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
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on
Stream On

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  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
  31. notforbreakfast
    Nov 1, 2014
    8
    The refined acting and writing help make this drama overcome the soapy, grotesque feel the show has at times. Don't get me wrong: the show is visually stunning. It just needs the extra push.
  32. WeakThought
    Feb 27, 2014
    1
    After seeing all the positive raves for this Twin-Peaks-meets-True-Blood clunker, I start to understand why TV gets away with being as bad as it is. Come on people, there isn't anything here that isn't both pretentious in its take-the-time-to-appreciate-my-brilliance pacing and cliched in its every creaking suth'n gumbo plot and dialogue. Isn't there some National Association for theAfter seeing all the positive raves for this Twin-Peaks-meets-True-Blood clunker, I start to understand why TV gets away with being as bad as it is. Come on people, there isn't anything here that isn't both pretentious in its take-the-time-to-appreciate-my-brilliance pacing and cliched in its every creaking suth'n gumbo plot and dialogue. Isn't there some National Association for the Advancement of Swamp Folk that can sue this thing off the air? I used to be a huge Matthew McConaghy fan, but 59 ways to product-place a friggin cigarette does not a characterization make. I gave it two episodes to see if the pilot was just a stumble out of the gate, but it seems to be tapering off. Enough already.… Expand
  33. picathartes
    Mar 16, 2014
    0
    I have edited my previous review to make it shorter.
    The series lacked substance and was full of talking and unnecessary cinematography which went on for far too long. There was no real feeling of suspense or intrigue. The series attempted to be deep and meaningful with metaphorical and unrealistic dialogue, but instead lacked a sense of direction and focused solely on the uninteresting    I have edited my previous review to make it shorter.
    The series lacked substance and was full of talking and unnecessary cinematography which went on for far too long. There was no real feeling of suspense or intrigue. The series attempted to be deep and meaningful with metaphorical and unrealistic dialogue, but instead lacked a sense of direction and focused solely on the uninteresting and unlikeable characters, their personal lives and companionship.    … Expand
  34. shooter17
    Jan 19, 2014
    3
    Incredibly slow moving and sullen, dark...very depressing. Lots of drinking by the detectives, makes you wonder how they function to solve this crime. Good acting but the story doesn't move fast enough for me.
  35. dannyconan
    Jan 19, 2014
    2
    Louisiana, two dysfunctional cops, a fiendish killer, a psychobabble script….may I suggest that James Lee Burke get a screen credit and a fat royalty. Speaking of credits, I’m certain there is a production designer, but you can’t tell from watching. Of course there is a scriptwriter, but unfortunately, the script is as poorly constructed as the wigs that serve as visual time machines,Louisiana, two dysfunctional cops, a fiendish killer, a psychobabble script….may I suggest that James Lee Burke get a screen credit and a fat royalty. Speaking of credits, I’m certain there is a production designer, but you can’t tell from watching. Of course there is a scriptwriter, but unfortunately, the script is as poorly constructed as the wigs that serve as visual time machines, and the dialogue between Cohle and Hart is so poorly conceived it is painful to hear. I know that I am swimming against the tide of public opinion, but unless this series gets infinitely better, I think you will find that the tide will turn and my review will be the first of many that will suggest that you meet your need for entertainment elsewhere. For example, if you are looking for a good mystery, set in Louisiana, featuring two dysfunctional cops, read a James Lee Burke novel.… Expand
  36. rockets
    Jan 25, 2014
    2
    Slow as a slug this show. I can't believe all these good reviews? What am I missing? I get set up the first for the first few episodes but unless this makes a drastic turn by bye bye!!! Cast means nothing without good writing and plot line. I am so lost with these 2 characters. Their back and forth banter does nothing for me. I'd rather watch paint dry.
  37. acekwong
    Mar 11, 2014
    0
    Why is this show so popular? Who are the people giving it positive reviews?! Are they the people who watch Fox News? This is the first time I was sooo disappointed with a show that I just have to create an account to rate this.
  38. Daymun
    Mar 10, 2014
    0
    Too much talk and not enough..... ACTION....It lacked depth and detail about the killer himself.
    I was left waiting for something big to happen and was left hanging... Not DARK enough for all the TALK leading up to search for this Inbred Psycho.
    Just wasted 2 months of my time... I expected soooo much more!
  39. JescaLeigh
    Mar 18, 2014
    2
    This may earn me a bad reputation on here, which it shouldn't, but be that as it may someone has to say this: Although I've sat through the entire season, I still can't get over how laughably sexist the show is. The women of True Detective get three options: You're the extension of the man ("my family" "my wife/ex" "my children"), you're a stripper/prostitute/home-wrecker (for men), orThis may earn me a bad reputation on here, which it shouldn't, but be that as it may someone has to say this: Although I've sat through the entire season, I still can't get over how laughably sexist the show is. The women of True Detective get three options: You're the extension of the man ("my family" "my wife/ex" "my children"), you're a stripper/prostitute/home-wrecker (for men), or you're dead (because of a man). Well, I suppose if you're lucky you're a really weird backcountry hick or extra or something. I'd really like to see some strong, stand alone females brought to this show. It's entertaining, which earns it a 2, but if True Detective ever hopes to reach Breaking Bad status, it may help to stop alienating your female audience and introduce some more complex female characters.… Expand
  40. Meth-dude
    Aug 21, 2015
    0
    Yes the acting is good but the rest is awful,The story is not interesting,the characters are not likeable and the series is boring as hell.This is probably my biggest disappointment in a tv show.
  41. StrongHarm
    Mar 25, 2018
    0
    Season1 had some great actors and a really engaging storyline. It was so disturbing in parts I regret that I can't unsee it. Season2 had really great actors and an engaging storyline. It was so depressing that after it was over I seriously contemplated watching only educational programming for the rest of my life (no exaggeration). While True Detective is one of the best shows I've everSeason1 had some great actors and a really engaging storyline. It was so disturbing in parts I regret that I can't unsee it. Season2 had really great actors and an engaging storyline. It was so depressing that after it was over I seriously contemplated watching only educational programming for the rest of my life (no exaggeration). While True Detective is one of the best shows I've ever watched, it's also the worst. With great writing and great actors, why did they have to add over the top disturbing and depressing turns? That's not "edgy", that's ruining something that could have been great. Art is supposed to evoke emotion and passion, but there's a point in which it can cross the line and become corrupt.… Expand
  42. Janipurr
    Aug 18, 2014
    0
    While McConaughey and Harrelson do the best they can with this awful script, they can't save this show all by themselves. I found this show so boring and pointless that I couldn't finish the series. The characters are are unlikable and not terribly interesting (Harrelson is basically an **** and McConaughey is just ridiculous), and the supporting characters are pretty much cardboardWhile McConaughey and Harrelson do the best they can with this awful script, they can't save this show all by themselves. I found this show so boring and pointless that I couldn't finish the series. The characters are are unlikable and not terribly interesting (Harrelson is basically an **** and McConaughey is just ridiculous), and the supporting characters are pretty much cardboard cutouts of supposedly real people. The women exist merely as props or bouncing **** and ass, and after a few episodes it was really hard to care what was going on. Don't bother with a second season, because I can't imagine anyone could possibly still be awake after watching the first season.… Expand
  43. jimmypowder
    Mar 10, 2014
    7
    While I thought the acting by Matt and Woody was terrific,the plot and storyline had lots of gaps .

