True Detective

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 12, 2014
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 2021 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,907 out of 2021
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 2021
  3. Negative: 68 out of 2021
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  1. Leiland82
    Feb 24, 2014
    4
    I wanted to like this show, but as the episodes went on I became extremely disappointed. There is nothing particularly original about it. Two macho detectives who drink and have sex with women are on the hunt for a serial killer with weird fetishes. That's it. Besides the two main characters, everyone else are film noir clichés. Moreover, the women in the show are paper-thin charactersI wanted to like this show, but as the episodes went on I became extremely disappointed. There is nothing particularly original about it. Two macho detectives who drink and have sex with women are on the hunt for a serial killer with weird fetishes. That's it. Besides the two main characters, everyone else are film noir clichés. Moreover, the women in the show are paper-thin characters who are mainly there for the obligatory boob shot. The pacing of the show is a problem as well. I don't mind slow-moving story lines, but True Detective really pushes it. I guess I will be one of those few people who will go to my grave trying to understand why this show is getting high praises.… Expand
  2. mac5
    Feb 21, 2014
    5
    The acting is superb, visually it’s stunning and atmospheric, and storyline is ok. What I think lets its down is the depiction of women. They are cast as the prostitute, nagging wife, sexually available needy mistress, weak desperate confidential informants and feckless and irresponsible mothers. Even the female victim was bound, naked, mutilated and an abused sex worker. It is alsoThe acting is superb, visually it’s stunning and atmospheric, and storyline is ok. What I think lets its down is the depiction of women. They are cast as the prostitute, nagging wife, sexually available needy mistress, weak desperate confidential informants and feckless and irresponsible mothers. Even the female victim was bound, naked, mutilated and an abused sex worker. It is also gender skewed on men with the cock fighting in the squad room, moody, selfish, gratuitous behavior. Only Matthew Mc character balances the two extremes and I would say he holds the series together. I feel it may be better with one lead detective (Matthew Mc) working through his angst and more focus on the storyline. I think its trying to be Nordic Noir with a commercial interface… Expand
  3. TheKiddy
    Jan 20, 2014
    5
    It's absolutely all there: great performances by leads and supporting actors. Terrific directing. Incredible photography. Producers, writers, and the director should be congratulated. And yet...sometimes, no often, with certain television series especially on HBO, one can feel that it just isn't OK to express doubts. Like Treme' this is so intelligent, so grown up. How can it NOT beIt's absolutely all there: great performances by leads and supporting actors. Terrific directing. Incredible photography. Producers, writers, and the director should be congratulated. And yet...sometimes, no often, with certain television series especially on HBO, one can feel that it just isn't OK to express doubts. Like Treme' this is so intelligent, so grown up. How can it NOT be entertaining? How can it NOT be great? Indeed, most of the critics will tell you it IS great. Maybe I will be sorry later for writing this, but, this is a beautifully executed, atmospheric, serial killer story, too heavily influenced by Henning Menkell's work (without saying so) but without Wallander at its center. And that's what it is, a story about ritual serial killing and two cops playing the Wallender role. It does not make me love it or even care about its protagonists. I will keep watching because it is so intelligent but never look forward to it..oh and one slightly spoiler snark: the cops drive out to a burned out church in the middle of nowhere and there is the iconography of the killer and it is supposed to be what, a moment of insight? a thrilling but terrifying reveal? I lack the rhetorical power to say what happened there but I think, just maybe, at its simplest, it was unoriginal.… Expand
  4. Fozzy
    Jan 16, 2014
    9
    From what I'm seeing now, this may very well be one of the best shows on the telly in 2013. You've got recent Golden Globe winner (and now Oscar nominee) Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in the lead roles, and they both do superbly. The supporting cast is brilliant, and it's got a great premise and story so far. And, even though aforementioned story and premise is slightly cliche',From what I'm seeing now, this may very well be one of the best shows on the telly in 2013. You've got recent Golden Globe winner (and now Oscar nominee) Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in the lead roles, and they both do superbly. The supporting cast is brilliant, and it's got a great premise and story so far. And, even though aforementioned story and premise is slightly cliche', they get around that by having a new take on the idea. The show has atmosphere, great writing, great performances, great everything. Let's hope they keep it up, ay?… Expand
  5. rose112165
    Jan 26, 2014
    10
    The plot is good, but it's the acting that's worth the watch. There are truly fine performances in this miniseries.The pacing is part of the amazing stuff. It's atmosphere just works. I'm glad they came to the small screen for a bit and gave us this little gem. You can't watch it like a TV show, you've got to watch it like a movie in a theater. or at least understand that's what it filmsThe plot is good, but it's the acting that's worth the watch. There are truly fine performances in this miniseries.The pacing is part of the amazing stuff. It's atmosphere just works. I'm glad they came to the small screen for a bit and gave us this little gem. You can't watch it like a TV show, you've got to watch it like a movie in a theater. or at least understand that's what it films like. It;s brilliant! There have been perhaps other shows with similar themes but this one is leading much more so than following. It's smart, slick and with performers like these guys honoring us on the small screen? You can't get any better. Thank god and just in time too. I thought all was lost when "Breaking Bad" ended. To bad it's only a miniseries and one can only hope it ends with a big bang!

