In 2014 two detectives found a woman's posed corpse in the backwoods of Louisiana and television greatness was born. In the years since its release HBO's first season of its crime drama True Detective has set a standard for television drama that few series have been able to meet, let alone surpass. At once a twisting mystery of mayhem and murder, an in depth character study, and a meditation on the state of modern society True Detective remains nothing short of hypnotic. For some of the best viewing of the new millennium join Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson into the darkest depths of the human soul in True Detective.
The story begins in 2012 Louisiana with former detectives Marty Hart and Rust Cohle undergoing an interrogation about one of the most brutal cases of their careers. The story then flashes back to 1995 when the two are working as partners on a local police force. Their uneasy alliance is put to the test when they investigate the ritualistic murder of drug addict and prostitute Dora Lange. Long after the duo seemingly solve the case, however, new evidence leads them to question whether Lange's killer may still be at large. As they follow each lead they are led ever further down a disturbing trail of murder, abuse, and corruption that seems to spread across the entire state.
In the years since its release True Detective has become synonymous with television's 'golden age' of the 2010's, and for good reason. With its atmosphere of existential dread, endlessly quotable dialogue, and twisting plot the series contains some of the most intelligent and memorable writing to ever grace the small screen. What easily could have been just another police procedural is instead a study of two flawed men as they search for meaning and hope in a seemingly hopeless world. As a result, the series leads viewers on a winding journey of loss, disillusionment, and ultimately redemption that will resonate long after the closing credits on its stellar finale fade. Similarly, the acting brings each character to such visceral life that even the briefest of roles seems to leap off of the screen. Through its rich writing and powerhouse performances the series weaves a tapestry of mystery as unique as its two leads that continues to leave viewers mesmerized nearly a decade after its release. For a masterclass in modern television follow Marty and Rust through the deepest depths of the bayou and into the darkest corners of the human heart in True Detective.
The series is brought to brilliant life thanks to the work of its star studded cast. Alexandria Daddario makes for a beguiling bad girl as Marty's mistress, court stenographer Lisa. Michelle Monaghan exudes warmth, compassion, and vulnerability as Marty's long suffering wife, Maggie. Erin Moriarty perfectly captures the angst, rebelliousness, and torment of Marty's troubled daughter, Audrey. Glenn Fleshler and Ann Dowd lend by turns pathetic and chilling performance as the disturbed Errol and Betty Childress. Even in the midst of expert supporting performances the series belongs to Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey as Marty and Rust. Harrelson expertly infuses hard drinking, womanizing Marty with humor, humanity, and likeability. McConaughey turns in the performance of his career in his understated portrayal of the tormented Rust, lending power to every syllable of Rust's many nihilistic soliloquies and unflinching emotion in his every glance. Together, the pair form one of the unlikeliest and most iconic teams in all of crime fiction.
Over the course of its eight episodes True Detective treats viewers to some of the most thrilling and thought provoking drama ever to grace the small screen. Through its biting dialogue and enthralling plot the series brilliantly brings its tale of lost innocence, broken communities, and true detective work to vivid life. The cast go beyond merely portraying their roles to fully embodying each and every character. Follow Rust and Marty on the trail of the Yellow King in True Detective.
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