'm on Hockey Ice."

Has The Killing creative team gotten us so fixated on Rosie's murderer that we're not noticing while it sneaks in another big reveal just as shocking? One statement will answer all of these questions:

1. In "Stonewalled," Det. Linden discovers that son Jack has forwarded Rosie's crime scene photos to his friends. After she reprimands him, Jack asks, "Why don't you send me to live with Dad?" Why does Linden answer, "Your dad left ten years* ago, so that probably won't happen. I'm all you've got"?
2. In "I'll Let You Know When I Get There," Regi comes home to find Jack and his friends smoking and drinking on her boat. Why does the exasperated Regi state, "It's not like I can call his dad"? And why does Linden say in response, "Of course you can't! It's all on me, Regi"?
3. In the same episode, why does Linden go in person to Councilman Richmond's condo so late at night to deliver the news that Bennet has been beaten, apologize for being wrong, and share a glass of Scotch?
4. And, in the same episode, why does fiancé Rick not offer to take Jack to Sonoma so that Linden can solve Rosie's case in peace? [Taking Jack would have guaranteed that Linden eventually arrive!]
5. In "Missing," when Det. Holder asks, "What about his real dad?" why does Linden shut him down with "Enough with the twenty questions"?
6. And, in the same episode, why is there no time spent on the campaign storyline?
7. And what piece of information would really integrate the campaign storyline into the rest of the series?
8. Councilman Richmond must have a dark secret; all politicians do. I really don't think he killed Rosie, so what don't we know about the councilman?
9. And what knowledge, in the previews for "Beau Soleil," is Mayor Adams trying to share with Gwen?

The answer? Jack is the secret bastard son of Councilman Richmond. Jack certainly didn't get that shock of dark hair from his mother. You heard this nonsense here first!

Alas, I probably just have former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former US senator John Edwards on the brain. Although I am also thinking that the writers have missed a huge opportunity here. Or maybe they haven't. We'll see.

*The councilman has been in public office ten years.