    .    … Expand
  6. RachelMelbourne
    Jan 29, 2014
    9
    Moody, hypnotic, philosophical, biting, moving, complex: just three episodes down and I'm completely captivated by this new HBO series. The acting is masterful. The dialogue is believable (a rare treat). The self-reflective story line demands that the audience watches and waits; so we look forward to being invited in on each secret. Television for grown-ups.
  7. everett
    Feb 17, 2014
    3
    It kills me to write a mixed review, given how rare it is to find such a well-written show anywhere on television. The acting is superb, and everyone's rightly praising Matthew McConaughey (though I get so distracted by his reliance on puffing away on cigarettes - I'd love to see him do the role without them.) Woody Harrelson is every bit as good, in a less 'dramatic", less darklyIt kills me to write a mixed review, given how rare it is to find such a well-written show anywhere on television. The acting is superb, and everyone's rightly praising Matthew McConaughey (though I get so distracted by his reliance on puffing away on cigarettes - I'd love to see him do the role without them.) Woody Harrelson is every bit as good, in a less 'dramatic", less darkly philosophical role. Which brings me to my two problems. One: It takes itself way too seriously. Never mind plot points that are completely ludicrous, which we're not supposed to question because this is SERIOUS. Look, even Shakespeare's tragedies were leavened with a dash of humor now & then! Second: If I were a woman, I'd be horrified by how women are portrayed here. I've kept on watching, but that first episode couldn't get enough of those grotesque shots of a desecrated dead woman from behind .... And what about the ones who aren't dead? Hysterics, nags and hookers. Someone else here said HBO needs some female feedback. I'll second that.… Expand
  8. timbrannan
    Feb 24, 2014
    4
    Have been fans of Matthew and Woody for years, so was very excited about this series. After four episodes, I have decided to move on to another series for my weekly entertainment, and it pains me to do this. I don't get the high reviews and all the "amazing" ratings for this show. It is so slow, and after an hour episode, I don't feel excited about the next show. I mean, a ten minuteHave been fans of Matthew and Woody for years, so was very excited about this series. After four episodes, I have decided to move on to another series for my weekly entertainment, and it pains me to do this. I don't get the high reviews and all the "amazing" ratings for this show. It is so slow, and after an hour episode, I don't feel excited about the next show. I mean, a ten minute diatribe about the fourth dimension and round flat circles? It just hasn't grabbed me. I finished last night's show and thought "I gave it my best shot - I really want to like it - but I don't - so I am moving on".… Expand
  9. RaeRae27
    Jan 27, 2014
    5
    Great potential to be a winner. McCon's acting is fantastic, his paralytic pain, and detachment. My rating would be a lot higher if the show didn't shove male masturbatory material in my face. As the mom says to her daughter in ep 3, "It's ugly. It makes something that should be nice ugly." Well, the story is not a pretty one, I concede, however the female characters could have more depthGreat potential to be a winner. McCon's acting is fantastic, his paralytic pain, and detachment. My rating would be a lot higher if the show didn't shove male masturbatory material in my face. As the mom says to her daughter in ep 3, "It's ugly. It makes something that should be nice ugly." Well, the story is not a pretty one, I concede, however the female characters could have more depth and dimension than the same old, sexually available (ass in face), dead and naked, happy hooker and nagging wife. Spread legs and shots of female body parts, even in opening credit sequence, are what hinders my experience of the show. What a shame.… Expand
  10. shellview
    Mar 10, 2014
    1
    This was pure dreck. Were they adlibbing the dialogue? No character development. A plot without focus. An ending that defied any logic. More holes in the story than can be sorted and explained. The final episode was so ridiculous that I laughed through most of it, "Slingblade" meets "Close Encounters" meets "Texas Chainsaw Massacre'....... Thank heavens it is over. MoreThis was pure dreck. Were they adlibbing the dialogue? No character development. A plot without focus. An ending that defied any logic. More holes in the story than can be sorted and explained. The final episode was so ridiculous that I laughed through most of it, "Slingblade" meets "Close Encounters" meets "Texas Chainsaw Massacre'....... Thank heavens it is over. More psychobabble would leave me in a catatonic state. One star for some very good music, the rest is just crappola.… Expand
  11. roscoeswaffle
    Jun 11, 2014
    1
    Absolutely dreadful: pretentious, preachy, faux-knowledgeable, trite, dumb.
    Everything that Fargo is not.
    Amazing that two outstanding actors could be talked into delivering some of the most cringeworthy monologues in the recent history of television.
  12. Whiteflavors
    Mar 29, 2014
    2
    The amount of positive reviews for this clunker is staggering. What am I missing here? I get it. McConaughey. Harrelson. Those guys can flat out ACT. But when I'm forced to watch them play out the most arduous script I've ever heard, time to move on. Seriously, every episode is constructed around a diatribe containing exhausting amounts of gravitas and psychobabble. This show takes itselfThe amount of positive reviews for this clunker is staggering. What am I missing here? I get it. McConaughey. Harrelson. Those guys can flat out ACT. But when I'm forced to watch them play out the most arduous script I've ever heard, time to move on. Seriously, every episode is constructed around a diatribe containing exhausting amounts of gravitas and psychobabble. This show takes itself way too seriously. The pacing is annoyingly slow to the point of feeling like it's a chore to get through the first few episodes. The plot is wayward and gets sidetracked by even weaker subplots before ever really establishing ITSELF! No direction. I especially love the lack of character development beyond these two. After half of the first season, I knew nothing of the victim or the killer and moreover, didn't care! I also enjoyed how the director helped me out by slapping a wig on the actors to show me that time had elapsed or jumped back. Thanks! This show is ASININE!… Expand
  13. pskow
    Feb 19, 2014
    9
    Not since the premiere of Breaking Bad have I been pulled into a series so quickly. McConaughey and Harrelson are at the top of their game with True Detective.