    Here are a few: How did the killer get to the prostitutes he killed when he spent most of his time scoping Tuttle schools for children for weird sexual rites? Was the yellow king the sun? I guess .Was the killer mainly a scout for children for the Tuttle rituals ?There seemed to be    While I thought the acting by Matt and Woody was terrific,the plot and storyline had lots of gaps .

    Here are a few: How did the killer get to the prostitutes he killed when he spent most of his time scoping
    Tuttle schools for children for weird sexual rites? Was the yellow king the sun? I guess .Was the killer
    mainly a scout for children for the Tuttle rituals ?There seemed to be sheriff and Tuttle family involvement
    but that was just washed away with a " we didn't get everyone" single statement. That's weak writing.

    Many holes even though I enjoyed the show.    … Expand
  44. Rosco
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    Quite simply, magnificent. HBO's latest phenomenon, True Detective, is the best new tv show around. It's debut season is sensational from the start to it's excellent end. It's a package that offers everything in it's entirety. It's dark, intelligent, intense, riveting, powerful, smart, suspenseful and unique. A truly tremendous piece of television. The premise immediately captures theQuite simply, magnificent. HBO's latest phenomenon, True Detective, is the best new tv show around. It's debut season is sensational from the start to it's excellent end. It's a package that offers everything in it's entirety. It's dark, intelligent, intense, riveting, powerful, smart, suspenseful and unique. A truly tremendous piece of television. The premise immediately captures the imagination and lures you in, grips you and never lets go throughout. The series follows two Louisiana State Police homicide detectives (Matthew McConaughey & Woody Harrelson) and their hunt for a serial killer in Louisiana across the span of 17 years. McConaughey's recent renaissance hits almighty new heights here. His performance as Rustin 'Rust' Cole is masterful! An actor at the top of his game and it's evident in abundance. Harrelson is also in terrific form as Martin 'Marty' Hart. Infact, the pairs relationship is the heart of the first series and the chemistry the two have on screen in there for all to see. It's two stellar performances. Michelle Monaghan and Kevin Dunn also add to an already awesome series. True Detective is unmissable. It will have you hooked from the start! And whilst at times it can be slow burning, it all pays off and comes together in an unexpected climax. And to round it off, the shows theme tune is instantaneously a hit and you will be replaying it over again. I'll be astonished if you see a better series of television this year, the only shame is that McConaughey and co won't return for the much anticipated second season!… Expand
  45. shadow47
    Dec 30, 2014
    10
    Amazing television show worth all the praise and love it gets. McConaughey and Harrelson are both brilliant. The director masterfully builds suspense with incredible payoffs over and over again. See this show if you haven't already.
  46. CobaltBlue
    Oct 1, 2015
    10
    This is simply one of the greatest seasons of dramatic television. It would be hard to recall any other show that featured two better lead performances than McConaughey's and Harrelson's, and they were fantastically written characters as well, so much credit to sole screenwriter Nic Pizzolatto as well. The supporting cast is great as well. The storyline is dark and foreboding andThis is simply one of the greatest seasons of dramatic television. It would be hard to recall any other show that featured two better lead performances than McConaughey's and Harrelson's, and they were fantastically written characters as well, so much credit to sole screenwriter Nic Pizzolatto as well. The supporting cast is great as well. The storyline is dark and foreboding and unfolds in multiple timelines- again, crafted excellently by Pizzolatto. No flaws to speak of, just great TV.… Expand
  47. kramerboy
    Jul 14, 2015
    10
    I found myself riveted to the show after the first 2 episodes, and then from episode 4 to the end of season 1 it improved to a level that few series can maintain. The acting by the 2 male leads is of very high quality, also some of the symbolism of the south and the "good old boy" network was interesting. And the 2 main characters (Cohle & Hart) have so many dark sides, which doesn't seemI found myself riveted to the show after the first 2 episodes, and then from episode 4 to the end of season 1 it improved to a level that few series can maintain. The acting by the 2 male leads is of very high quality, also some of the symbolism of the south and the "good old boy" network was interesting. And the 2 main characters (Cohle & Hart) have so many dark sides, which doesn't seem to bother Hart much while Cohle obsesses constantly about his shortcomings. In a few words - highly impressive acting and storyline.… Expand
  48. Androu
    Jan 10, 2015
    10
    That was one of the best **** I've been in years! The mystery, the drama, the story, the dialogs... Oh, the **** awesome dialogs! Thx, Rust, Marty and every other character for making this series one of the best of the decades! These eight episodes seduced a lot more than maaaany other movies, books, series and other things that I wasted my life with. Give it a shot! I guarantee you won'tThat was one of the best **** I've been in years! The mystery, the drama, the story, the dialogs... Oh, the **** awesome dialogs! Thx, Rust, Marty and every other character for making this series one of the best of the decades! These eight episodes seduced a lot more than maaaany other movies, books, series and other things that I wasted my life with. Give it a shot! I guarantee you won't damn regret it!… Expand
  49. JamesCannon
    Sep 12, 2014
    9
    A lot of fun is in the progress of the investigation itself. Yes it does take its time, but most season long detectives shows do. The show relies heavily on mood. It has an overpowering sense of dread and plays more noir than thriller until the final episode. I appreciated the two different acts, Act one is two police officers both being extremely reckless drunkards, who seem toA lot of fun is in the progress of the investigation itself. Yes it does take its time, but most season long detectives shows do. The show relies heavily on mood. It has an overpowering sense of dread and plays more noir than thriller until the final episode. I appreciated the two different acts, Act one is two police officers both being extremely reckless drunkards, who seem to wondering aimlessly through life and letting the case get to them. But the last episodes feature them more as disciplined p.i.s, who do not have to answer to authority and are allowed to run their own investigation. This is the best season long detective show I have seen since the first couple seasons of the killing.… Expand
  50. Ravens1294
    Aug 26, 2014
    9
    True Detective: Season 1 ImageThe first show that even compares to Breaking Bad. It was amazing from start to finish. The story and plot are fantastically written. The story is dark, gritty, and very interesting. Cory does an amazing job directing all eight episodes and that 6 minute tracking scene was utter brilliance. McConaughey and Harrelson perform spectacular performances and they'reTrue Detective: Season 1 ImageThe first show that even compares to Breaking Bad. It was amazing from start to finish. The story and plot are fantastically written. The story is dark, gritty, and very interesting. Cory does an amazing job directing all eight episodes and that 6 minute tracking scene was utter brilliance. McConaughey and Harrelson perform spectacular performances and they're definitely some of the best acting this year. Their chemistry is just amazing and it such the correct choice. The match was perfect from start to finish. The story moves very well. It gets bigger and bigger as the season goes along. the opening credits is one of the best of all time and it has the perfect song to go along with it. The show was very dark, gripping, exciting, grasped with memorable acting performances, and had some of the best writing/directing on TV. It was an amazing show and the first show that has had quality of that to Breaking Bad. It is definitely the best new of 2014 and one of the best period.… Expand
  51. TheApplegnome
    Jul 19, 2015
    7
    This is one non-optimistic and slow but surprisingly relatable and stylish new tv-show. It's beautifully shot, deep and it got a great metamorphic storyline and a much deeper one than the usual crime show.

