The setting for "A Killing Spring" was on the campus of a College of Journalism where the ethical and moral conduct of the teachers, administration, and students leaves a lot to be desired. For example, the faculty offices are equipped with liquor cabinets and drinks are served among the colleagues at all hours of the day and night. There also would appear to be sexual politics involved in the awarding of the most distinguished prize for student essays.
While the characters were interesting, the plot of this film was so convoluted that it was nearly impossible to understand the significant details and motivation for the killing of the dean of the journalism school and two of the star students. It was also rather disconcerting that in the course of these untimely deaths, it was pretty much business as usual at the college with no grief counseling or suspension of the regular school activities. The final segment of the film, wherein the mysterious identity of the serial killer is revealed, was especially murky and difficult to follow.
My favorite line in this film was spoken by the main character Joanne Kilbourn, the journalism professor who is on the trail of the serial killer. During a meal that is being prepared for Joanne by her friend Tom Keaton (Michael Ontkean), Joanne tells him: "Fresh garlic on a man's hand! Now that's an aphrodisiac!" While the film had some lively moments like this one, it was much too spicy for my tastes.