    The first season kind of takes a weird turn around episode four, but only proves that things are never quite how they seem in a story that makes you question every revelation each week.
  14. TheQuietGamer
    Jan 19, 2014
    10
    I've never reviewed a show after only two episodes, but I think that I need to say that if you are not watching this show then you need to start now before you miss too much. So far everything about the show is near-perfect. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are playing characters who are incredibly complex and human, and they are doing amazing jobs at their performances. That praiseI've never reviewed a show after only two episodes, but I think that I need to say that if you are not watching this show then you need to start now before you miss too much. So far everything about the show is near-perfect. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are playing characters who are incredibly complex and human, and they are doing amazing jobs at their performances. That praise is extended to the whole cast.

    I cannot get over how believable everything feels. The case is complex, deep, dark, and mysterious. I can't wait to see where they take it from here. By far the best part of the show are the moments outside of the case, that help make these characters feel like real people. The dialog here is amazing. I truly believe that these are things that real people would say. The whole thing is just amazing and excellently shot.

    Like I said it has only been two episodes, so if I feel that my opinion has changed as the show progresses I will update my review. As of right now 2014 has only just started and we already have what will probably be one the best shows of this year. All I can say now is that if you are not watching it I highly recommend that you start. I am completely blown away at how excellent this whole show has been after only two episodes, and I can't wait for the next.    … Expand
  15. wolfshades
    Jan 27, 2014
    10
    This series is surprisingly compelling and well worth the effort to go back and see the first few episodes, if you're late getting into the game. The subject matter is dark, and the two main characters are not easily categorized. You have no choice but to watch them carefully for clues into what motivates them. Clearly, the series writer has no interest in pandering to those who likeThis series is surprisingly compelling and well worth the effort to go back and see the first few episodes, if you're late getting into the game. The subject matter is dark, and the two main characters are not easily categorized. You have no choice but to watch them carefully for clues into what motivates them. Clearly, the series writer has no interest in pandering to those who like their TV stories to be "quick hits": there is an assumption of viewer intelligence, which pleases me to no end.