    The greatest thing is the characters, I became obsest with both Rust and his partner Marty after the first episode. We get to know them more and more and I really enjoy their    This is one non-optimistic and slow but surprisingly relatable and stylish new tv-show. It's beautifully shot, deep and it got a great metamorphic storyline and a much deeper one than the usual crime show.

    The greatest thing is the characters, I became obsest with both Rust and his partner Marty after the first episode. We get to know them more and more and I really enjoy their backgrounds. There's also something undefinable that makes this show so great, not just the characters, something else. Because the whole concept is excellent, the story is so well written and it really feels real. The great and spectacularly cinematography is another aspect that's really beautiful, so smooth! It's uniquely shot and directed with a superb style. Not to mention the awesome cast and the beloved McConaughey! We even got a six minute single take tracking shot of intense action! The show for me really defines what the world really is like, pessimistic and sometimes even tragic. The deep and relatable dialogs really did a great job in that matter. There're much in this tv-show to tell about our ordinary life. The style is another thing, it feels so 90s, small town (Texas)-alike. My only concern with this crime/drama show is that there are some slow moments in every episode. For me; I didn't enjoy the slow dialogs that much, I usually got bored at least once in every episode were nothing happens. Sure it's fun to be a part of the story due to it's easy to hang along on the plot, but it's just so boring sometimes. I do on the other hand admire that the story (and its sub-plots) continues over a longer period, throughout the whole season. The action that does exist is awesome, and there's much intensity too! One thing that I would love to see more of, is bigger and more unpredictable plot-twists, I got high hopes for the second season!

    My overall rating for each episode is 6.81.

    + Characters, beautifully shot, deep and relatable storyline, title-sequence & structure.
    - Slow

    A great crime/drama show about our tragic place on Earth.

