When True Detective premiered in 2014, many believe that it was destined to join the ranks of HBO’s most revered series, like The Sopranos or The Wire. Though the first eight episodes are still regarded as one of the best seasons of television to date, the rest of the show never saw the overwhelming acclaim that it was prophecised— it didn’t seem to keep the magic. And while the discussion of True Detective has died down over these last ten years, the brilliance of its first season remains haunting.
It opens as a Southern Gothic crime thriller following two detectives and their dealings with an occult murder in 1995. Its nonlinear storyline jumps frantically between the initial investigation and a “modern day” interview about the closed case. While the first few episodes can be a little jarring, due to the erratic time jumps and the heavy philosophical musings of Rustin Cohle, the story quickly evolves into a gripping masterpiece. Once the viewer adjusts to its rhythm, it becomes binge-worthy.
Marty Hart and Rustin Cohle are some of the most compelling characters of early 2010s television. Their arcs explore the concept of heroism, and what it means to be the “good guy” but an imperfect person. Rust even has immense potential to become the next “literally me” character that the most annoying guy you know will try to emulate. The writing is by far the show’s strongest suit, and when paired with stunning visuals and superb performances by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, it’s a celebration of artistic achievement. However, it’s charm lies in the authenticity and personality of the story. Deeply rooted in the landscape of Southern Louisiana, it makes you feel a little homesick for a place you’ve never been. Creator Nic Pizzolatto, who hails from the region, explains why he centered the narrative around a murder investigation because: “you will be exposed to all these facets of a place.” The crime element in True Detective serves as a framework through which the audience explores both the world and the characters, fleshing out the stereotypical “buddy cop” trope and uncovering the fallacy of oversimplified conventions.
Endings are hard to do well, and this series has the best finale I’ve ever seen— perfectly climactic, satisfying, and provocative. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this show since I’ve seen it, and I’ve got to say, nothing else has its keen, preternatural effervescence.
“Watching ‘True Detective’” by Leonid Mamchenkov is licensed under CC BY 2.0.