    This isn't just a show about detectives, or about crime. Like life, there is an overall experience to consider, layers of an onion that just won't quit. The two actors are in their element, which characters that interact on many levels.    … Expand
  16. mattyj19
    Feb 8, 2014
    10
    the acting is superb, the locations and atmosphere are top notch, this show has me instantly hooked. If these guys don't get an Emmy im never having any faith in the academy again
  17. djuuba
    Feb 12, 2014
    10
    One of the best series to come out in a long time. The pacing may be slow, so if you're expecting actionscenes in every episode you may be disappointed. I must admit, I was almost put off by the pacing until I realized what a brilliant show this is, it's psychological and philosophical in a way that no run-of-the-mill crime series could ever hope to achieve. The flashback narrative isOne of the best series to come out in a long time. The pacing may be slow, so if you're expecting actionscenes in every episode you may be disappointed. I must admit, I was almost put off by the pacing until I realized what a brilliant show this is, it's psychological and philosophical in a way that no run-of-the-mill crime series could ever hope to achieve. The flashback narrative is doing its job extremely well in introducing all the subplots and setting the mood for future episodes, but the best part of the show is simply seeing Harrelson's and McConaughey's characters slowly evolve with each episode, McConaughey in particular delivering some incredible acting.… Expand
  18. Toecutter71
    Feb 28, 2014
    9
    I can bet in my Bike,i wish not use some harder language, that most of (Most of, not every one) non lovers of "True Detectives", was the big fan of Sopranos, which wasn't bad at all, but essentially that was this, words of HBO CEO of production, after first presentation of script :
    "I said to myself, this show is about a guy who's turning 40. He's inherited a business from his dad. He's    I can bet in my Bike,i wish not use some harder language, that most of (Most of, not every one) non lovers of "True Detectives", was the big fan of Sopranos, which wasn't bad at all, but essentially that was this, words of HBO CEO of production, after first presentation of script :
    "I said to myself, this show is about a guy who's turning 40. He's inherited a business from his dad. He's trying to bring it into the modern age. He's got all the responsibilities that go along with that. He's got an overbearing mom that he's still trying to get out from under. Although he loves his wife, he's had an affair. He's got two teenage kids, and he's dealing with the realities of what that is. He's anxious; he's depressed; he starts to see a therapist because he's searching for the meaning of his own life. I thought: the only difference between him and everybody I know is he's the Don of New Jersey."
    Simpler presentation of gangsters like all other peoples whit "specific problems of trade" all other is same for most of US citizens, and that kind of identification whit Sopranos is key of success.
    In True Detective does not exist such things like "common" "ordinary" "guy whit same problems but little bit different trade".....And most of non like'rs of first several episodes as the biggest failures highlighted the speed which the audience discovers the plot and characters, (whit just little bit of exploring) many of "non like'rs" also do not like way of thinking and perception of life by Mathew character,obviously make kind of confusion in common viers perception of plot, almost same as in "common sense detective" Woody Character rolle(which i found very interesting and funny), like one of "don't like" viers said "psychobabble script " Again in simplified version, i think that most of "non likers" can not just to switch they brains on a little bit demanding movie language, but strange case is (by written comments) whit some of which is like new one TV Series, they like it, but they isn't so sure way, and for me most interesting group of people which is obviously "higher level movie educated" audience, they argue is " cliche film noir(neo noir O.K) and nothing new " i can't agree, simply because of fact that is one of, the best of the best, movie in this moment,on this same @Metacritic-Site-movie Topic, by joint assessment film reviews and the audience is the new "Lego" Animation,!!!??? if that is ultimate artistic "celluloid " expression. "True Detective" is Transcendental tautological artistic endeavor" know what i mean.    … Expand
  19. shavenwookie
    Dec 9, 2014
    5
    If you like your dialogue plagiarized from Thomas Ligotti and others this is the show for you. Also if you like woman being depicted as only whores and prostitutes and serve no purpose beyond gratuitous HBO nudity and being victims you will also like this show.
  20. NeilWatkinson
    Jul 14, 2014
    10
    Probably a bit belated with this review but as an avid fan of this work I wanted to say my bit. Yes, the script tends towards the prosaic in places; the plotting and continuity leave something to be desired [although with 3 time periods it's not surprising]; the acting while superb all round does showboat in places; the characterisation, especially of women is limited and the ProductionProbably a bit belated with this review but as an avid fan of this work I wanted to say my bit. Yes, the script tends towards the prosaic in places; the plotting and continuity leave something to be desired [although with 3 time periods it's not surprising]; the acting while superb all round does showboat in places; the characterisation, especially of women is limited and the Production Design is organic and atmospheric rather than planned - but despite all this True Detective is, for me a work of art, Shakespearian in places and just the most chilling, disturbing and impactful piece of television in the last 20 years - and that includes Breaking Bad. Career defining performances from Harrelson and McConaughey makes this the most 'must watch' TV around... more please!… Expand
  21. lgreen
    Feb 11, 2019
    0
    I was excited to see that a black actor was cast in the lead, a sign of progression, but I was quickly reminded that Hollywood is still stuck in the pre60s as it relates to black women. Once again, a bi-racial actress, an a boring one at that, has been cast to play the role of a black woman. Do dark skin black male actors have a clause in their contract that read: love interest must beI was excited to see that a black actor was cast in the lead, a sign of progression, but I was quickly reminded that Hollywood is still stuck in the pre60s as it relates to black women. Once again, a bi-racial actress, an a boring one at that, has been cast to play the role of a black woman. Do dark skin black male actors have a clause in their contract that read: love interest must be bi-racial or white. What the F..... I can't/won't support this garbage.… Expand
  22. quoddity
    Jan 24, 2014
    4
    In a word: riveting - like a rivet straight into my forehead. I gave this a "4" because of the visual imagery and the acting.
    But ... wow is it slow. I suspect some 90 year olds on walkers go faster than this piece of crap storyline.
    For example, the most substance so far in the script is the tacit substance abuse of the McConneghy detective. To be fair, its visual appeal and to a large    In a word: riveting - like a rivet straight into my forehead. I gave this a "4" because of the visual imagery and the acting.
    But ... wow is it slow. I suspect some 90 year olds on walkers go faster than this piece of crap storyline.
    For example, the most substance so far in the script is the tacit substance abuse of the McConneghy detective.
    To be fair, its visual appeal and to a large extent, the acting, is very impressive.
    And it starts out interesting enough, but about halfway through the second episode I had to ask myself things like: "Do I care?" and "Why are they spending so much time on... NOT THE MURDER."