    7/10    … Expand
  52. DeanChorley
    Jun 14, 2015
    10
    Not much to say other than utterly superb, possibly the pinnacle of TV shows. The two main characters are well crafted and allow for some of the finest acting of Harrelson's and McConaughey's careers, although the plaudits must go to McConaughey for his portrayal as Rust Cohle; probably my favourite character ever. The plot is subtly dark and a 6 minute long shot just might be the bestNot much to say other than utterly superb, possibly the pinnacle of TV shows. The two main characters are well crafted and allow for some of the finest acting of Harrelson's and McConaughey's careers, although the plaudits must go to McConaughey for his portrayal as Rust Cohle; probably my favourite character ever. The plot is subtly dark and a 6 minute long shot just might be the best scene in TV show history. Keeping it to 8 episodes allows the story to move swiftly enough without becoming drawn out but allows for just enough character and plot development. I cant recommend this show highly enough.… Expand
  53. joao1198pedro
    Dec 5, 2014
    9
    True detective is the best criminal series of all time, it got out all the cliches of csi and law and order in the trash, it has the best screenplay of a criminal series.
  54. DemonSoul
    Feb 6, 2014
    10
    This is NOT what you call "Television". This is an 8 hour movie one could consume in one sitting; If it were a movie it would be worthy of a Best Picture Oscar....With tension on the scale of Silence of the Lambs, and superior character development. Definitely better than the other 2013 detective shows I watched like Almost Human, Sherlock, and Hannibal...not that those are horrible...TrueThis is NOT what you call "Television". This is an 8 hour movie one could consume in one sitting; If it were a movie it would be worthy of a Best Picture Oscar....With tension on the scale of Silence of the Lambs, and superior character development. Definitely better than the other 2013 detective shows I watched like Almost Human, Sherlock, and Hannibal...not that those are horrible...True Detective is just way less boring, far more entertaining and intellectual, and more realistic than all those other shows. If you consider the amount of bullets flying or fights in the first three episodes, TD can be called slow in its pacing, yet the character developing and the character development are addictively riveting. The gruesomeness is somewhat akin to Hannibal but the atmosphere of despair, tension, and reality is far better suspending through the impeccable acting and phenomenal script writing. Major props to McConaugahey, Harrelson, and their team. They are truly adept at their art.… Expand
  55. lijow16
    Jan 25, 2014
    10
    A TV show which shows a lot of promise. At first I was sceptical given the slow nature of the show, but as I watched I became more and more invested in the plot and moreover the complex characters impressively portrayed by Harrelson and McConaughey. I have very high hopes for this series and hope support for it will continue to build over the coming months. Well done!
  56. Nurseval9
    Jan 20, 2014
    9
    Watched the first episode last week, can't wait to see more. Best new show in years. Acting is superb, the plot is riveting. Do yourself a favor and watch it.
  57. stevenboy256
    Jan 25, 2014
    9
    A worthy replacement for the closing Boardwalk empire and newsroom era, surprisingly great acting from Matthew McConaughey even worthy of an Emmy and golden globe........Oproblem though, Where is the plot going?
  58. jpalame
    Jan 30, 2014
    10
    True Detective features a murder investigation, but the show's central inquiry settles on its two leads. McConaughey portrays a philosophical, nihilistic skeptic and Harrelson a run-of-the-mill by-the-book cop, husband, and father. However, the two characters surpass their archetypes, guided by strong (if a bit on-the-nose) dialogue and outstanding performances. Furthermore, the settingTrue Detective features a murder investigation, but the show's central inquiry settles on its two leads. McConaughey portrays a philosophical, nihilistic skeptic and Harrelson a run-of-the-mill by-the-book cop, husband, and father. However, the two characters surpass their archetypes, guided by strong (if a bit on-the-nose) dialogue and outstanding performances. Furthermore, the setting and environment are hauntingly beautiful. The plot is slow-burning much like Sundance's Rectify, and its steady pace of development has benefited it three episodes in.… Expand
  59. bugsbunny2109
    Aug 26, 2014
    10
    Indeed a perfect TV show. The greatest, most sophisticated writing and acting combine to tell the story of a 17 year hunt for a serial killer! It's not just another serial killer show. It focuses on the minds of ordinary people living in a world of crime.
    I cannot possibly underrate this show!
  60. Murdocdelrey
    Jan 19, 2015
    10
    I just finished watching all 8 episodes back to back and wow I loved this show. Matthew McConaughey is unbelievable in this. I've only ever seen him in Interstellar prior to seeing this.(No point watching those crappy rom coms he was in for a long time.) Woody Harrelson is reliable as always being a good guy but a bit of a jackass throughout but of course helps add tension to theI just finished watching all 8 episodes back to back and wow I loved this show. Matthew McConaughey is unbelievable in this. I've only ever seen him in Interstellar prior to seeing this.(No point watching those crappy rom coms he was in for a long time.) Woody Harrelson is reliable as always being a good guy but a bit of a jackass throughout but of course helps add tension to the relationship between McConaughey and Harrelson towards the end of the series. The supporting cast is top notch as well. The twist with the killer and that we met him early on in the series and only find out in the penultimate episode of his true self left me in shock and awe. The Cinematography is breath taking as well and adds fantastic atmosphere to each scene. The one thing that makes it truly special is that all the episodes were written by Nic Pizzolatto and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. It feels like a full on 7 and a half hour movie. I have high hopes for the future and hope that they deliver with Colin Farrell and Vince Vaughn and the rest of the cast in the second season. Fingers crossed. One of the best shows I have ever seen and it's gonna be an interesting Season 2.… Expand
  61. flametail23
    May 5, 2015
    10
    This is the second best tv show I have ever watched, after Breaking Bad . The acting,writing and story are all great. The story keeps you guessing through out the 8 episodes.
    10/10
  62. SpittingLama
    Jul 12, 2014
    10
    I love great TV drama with expansive story arcs The Wire, Breaking Bad, Thrones, 6 Feet Under, Sopranos, etc... At the end of the final episode I felt I had watched the perfect TV drama for the times. As a lover of The Wire, Breaking Bad, Thrones, 6 Feet Under, Sopranos I have to say - this is how it is done. My favorite duo of all time is Jones and Duvall in Lonesome Dove. Harrelson andI love great TV drama with expansive story arcs The Wire, Breaking Bad, Thrones, 6 Feet Under, Sopranos, etc... At the end of the final episode I felt I had watched the perfect TV drama for the times. As a lover of The Wire, Breaking Bad, Thrones, 6 Feet Under, Sopranos I have to say - this is how it is done. My favorite duo of all time is Jones and Duvall in Lonesome Dove. Harrelson and McConneghy have attained that gold standard in True Detectives. There is not an aspect of this show that is less then superb. The downside - topping the 1st season will be close to impossible.… Expand
  63. OpinionatedGuy
    Mar 3, 2015
    10
    This show took a lot of time to grow on me because of its slow pace. But thankfully I paid attention to most of the details of the story very well and it seems worth all the effort!

    True Detective feels like an 8 hour movie. Its narrative and storytelling were consistent throughout the entire season and makes this show a more cinematic experience. The direction from Cary Joji    This show took a lot of time to grow on me because of its slow pace. But thankfully I paid attention to most of the details of the story very well and it seems worth all the effort!

    True Detective feels like an 8 hour movie. Its narrative and storytelling were consistent throughout the entire season and makes this show a more cinematic experience.

    The direction from Cary Joji Fukunaga is amazing and the cinematography is so eye-pleasing to watch with its gritty tense atmosphere. I believed it was shot on film which explains it feels so organic while watching the show.

    The writing from Nic Pizzolatto was clever and intriguing. I liked how it doesn’t even have the case of the week plot device to drag out the main case and instead uses the main case as a plot device on how the characters were affected by the case which makes the characters interesting to watch. The character development was done brilliantly and again, it attributes to the clever and intriguing writing. My favorite character development was from Rusty, he is one of the most interesting and well-written characters I have ever seen.

    The cast performances were perfect. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson were the show. They lost themselves to their role and they have a great sophisticated buddy cop chemistry. I don’t see them as actors playing a role. I see them as Rusty Cohle and Martin Hart.

    The first season of True Detective is an 8-hour extravaganza cinematic experience thanks to its consistent narrative, storytelling, direction, writing and cinematography. The cast performances from Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson were to watch for!

    Season 2 has a lot of big shoes to fill. Better to keep my expectations low.    … Expand
  64. vikesh2206
    Jul 4, 2015
    9
    Powerfully acted by it's A-List cast and brilliantly crafted by Nic Pizzolatto, True Detective overcomes a slow start and some familiar police procedural elements to become one of the best written, acted and shot TV series in years.
  65. borderlinefilms
    Feb 4, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Peak McConaughey

    Watch Matthew McConaughey channel Pacino and Brando at once. Full of himself and hungry for more, the man is unstoppable. There are three faces to Detective Cohle: the withdrawn intuitive intellect; the fiery, robust avenger; and the warped, resigned drunk. Four, if you count the resurrected detective with nothing to lose. He plays them all with intense, unforgiving vigour. The programmed elements in this series are impressive enough. The story is adequate (as good as any post-modern concoction), the dialogue is often great, the pace is riveting, the cinematography decent when not shooting in low-light video (i.e. the botched 5 minute single-take robbery), the imagery stark and spooky, and the music is T Bone terrific (seriously, Burnett needs to score every show there is from now on), but True Dick wouldn't stand out if it wasn't for McConaughey's highly-charged, tirelessly arresting and magnetic performance. He is the reason this show is heaped with abundant praise from critics and audiences alike. Now I love Woody Harrelson, but he can't hold a candle to a blazing fire. Mathew, like Al and Marlon, is easy on the eyes but no gracious wallflower. His inflated, commanding and overcompensating performance distracts us from any puzzling shortcomings in the plot while effectively depreciating the rest of the cast and his peers. If he wasn't so ripped and self-adorning, he'd have easily won the Emmy. Upon picturing the two leads swapping roles, I could only envision Matty's Detective Hart scorching the screen and stealing the show as the "good" cop, bad husband sidekick. McConaughey is tripping. Enjoy the buzz while it lasts.    … Expand
  66. vozo
    Sep 7, 2014
    7
    I'll start off with the good. This may be visually the most well crafted show I have ever seen. Every single establishing shot you will see is worthy of a print for somebody's wall. Every single shot of dialogue is just plain enough to keep from distracting from the story, but interesting enough so that it is still something to be entertained by when the story doesn't deliver. For those inI'll start off with the good. This may be visually the most well crafted show I have ever seen. Every single establishing shot you will see is worthy of a print for somebody's wall. Every single shot of dialogue is just plain enough to keep from distracting from the story, but interesting enough so that it is still something to be entertained by when the story doesn't deliver. For those in film school, or anybody who just loves watching beautiful shows, this is one beautiful enough to watch with the sound off.

    Another plus is that the acting is great. All of the family stories were told very well, but did not seem in place for this show. I won't say that the acting is outstanding, but only because I personally am incapable of being blown away by acting that involves strong men who rarely emote. But given that this was probably exactly what the director asked for, I'd say that the whole cast delivered.

    Which brings me to the final great strength that this show has. At this years Emmy awards, Cary Fukunaga received the most deserved award for television directing that I am aware of. Episode 4, "Who goes there," contains the shows first real violence, as well as a fantastically paced build leading up to it. The second half of that episode is as good as the best television I have ever seen, and is nearly the best I can imagine television being. It is almost impossible to give too much praise to this sequence. Fukunaga is certainly one to watch in the future.

    The second half of episode four, and the first half of episode five of an eight episode arc are its best. It peaks at its exact midpoint. This is a result of not poor storytelling, but poor story. The mystery that the detectives are trying to solve is both slow-paced and uninteresting. The crime, (I hope this isn't a spoiler because it is known early in the first episode) is that a woman has been raped, tortured, drugged, and murdered in a satanic and ritualistic fashion. This is, due to its position as essentially the worst or one of the worst things that a person can do, a very vanilla and played-out crime for a drama.

    This puts the viewers attention on the process of solving the crime, and the people who are doing it. At its core, this is what is wrong with True Detective. The crime solving process involves over a dozen interviews with generally uninteresting people who put the detectives in touch with the next person on the chain. In between these interviews, detectives Hart and Rust, who's names don't seem to symbolize anything about their characters, have very poorly informed discussions about philosophy. Rust in particular rehashes ideas that have been floating around for a while, while occasionally contributing new and neat ways to phrase them. Hart responds by attempting and failing to poke holes in Rust's thoughts, by outright rejecting them, or by telling Rust to shut up.

    If you decide to watch True Detective, that is what you sign up for. Brilliant visuals, good acting, outstanding directing, many well-paced sequences, and a very boring crime.    … Expand
  67. Mosh603
    Nov 12, 2014
    10
    At first, I wasn't too excited about this show due to the acting choice. But after 1 episode I was hooked. This show is how detective shows SHOULD be. It has great acting, deep and dark themes, and a storyline that hooks you in and keeps you wondering what will happen next

    Acting : 10/10
    Script: 9/10
    Themes: 9/10
    Plot: 9/10
    Audio: 8/10
    Length: 9/10
    Cinematography: 8/10
  68. Brenda100
    Sep 30, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson performance is off the charts! Really amazing together in True Detective. I'm sure they will win severely awards for this show. A must see!… Expand
  69. Kaprawiec
    May 29, 2015
    9
    It is closest to se7en in terms of atmosphere, and it is just like 7 led by two fenomenal actors. I am especially surprised by how good McCounaghey is, because im a fan of Woody since like always. The plot is not as good as it is in 7 but I really enjoyed almost every minute of it.
  70. hootpeters
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    It's not even close: this is the best show on television, drama or otherwise. Woody Harrelson's sardonic rebuke of Matthew McConnaughey in the pilot illustrates the profundity of the show. "Stop saying **** like, you smell a psycho's fear... Or, we're living in someone's faded memory of a town."
  71. erik16es
    Jan 5, 2015
    9
    Series Very good! With Rust with your little convenient way to listen with incredible scenarios meche with fantasy, adventure, very well done script. Performances unusual for TV series ...
  72. RichiMusha
    Nov 20, 2014
    7
    Sehr stimmungsvolle Serie, die verdammt heiß auf mehr macht. All das würd aber vom sehr enttäuschendem und bedeutungslosem Ende sofort wieder im keim erstickt.
  73. Gamingsince1980
    Nov 30, 2014
    10
    Quite possibly the best show on TV for the last two decades, and yes that includes Breaking Bad. The work exudes dark mystery and thought-provoking writing and perspectives on life from the very start, and the intricate often beautiful web woven around the story arc is just stunning. But what sets this apart from everything is McConnaughey. Where the hell did this performance come from, atQuite possibly the best show on TV for the last two decades, and yes that includes Breaking Bad. The work exudes dark mystery and thought-provoking writing and perspectives on life from the very start, and the intricate often beautiful web woven around the story arc is just stunning. But what sets this apart from everything is McConnaughey. Where the hell did this performance come from, at time it seems like he's channeling an alien presence, so otherworldly is his delivery and the potency of his annunciation. The drag on his cigarette alone will have actors studying this piece and doubtless replicating monologues in auditions for many years to come. So to watch True Detective is to witness the groundbreaking culmination of two men's worth but otherwise slightly ailing careers brought to life, like a pair of phoenix rising from the ashes of the burning cain fields in which the story opens. The creator Pizolatto should be praised for changing the face of television with nods to Neitze and quantum cosmology, and there are subtle nods to other game changers such as Twin Peaks, although not blatantly obvious, throughout the piece. This is a work which demands repeat viewing, and I still come back for more as often as I can. The new series with its new cast and storyline may or may not build on this greatness, but at this point it hardly seems to matter, given the finite nature of the story, one can only marvel at this and dream of what could come next from this beautiful and dark, clearly very complex mind behind the show.… Expand
  74. SunnyFrimley
    Jan 11, 2015
    2
    I have given this 2 because some of the shooting is very stylish and artistic. Had it not been for that this would have gotten a 1, as it is probably the SLOWEST series I have ever watched.