    So if you want to watch something visually appealing, but completely intellectually vapid and focused almost exclusively on the lives of people who just incidentally happen to be detectives, then this might be great to watch!

    For me, unless it starts actually spending some time on the murder (or murders) in the next episode or two- instead of the banal lifestyles of the two main detectives- I'd have to conclude that this is not anything more than a very boring drama, with a bit of drinking and sex to keep it only slightly interesting.
    I just cannot fathom how people can hail this show about "6".    … Expand
  23. Mike_M
    Jul 19, 2014
    1
    Having seen the entire series twice, I am obliged to give it a low score to balance out the obnoxious super-fans.

    Good: some of the acting, the shooting/editing, the design, the opening song and credits. The show is stylish and addictive. Bad: when the writing is bad, it's terrible. Like F terrible. Some of the writing is off in a line or a moment, and some of the bad writing    Having seen the entire series twice, I am obliged to give it a low score to balance out the obnoxious super-fans.

    Good: some of the acting, the shooting/editing, the design, the opening song and credits. The show is stylish and addictive.

    Bad: when the writing is bad, it's terrible. Like F terrible. Some of the writing is off in a line or a moment, and some of the bad writing pervades the show. It reminds me of "The Killing" in this regard, and the showrunner on True Detective was a staff writer on The Killing.    … Expand
  24. AvantGuardian
    Mar 21, 2014
    3
    Curious about my 3 out of 10 rating? No, its not a joke, read on.

    There are so many things wrong with True Detective as a tv drama. Let's begin with raising some important questions that define a show. Who are the characters? True Detective has unique, original characters that are well defined, interesting and well-developed. Are those characters likeable? No. No they are not. Matthew    Curious about my 3 out of 10 rating? No, its not a joke, read on.

    There are so many things wrong with True Detective as a tv drama. Let's begin with raising some important questions that define a show. Who are the characters? True Detective has unique, original characters that are well defined, interesting and well-developed. Are those characters likeable? No. No they are not. Matthew McCaughnahey plays an anti-social introverted, depressed anarchistic rogue of a detective who is painted to be brilliant at what he does. But he never does anything ... that anyone else with a badge couldn't do. And listening to his crazy ramblings about how people suck, and why everyone sucks, is amusing at first, but serves no point and gets old really quick. Woody Harrolson plays a more normal, cheerful detective. Who we soon discover is cheating on his wife, treats her poorly, has a big ego and looks down on others. Now I understand that not all characters have to be saints, and likeable in every way, but these two are the main characters, the protagonists of a weekly series. If you can't understand why they do things, and support and get behind them, then what can you do?

    Next question. Why do we care? Well, True Detective is a short series about these two detectives solving one case. It jumps back and forth between the past and the present, as they had thought they solved the case, but maybe they got it wrong. Is this interesting? Well, it could be, but its not, and it's really quite pointless. Now, if you're going to have an entire series dedicated to solving one case -- shouldn't that case at least be interesting? Yes it should, and is it? Well, parts of it are -- the art director does a good job with the Hannibal-like crime scenes, unlike hannibal, where we get to see the minds of the killers, and delve into their delusions and philosophys and learn what makes them tick. We don't learn anything about this killer. Why does he do it? All we're given is the murder scenes, and they aren't so original that they make us want to see more of them. By the end of the series we do learn the killers movie. Spoiler, his motive is that he's a crazy killer. Dissapointing? Yes, I think so. If you're going to go through the trouble of artistic, satanic ritual killings, shouldn't you at least have a motive for doing so? Yes... you should. So now we are devoting an entire show about 2 detectives whom we dont like, solving a boring case by a killer with no purpose.

    Next Question. Is it exciting? No. Actually, its quite the opposite. a 60 minute series airing with no commercials, True Detective has all the non-stop suspenseful action of a Bus Stop in the Grand Canyon, during the winter. It moves at SNAIL pace... and NOTHING happens... and when something does happen, ITS NOT INTERESTING. You can fast forward through McCaughnahey's rambles, and Harrolson's extramarital discressions, and what are you left with? A weak show, with no action, and no intelligence to support its strong cast and well-written script.

    I don't recommend this show, to anyone.