    I am currently 3/4 of the way through the 4th episode, and I'm still waiting for something exciting to happen. The end of episode 3 had some promise, but we never saw how that panned out. If I    I have given this 2 because some of the shooting is very stylish and artistic. Had it not been for that this would have gotten a 1, as it is probably the SLOWEST series I have ever watched.

    I am currently 3/4 of the way through the 4th episode, and I'm still waiting for something exciting to happen. The end of episode 3 had some promise, but we never saw how that panned out. If I survive to the end of the 4th episode I will be surprised, as it really is dull. I cannot understand all the 10 star reviews. If this is your entertainment ideal, then that is your decision. Personally though, I prefer entertainment to be entertaining.    … Expand
  75. stewartwilson
    Mar 23, 2015
    10
    One of my favourites, I watched the first episode, was hooked, and could not stop. Each and every week, I found myself coming back, wanting to know what would happen next. I wish more shows were this good
  76. ozennymous
    Jun 22, 2015
    10
    Actuaciones de primer nivel: Nunca fui un fan de McConneghy, pero en esta serie es realmente brillante.
    La dirección, la fotografía, el guión son excelentes. En el aire siempre flota una suerte de presencia sobrenatural y maléfica. Este efecto está perfectamente logrado en una atmósfera estilo "Gothic Americana".
  77. beachldy
    Sep 10, 2015
    7
    Season 1 was awesome, with the two detectives/cops in New Orleans that found symbols tied to their case. Was hooked with Woody H and Matthew M with their own dark sides and how the case progressed.

    Season 2 however, sometimes left me with a taste that I missed something...would watch parts of it again and still ask, "What the h happened?"...While Season 2 had a good cast, it was lacking    Season 1 was awesome, with the two detectives/cops in New Orleans that found symbols tied to their case. Was hooked with Woody H and Matthew M with their own dark sides and how the case progressed.

    Season 2 however, sometimes left me with a taste that I missed something...would watch parts of it again and still ask, "What the h happened?"...While Season 2 had a good cast, it was lacking something, and not sure what, except that it seemed the "darkness" in the 3 main characters (cops/detectives) was overloaded. Got it with Vince being the good/bad guy, and got it with thugs and all, but something in the translation of the 3 cops just didn't make sense...It just didn't have the personality like Season 1.

    Season 3 will bring another new story, entirely new characters..Let's hope they bring back a bit more of sense it should make.    … Expand
  78. MiamiLopez
    Aug 10, 2015
    10
    Acting is off the charts for Season 1 True detective.

    THumbs up..> WAAAYYY up. Also the story line has balance, and dips and dives. It is a complete. And this season 1 True Detective will knock your socks off.
  79. sendintheclowns
    Sep 4, 2015
    10
    At the risk of repetition, this is tv at its best. I look for a sense of place and the acting, screenplay, laconic pacing combine to provide it. You want it to move faster. But you' be damned if it ends too soon. It joins my Premier league of TV shows: The Wire, Deadwood, Twilight Zone, Hannibal, American Horror, Fargo.
  80. Mulholland2603
    Dec 26, 2015
    10
    Wonderful. The best production of the last years and not only in film tv category (better than films that won the oscar in several past years). Great actors, great story, great photografy. Wonderful.Extraordinary.
  81. Metayerju
    Dec 28, 2015
    10
    Can t think about any better serie created than this one. You start, you will see the end for sure, as the plot and athmosphere are Addictive, unique, perfect.
  82. SergioV
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    True Detective Season 1 is the best TV I've ever seen. Both lead performances are amazing, cinematography is dark and mysterious, the directing by Fukunaga is unparalleled. Simply awesome television.
  83. Phylly
    Mar 11, 2016
    7
    I love Season 1. Matt and Woody: priceless. I like Vince and Colin. Season 2 was a bummer. Too many cliches: sexual abuse, prostitution, police corruption and on and on, The writers would have done better to focus on Vince and Colin's character development, than the thirty odd ball characters meandering around this mash-up.
  84. ShetlandViking
    Mar 24, 2016
    10
    There's something iconic about this first season. The visuals, the two detectives, the soundtrack, the atmosphere. I found the plot hard to follow the first time watching it, so watching it a second time on Blu-Ray along with the behind-the-scenes extras was a rewarding experience.
  85. farzyy12
    Apr 11, 2016
    10
    Never had I been so captivated by a TV show.
    This series is literally on another level of TV. It felt like a book except on video.
    The dialogue, the cinematography and the story.. when it all came together, you are just left with a taste in your mouth that you just can't describe. Pay attention, this isn't a normal TV show, everything you see, everything you hear matters in some way    Never had I been so captivated by a TV show.
    This series is literally on another level of TV. It felt like a book except on video.

    The dialogue, the cinematography and the story.. when it all came together, you are just left with a taste in your mouth that you just can't describe. Pay attention, this isn't a normal TV show, everything you see, everything you hear matters in some way or another.
    A picture can mean a 1000 words and this series tells a whole lot more.

    Most people thought that the villain was just an average bad guy type villain we usually see in a crime drama, except it was just not that simple. "We got our one.." and that's what they did, they only got their one. Ultimately, in a larger scheme, the dark had won over the light. The 'good' guys lost in several ways, yet only won in one scenario.

    Cary Fukanaga's direction surely played a big role in telling the story, however it was Nic Pizzolatto that brought such a masterpiece into our lives. Brilliant writing, direction and acting. Truly felt like a horror crime drama in the sense that such a demented cult could've existed at one point in our time.    … Expand
  86. BeastJ18
    Apr 27, 2018
    10
    The best season in television history. McConaughey and Harrelson give two of the greatest performances ever, the writing is as consistent and intelligent as it can possibly be. The direction is on another level to anything we've seen on TV before. Everything works to an unprecedented level of enjoyability and critical success. Season 2 lets this show down immensely. Season 1 delivers 8The best season in television history. McConaughey and Harrelson give two of the greatest performances ever, the writing is as consistent and intelligent as it can possibly be. The direction is on another level to anything we've seen on TV before. Everything works to an unprecedented level of enjoyability and critical success. Season 2 lets this show down immensely. Season 1 delivers 8 episodes of near perfection.… Expand
  87. NatSocStrike
    Dec 29, 2018
    9
    Episode #1 Review - 9/10
    Episode #2 Review -
    Episode #3 Review -
    Episode #4 Review -
    Episode #5 Review -
    Episode #6 Review -
    Episode #7 Review -
    Episode #8 Review -
  88. drlowdon
    May 9, 2014
    8
    Right from the superb pilot True Detective makes for a bleak watch and as a result it won’t be to everyone’s tastes, especially since it is certainly a slow paced show for the most part. The writing and acting (Harrelson and McConaughey are fantastic throughout) are of such a high standard however that I was quickly drawn into the two detectives serial killer hunt.
  89. Velsuan
    May 3, 2014
    9
    Très bonne série télé! Le scénario est profond, juste assez obscur pour nous porter à multiplier les interprétations. Le point fort principal est la qualité du jeu des acteurs, le superbe travail au niveau des personnages.

    Pourrez-vous franchement passer le générique au début de chaque épisode? Moi, je n'ai pas pu : c'est une pure merveille de créativité! Ce genre de série devrait    Très bonne série télé! Le scénario est profond, juste assez obscur pour nous porter à multiplier les interprétations. Le point fort principal est la qualité du jeu des acteurs, le superbe travail au niveau des personnages.

    Pourrez-vous franchement passer le générique au début de chaque épisode? Moi, je n'ai pas pu : c'est une pure merveille de créativité!

    Ce genre de série devrait idéalement devenir une norme à la télé américaine! Bien sûr, nous pouvons toujours rêver, parce que les ricains font beaucoup TROP de télé, ça c'est connu... Mais une fois qu'on tombe sur une série de la qualité de True Detective, on garde espoir! ;-)

    Enjoy!    … Expand
  90. Thundermax
    Mar 18, 2014
    7
    Entertaining but not the masterpiece that the critics are trying to sell. Without the great acting of the two main actors it would be completely forgettable. The plot is not offering anything new or surprising, lot 's of echoes of True Blood and Hannibal and the main characters are stereotypes. Great direction and photography, though.
  91. imthenoob
    Mar 30, 2014
    9
    Takes a few episodes to get into it but once it grabs you, You will grind watch this show just to find out what happens at the end like I did. It's definitely worth checking out and I'd highly recommend it.
  92. NikolayG
    Jun 9, 2014
    8
    Great acting from the two leads, better than in any other TV show I can think of, including Mad Men, including Homeland, including anything on the BBC. Great cinematography, great style. Intriguing, if somewhat familiar, story. Until episode 8, the finale of season 1. The entire plot completely unravels in the last hour leaving ten thousand hanging threads. So what you have here is a fineGreat acting from the two leads, better than in any other TV show I can think of, including Mad Men, including Homeland, including anything on the BBC. Great cinematography, great style. Intriguing, if somewhat familiar, story. Until episode 8, the finale of season 1. The entire plot completely unravels in the last hour leaving ten thousand hanging threads. So what you have here is a fine season of TV with a badly rushed last hour. I think they needed a good 14 episodes, maybe 20. But for whatever reason they shortchanged us all at the end.… Expand
  93. FilipanOtinan
    Mar 15, 2014
    9
    What Is Worth Noting & As intriguing Enough in this radiant series is the role the two main characters hold in the development of the narrative as also the kind of interpersonal bundle which happens explicitly among them. Both, serve keenly to justifications on story premiss as of unique interest that pops out from viewing it. Great focus for TV Series Making.
  94. YoursTruly
    Apr 18, 2014
    9
    I could do without the heavy-handed psychological pathos and I really wish they would keep the same characters as the series progresses instead of making this an anthology, but I can't deny the sheer goodness of True Detective. Tis swell.
  95. glypheye
    May 12, 2014
    7
    I give it a 7. Not sure where all the ecstatic enthusiasm is coming from. This feels a bit rehashed to me....something offered as fresh/new/groundbreaking but, in reality, re-warmed in many ways....e.g. the whole "2 diametrically opposed detective personalities forced to collaborate amidst seemingly preternatural criminal element" bit. You know...perhaps first seen in the movie Se7en.I give it a 7. Not sure where all the ecstatic enthusiasm is coming from. This feels a bit rehashed to me....something offered as fresh/new/groundbreaking but, in reality, re-warmed in many ways....e.g. the whole "2 diametrically opposed detective personalities forced to collaborate amidst seemingly preternatural criminal element" bit. You know...perhaps first seen in the movie Se7en.

    I'm not feeling the "literary" filigree that's been lauded. There's an attempt, but it doesnt feel cohesive enough to be genuine. Lacks integrity, or something. Couple of dollops of existential/nihillistic overtones from Rust as counterpoint to Martin's superficial everyman's characterization (a man not without issues...but not nearly as subterranean as Rust's inner conflict, to be sure)....all stir fried with time line attenuation/back-and-forth that feels a bit arbitrary and doesn't seem to freshen the left overs.