    Who am I? Why should you listen to what I have to say?
    Well, I have been watching TV dramas since 1998, and have thus far seen
    188 dramas from start to finish. Over 10,000 hours of TV. Including shows from other countries.
    I've seen more TV, likely, than anyone you know, and anyone they know. So I may just be some guy, but I'm not speaking from my ass with this review. I do know what I'm talking about. And I DONT LIKE TRUE DETECTIVE. And Niether should you. Watch Hannibal instead.    … Expand
  25. JJJ
    Feb 27, 2014
    1
    Could be a good show; unfortunately it pitifully degrades the subject matter by hacking better writers and taking itself way too seriously. The women (including a dead woman) are propped around as decor and are solely defined by what they do with their 'girl parts'. People think that makes the show 'deep', 'dark' ,' grim' and profound. Nothing profound or fun about male brutality andCould be a good show; unfortunately it pitifully degrades the subject matter by hacking better writers and taking itself way too seriously. The women (including a dead woman) are propped around as decor and are solely defined by what they do with their 'girl parts'. People think that makes the show 'deep', 'dark' ,' grim' and profound. Nothing profound or fun about male brutality and female victimization except writer and director indulged a little too much in their own porn, fetish and power fantasies.… Expand
  26. spiskur
    Feb 27, 2014
    5
    This show has received such good reviews but I don't understand why. It has great actors and their performances are very good. The writing though is just OK, I feel the show is very slow and takes a long time to develop into something worth watching. So far I kind of have to force myself to watch the show, its not terrible it is good, just very slow, not nearly as interesting as Banshee orThis show has received such good reviews but I don't understand why. It has great actors and their performances are very good. The writing though is just OK, I feel the show is very slow and takes a long time to develop into something worth watching. So far I kind of have to force myself to watch the show, its not terrible it is good, just very slow, not nearly as interesting as Banshee or Black Sails as some examples. I think the show will turn into a great show very soon though.… Expand
  27. sombrassolidas
    Mar 20, 2014
    1
    una de las peores series del mundo el que escribio esto nisiquiera vio la ley y el orden monk sci nsci algo por dios es malisima!!!!!!!!! esta serie y ray donovan deberian ser prendidas fuego por que? porque el que escribio esta basura ni siquiera vio una serie ni busco ni nada solo hiso algo comercial y me parece que se nota que no sabe nada los tiempos para que es the office la seriesuna de las peores series del mundo el que escribio esto nisiquiera vio la ley y el orden monk sci nsci algo por dios es malisima!!!!!!!!! esta serie y ray donovan deberian ser prendidas fuego por que? porque el que escribio esta basura ni siquiera vio una serie ni busco ni nada solo hiso algo comercial y me parece que se nota que no sabe nada los tiempos para que es the office la series esa de mierda un asco!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  28. erurevir
    Mar 13, 2014
    6
    I literally just finished watching the final episode about 20 minutes ago, and the first thing I want to say is this show is pretty slow, and the two main characters are both quite unlikeable. Through the whole thing, I was expecting to see a real evolution in the characters worse traits, but Cohle stuck to the "quite crazy guy" trope and Marty stuck to the "big brutish family man" trope.I literally just finished watching the final episode about 20 minutes ago, and the first thing I want to say is this show is pretty slow, and the two main characters are both quite unlikeable. Through the whole thing, I was expecting to see a real evolution in the characters worse traits, but Cohle stuck to the "quite crazy guy" trope and Marty stuck to the "big brutish family man" trope. Maybe I've just heard too much about this show before I got into it, about it's cults and the powerful story arc, how realistic it's characters are, but ultimately I felt underwhelmed by where they took this story. One thing this show *really* does well, however, is the technical side of things. I'd say the top moment for me was the end of episode 4 (season 1, for all you future-dwellers), and people who are on the fence about watching this show should at least get to that point before judging it. This probably isn't for me, but who knows, maybe I just need time to dwell on it to really understand the "greatness" of this show, and catch the second season next year if it comes out.… Expand
  29. REZAXIO
    Jan 14, 2014
    10
    not bad...Beautifully shot, superbly acted with an utterly enthralling plot introduction, I think this is the beginning of a love affair. Like the opening pages of a book you can't seem to put down, the first episode of True Detective wholly captured my attention. Of course with two Hollywood heavyweights like Harrelson and McConaughey I expected no less.
  30. atla
    Feb 15, 2014
    10
    If you are ready to give True Detective a pass because of the treatment toward female characters, please read this: the female characters are the ones we are supposed to sympathise with. There is a lot of repression, misogyny, and womanising in the show and you are supposed to hate it. This is intentional on the writers' part where they portray law enforcement in the American southIf you are ready to give True Detective a pass because of the treatment toward female characters, please read this: the female characters are the ones we are supposed to sympathise with. There is a lot of repression, misogyny, and womanising in the show and you are supposed to hate it. This is intentional on the writers' part where they portray law enforcement in the American south accurately, as an environment where even the "good guys" can be hostile toward women. The viewer is not supposed to tolerate it or like it--you're supposed to disapprove of the characters' actions. You're supposed to feel like the scumbags are scumbags. The way certain characters treat women is meant to be a condemnation of their own morality and to point them out as hypocrites. And it's done very well.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best TV Season of 2014
1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
5
#5 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 41
  3. Negative: 1 out of 41
  1. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Mar 27, 2014
    100
    The drama is quite riveting.
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  2. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Mar 27, 2014
    30
    Whatever the length of the show’s much admired tracking shot (six minutes, uncut!), it feels less hardboiled than softheaded. Which might be O.K. if True Detective were dumb fun, but, good God, it’s not: it’s got so much gravitas it could run for President.
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  3. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Feb 20, 2014
    100
    HBO's program is not just an actor's showcase for two greats. It is dense, complex, rewarding storytelling, heightened by a sense of location from its writer and director that is mesmerizing and a character-driven storytelling aesthetic that brings to mind great films like David Fincher's "Zodiac" and Bong Joon-ho's "Memories of Murder."
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