    It's all well done, to be clear...but doesn't really feel like we're advancing beyond something seen before. Not that that's necessary, I don't guess...but, for me....well, I tend to be a bit picky in this regard.    … Expand
  96. Swati
    Apr 13, 2014
    9
    True Detective relies chiefly on the main character, Rustin Cohle's, peculiar and eccentric style and speech and mannerisms to keep audience attention. He doesn't have much of a private life, or even a social one for that matter. He despises small talk and often wanders into prolonged monologues about the merits of humanity and its place in the universe, religion and its pitfalls, hisTrue Detective relies chiefly on the main character, Rustin Cohle's, peculiar and eccentric style and speech and mannerisms to keep audience attention. He doesn't have much of a private life, or even a social one for that matter. He despises small talk and often wanders into prolonged monologues about the merits of humanity and its place in the universe, religion and its pitfalls, his disgust for his own family, and basically everything else that doesn't involve solving the case at hand. His partner, Marty, is the more traditional detective whose type most of the viewers would be familiar with in other shows and movies. He is clearly overshadowed in intelligence and cunning and resourcefulness.

    As the case progresses, through luck, chance and hard police work (never by a moment of enlightenment), the stakes are raised to the extreme by the fourth episode, which featured one of the most impressive direction I have seen anywhere, film or TV.

    The finale was a bit disappointing. Although the showdown with the man with scars was bloody and thrilling, I was hoping he was just a member of the Tuttle family from a dilapidated branch who was included in the rituals by the richer branch but had on his own killed and left the body of Lange out in the open and jeopardized the rest of the family against their will. Instead, the Tuttles were completely ignored and spared and the duo chase down this crazy fellow. He has clearly killed countless but the Governor and his followers may have killed many more and would continue to kill even more. The Yellow King is not some clever devious villain pulling the strings. In fact we don't know who he is or even if he exists. He might have been introduced as a red herring for all I know, but doesn't seem so. Audrey, Hart's eldest daughter only comes into the picture in the last scenes. We never know if she knew something, was abused by someone related or unrelated to the Tuttles, or anything else for that matter. Her drawings and doll placement depicting gang rape, and her subsequent promiscuity in teenage years, is left unexplained. Maybe they were trying to tell us that girls who become whorish become so of their own accord. That might be true, but then what was the point of showing all that. Were they trying to cram every kind of vice into the show?

    I think people mistook the show for being far more intelligent and thought-provoking than it really was. By keeping vague and unfocussed, and not delving into anything of worth, the show progressed with timely monologues from Cohle discussing his latest takes on the meaning of life and the age of the universe. If the ending had been done right, all this would have contributed to the belief that the show had succeeded in exploring philosophy as well as delivering a mind-boggling mystery and narrative. Apart from the action sequence with Childress, which, incidentally, was done well, the rest of the episode wasted time in going places and discussing more quake philosophy. Before this every episode left me pondering for at least an hour and trying to account for everything that had gone down.

    I was praying this wouldn't happen. I have watched a lot of trilogies where when the story had been spiced with mysteries when revealed had nothing to stand upon. The mysteries were there for just that, to make us come back for more. By the time we realize that they had been after our money, it's too late and the whole story seems to be a ploy to keep us interested with unexplained fantastic storytelling that would in the end have no consequence.    … Expand
  97. nicholasbert
    Feb 24, 2014
    7
    Of course the cast is out of a TV-show's league, but there is little to do when your story is the same procedural detective drama where the leads have deep personal issues and are faced with quasi mysterious events. The script would be great if Cohle's words didn't sound like he actually rehearsed every single one of them. Overall, it looks like Hannibal without a character like Hannibal.Of course the cast is out of a TV-show's league, but there is little to do when your story is the same procedural detective drama where the leads have deep personal issues and are faced with quasi mysterious events. The script would be great if Cohle's words didn't sound like he actually rehearsed every single one of them. Overall, it looks like Hannibal without a character like Hannibal. Not bad at all, though. And if it's true they're making this an anthological series, even better.… Expand
  98. chrisjones914
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    Now I normally don't do reviews for anything other than video games or movie, however I just feel that I have to tell you how truly phenomenal this show is! True Detective is by far the best series on tv right now and undoubtedly one of the greatest shows that has ever run! Everything, from the engrossing plot to the deep and interesting characters; everything is absolutely flawless! InNow I normally don't do reviews for anything other than video games or movie, however I just feel that I have to tell you how truly phenomenal this show is! True Detective is by far the best series on tv right now and undoubtedly one of the greatest shows that has ever run! Everything, from the engrossing plot to the deep and interesting characters; everything is absolutely flawless! In fact I want you to stop reading this review right now and go watch the first episode! Trust me when I say that you will be glad you did!… Expand
  99. DrahgoScribe
    Mar 21, 2014
    10
    I'm going to go out on a metaphorical limb here and make a really bizarre comparison.

    This show really reminded me of the recently released movie American Hustle. Both were intensely complex and deep narratives captured within the framework of trope-like story structures (Hustle with the sting operation and Detective with the cop-crime-drama). However I found True Detective to be    I'm going to go out on a metaphorical limb here and make a really bizarre comparison.

    This show really reminded me of the recently released movie American Hustle. Both were intensely complex and deep narratives captured within the framework of trope-like story structures (Hustle with the sting operation and Detective with the cop-crime-drama). However I found True Detective to be executed much better, dealing with themes such as nihilism and existentialism, whereas American Hustle was more akin to an acid trip within the mind of an absurdist kleptomaniac.

    True Detective is a masterpiece not just because of its stellar dialogue, marvelous acting, gorgeous cinematography, and daring directing. It is a masterpiece because of the fact that it does all of this while balancing such complex ideas, taking it's characters down philosophical rabbit holes that immerses the viewer.    … Expand
  100. samuelreeds
    Jan 24, 2014
    8
    True Detectives choreography is different than most traditional television shows. To be honest we need this kind of creativity in the television department. Television is getting WAY too cliché. So here, we have true detective. A mix of a narrative and a period drama. So far its been alright, to say the most episode one did not have me yet. I enjoyed episode two knowing the characters andTrue Detectives choreography is different than most traditional television shows. To be honest we need this kind of creativity in the television department. Television is getting WAY too cliché. So here, we have true detective. A mix of a narrative and a period drama. So far its been alright, to say the most episode one did not have me yet. I enjoyed episode two knowing the characters and their lives, made me more interested. We need more this creative TV and I'm glad to see it here, especially with Woody and Matthew. There's some hope for the television drama and this is a sign.… Expand
Page:

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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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."
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »