True Detective

:

Season 2
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 12, 2014
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 837 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 479 out of 837
  2. Mixed: 192 out of 837
  3. Negative: 166 out of 837
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  1. petuniarabode
    Jul 19, 2015
    10
    Great show. I'm' tired to read articles saying they can't follow. Maybe pay more attention and stop complaining. Why insist in comparing with season 1 if we knew it was going to be different?
  2. ak2381
    Jul 19, 2015
    1
    It pains me to be as generous as to give this a "1".
    What pains me even more is how frustrated I am at myslef for continuing to come back to this piece of garbage every week, in the hopes it will (like many other HBO shows) develop into something worth the inital time spent.
    At this point, I have no one to blame but myself. The acting is just god-awful but in truth, I feel bad for these    It pains me to be as generous as to give this a "1".
    What pains me even more is how frustrated I am at myslef for continuing to come back to this piece of garbage every week, in the hopes it will (like many other HBO shows) develop into something worth the inital time spent.
    At this point, I have no one to blame but myself.
    The acting is just god-awful but in truth, I feel bad for these actors as I can sense them trying their best to work with the drab, pointless, direction-less dialogue that has been given to them.
    That said, i think ironically what bothers me the most about this season is the music. Sounds crazy, but the Composition here is actually brilliant; it did wonders for setting the dark and creepy ambiance that defined the first season. The music once again is brilliant, but theres nothing creepy or dark or remotely intriguing about this story, so it too is useless! The music leads you to believe that something incredible is going to happen and all you end up doing is looking at your watch to find out when the pain will be over.
    I cannot recollect another TV series in history that had a such a huge divergence in quality between the first and second season.
    Please HBO...I cant do it myself as I am apparently a complete slave-like-idiot....take this damn show off the air. I beg of you.    … Expand
  3. Mega2k8
    Jul 19, 2015
    8
    Yes season one was a masterpiece but why is everyone complaining? Yes it takes at least two eps to get into it but it is worth watching a lot better then 97% of thing on the tele even season 1 took a few eps to get involved plus I'm sure if da Vinci had painted the Mona Lisa then painted the same thing again with a different background you would complain?
  4. FeministWomb
    Jul 18, 2015
    10
    True Detective S2 is a slow burn, an intellectual, not easy to read or consume, intimate yet repulsive look at the lives of three police officers who are on the edge of death or redemption. The cinematography is an empirical delight, the haunting scenes put you there. The diction and subtly of the script and character arcs means it requires sophisticated viewing...which is why its likelyTrue Detective S2 is a slow burn, an intellectual, not easy to read or consume, intimate yet repulsive look at the lives of three police officers who are on the edge of death or redemption. The cinematography is an empirical delight, the haunting scenes put you there. The diction and subtly of the script and character arcs means it requires sophisticated viewing...which is why its likely so many folks don't like this season as much. They don't get . My recommendation: watch ea. episode 3 times. Brilliant casting...this gives Farrell a second life, his vulnerability and intuition are uncanny as a seventies style burn out copper. McAdams owns her role, mother hen, sexual dominatrix and action s/hero all rolled into one. Vaughn is the strangest, yet most intriguing bad guy since Tony Soprano. We want to both laugh and cry at him, and we are horrified too. The real time feel to the action is very avant garde as mainstream TV goes. Again, this one burns slow...but its red hot.… Expand
  5. ThemBakerBoys
    Jul 17, 2015
    6
    I am hesitant to review a show before seeing the ending but I think I have seen enough to lodge a complaint or two. There is something about the pace of season 2 that makes it feel like we are still on the salad course and waiting for the steak to arrive. I'm all for a little teasing and anticipation but precious episodes are ticking by. Where season 1 felt like each episode could beI am hesitant to review a show before seeing the ending but I think I have seen enough to lodge a complaint or two. There is something about the pace of season 2 that makes it feel like we are still on the salad course and waiting for the steak to arrive. I'm all for a little teasing and anticipation but precious episodes are ticking by. Where season 1 felt like each episode could be watched and rewatched, savored and enjoyed on it's own merits, season 2 has yet to make that impact. I liked season one so much that my wife bought the series on blu ray so I could share it with non HBO friends of ours. As it stands I will continue to watch and enjoy Season two but I don't see any reason to own the series. However, we have not seen the end of the series and there may be a conclusion coming that elevates the entire story line and makes us want to revisit from Ep. 1. I sure hope so.… Expand
  6. 15MaxCharacters
    Jul 16, 2015
    2
    Halfway through the season, and I still don't care about any of it. The first season was slightly above mediocre, but this one is way below what I had hoped for. Every episode needs to give you a reason to keep watching, but these don't.

    Laziness is the key word here. It's even set in L.A.!!!! Are the actors and director too lazy to even go somewhere else to shoot? Acting, pacing,    Halfway through the season, and I still don't care about any of it. The first season was slightly above mediocre, but this one is way below what I had hoped for. Every episode needs to give you a reason to keep watching, but these don't.

    Laziness is the key word here. It's even set in L.A.!!!! Are the actors and director too lazy to even go somewhere else to shoot?

    Acting, pacing, and plot are slow and lumbering. I find myself spending more time playing games on my phone than watching when it's on. I really wanted something interesting to watch so I can procrastinate a bit, but I think at this point I might prefer actually scrubbing the grout in my shower to procrastinate from watching this.

    I blame the director—almost any script can be made interesting if you know how to tell a story.    … Expand
  7. Howak
    Jul 15, 2015
    10
    True Detective 2 may be different from its previous season,but it doesn't mean that it is bad in any way.
    like season 1,season 2 plot starts to progress very slowly in first 2 episode,which is why I think people thought it was boring,but if you remember we had the same problem with season 1 first 2 episodes.
    As the story progress,it gets more and more interesting and you start to enjoy    True Detective 2 may be different from its previous season,but it doesn't mean that it is bad in any way.
    like season 1,season 2 plot starts to progress very slowly in first 2 episode,which is why I think people thought it was boring,but if you remember we had the same problem with season 1 first 2 episodes.
    As the story progress,it gets more and more interesting and you start to enjoy and appreciate it more.
    as for new casts Colin Farrell plays damn well,I really like his expressions as a man that has lost everything and don't know why does he lives,as for Vince Vaughn people might not like his cold serious play,but I think its suitable for the character.the other casts Rachel McAdams and Taylor Kitsch plays well though they might not be as strong as the others characters or season 1 cast
    The musics by Lera Lynn specially "My Least Favorite Life" really adds another layer to the environment of this season which is really enjoyable
    all in all,don't listen to the negative reviews about this season,it is well written,well played,but a bit different from previous season but It is very enjoyable    … Expand
  8. Seneca
    Jul 15, 2015
    9
    By the midway point of this season, the converging plotlines seem just as promising as in season 1; maybe not quite, but close. Keyboard heroes and trashy published critics couldn't wait to rubbish it for not being everything S1was as a whole by the first hour of S2.
  9. Prosmooth
    Jul 14, 2015
    4
    Really bad compared to the first season. Got the cop who should have probably been a hooker. The self hating queer cop. The psychotic alcoholic cop. The most boring villain since the last time Vince Vaughn played a villain. Add in bad dialogue, and David Morse walking around looking like Jesus Christ Superstar--and you have season 2 of True Detective. It is pretty to look at--I give it 4Really bad compared to the first season. Got the cop who should have probably been a hooker. The self hating queer cop. The psychotic alcoholic cop. The most boring villain since the last time Vince Vaughn played a villain. Add in bad dialogue, and David Morse walking around looking like Jesus Christ Superstar--and you have season 2 of True Detective. It is pretty to look at--I give it 4 for its cinematic qualities. Oh, and it has mean Mexicans in it. Almost forgot.… Expand
  10. TexasAtheist
    Jul 14, 2015
    1
    Season 1 of True Detective is (in my opinion) the greatest piece of television ever produced. Season 2 on the other hand, seems to be going out of its way to be ridiculous and terrible. From the dialogue that will literally make you laugh out loud (unintentionally), to the terrible chemistry between lead actors, to the shootout in Episode 4 that makes little to zero sense, it's all a mess.Season 1 of True Detective is (in my opinion) the greatest piece of television ever produced. Season 2 on the other hand, seems to be going out of its way to be ridiculous and terrible. From the dialogue that will literally make you laugh out loud (unintentionally), to the terrible chemistry between lead actors, to the shootout in Episode 4 that makes little to zero sense, it's all a mess. Season 2 didn't have to live up to Season 1 to be positive, in fact nobody expected it to. But it's rather telling that after 4 episodes of the season, I'd rather watch Failure to Launch then another episode.… Expand
  11. MediaCollector
    Jul 11, 2015
    0
    Absolute garbage. I don't understand how a show can go from so good to so bad in just a few months. The acting is wretched and completely unrealistic. I could not force myself to watch passed the first two episode, both of which put me to sleep on the first viewing.
  12. jjtech
    Jul 10, 2015
    3
    Second season of TD shows what good director and good actors are for. Replace A-class director (Cary Fukunaga) with B-class director (Justin Li, Janus Metz (??)) and A-class actors ( McConaughey, Harrelson) with B-class actors (Farrell) and you got junk posing for something that it's not. I managed to watch 2 first episodes and 30 minutes of the third one. Third one is the worst out of allSecond season of TD shows what good director and good actors are for. Replace A-class director (Cary Fukunaga) with B-class director (Justin Li, Janus Metz (??)) and A-class actors ( McConaughey, Harrelson) with B-class actors (Farrell) and you got junk posing for something that it's not. I managed to watch 2 first episodes and 30 minutes of the third one. Third one is the worst out of all of them. Justil Lin is not a top notch director but he must be a genius compared to Janus Metz (whoever this guy is - are they on shoe string budget or what? can't they hire someone with ANY filming experience??)… Expand
  13. logic
    Jul 9, 2015
    8
    I don't understand the bad reviews. We're really enjoying it. The dialog is a little forced but the characters and slick production are worth it. Yep, we loved season 1 and so far season 2 isn't as good, but after 3 episodes this show has been very entertaining.
  14. Remmingten
    Jul 8, 2015
    0
    How do you fail so badly after such a great first season? I'm a huge Vince Vaughn fan but the acting between him and the other 3 main actors is dismal! Who signed off on this as "good"? I get a group together every Sunday to watch True Detective and Game of Thrones and we came to an agreement after episode 3 (the most recent) that we don't care about True Detective anymore. Noone in myHow do you fail so badly after such a great first season? I'm a huge Vince Vaughn fan but the acting between him and the other 3 main actors is dismal! Who signed off on this as "good"? I get a group together every Sunday to watch True Detective and Game of Thrones and we came to an agreement after episode 3 (the most recent) that we don't care about True Detective anymore. Noone in my group has or watches cable tv and this season of True Detective is no more than one of those 3 part episodes of garbage CIS or NCIS. The straw that broke the camels back was the E-Cigarette baloney. OMG get out of my show, actually no I dont even want this anymore, you can keep the show E-Cigarette, we will not be watching your crap.… Expand
  15. crankyerma
    Jul 8, 2015
    0
    This meandering, punishingly depressing, ugh-fest had me wanting to open a wrist halfway through the first episode but I stuck with it because the critics kept saying how "good" it was. Sorry, but if you work in entertainment and fail to be entertaining, you are not good. This show is beyond that though. It's tedious in the extreme and just seems like we are watching actors being superThis meandering, punishingly depressing, ugh-fest had me wanting to open a wrist halfway through the first episode but I stuck with it because the critics kept saying how "good" it was. Sorry, but if you work in entertainment and fail to be entertaining, you are not good. This show is beyond that though. It's tedious in the extreme and just seems like we are watching actors being super actory, chewing scenery or taking unnecessarily long pauses to approximate actual gravitas which is not on the page. Weak, self indulgent poop. And that was the first season! This is far worse.… Expand
  16. GreyAllan
    Jul 8, 2015
    4
    This season starts off pretty confusing with all those different characters that apparently need the same screen time. Why not leave some story lines to the imagination and let the viewer solve the puzzle. This is still true detective right?
  17. itsatrain
    Jul 8, 2015
    1
    This season is unbelievably bad. Unbelievable, because I can't honestly believe the same creators of season 1 had anything to do with this.

    The writing is just...I can't even begin...absurdly bad. With such famous lines as "If you keep talking like that, you're gonna need a baggie to take your teeth home", you can go wrong. Much less, Rachel McAdams is the one saying it. It honestly    This season is unbelievably bad. Unbelievable, because I can't honestly believe the same creators of season 1 had anything to do with this.

    The writing is just...I can't even begin...absurdly bad. With such famous lines as "If you keep talking like that, you're gonna need a baggie to take your teeth home", you can go wrong. Much less, Rachel McAdams is the one saying it. It honestly feels like a 17 year old Boondock Saints fanboy wrote this whole season. It doesn't quite fit the show, nor HBO.

    Everywhere from the direction, opening theme, acting, the corny jazzy soundtrack, the Vince Vaughan one-liners, the pathetic attempts at symbolism, and of course, the plot of the show, you see this lack of a mature attempt to try and produce anything whatsoever that resembles the first season.I keep giving the show another chance every episode, and all that crap is still there, if not to a greater extent. You would have to see it to believe it, but why the hell would you want to do that?    … Expand
  18. leaveit
    Jul 7, 2015
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Don't do anything out of hunger - not even eating." "He looks half anaconda, half great white." "By the strident dialogue, I'm going to guess you're drunk." "Not strident, apoplectic." "I'm feeling a little apoplectic myself." "Alright Semyon, you wanna squab?"

    Every character has reproductive issues. Ray sterile. Paul gay. Ani noncommittal. Frank impotent. Jordan Semyon barren. Is there some kind of significance to this or is it just so we can make ordinary HBO scenes more "noir?"

    Ray survives something that should have been impossible to survive. Remember when Rusty needed a lengthy hospital visit to recover from the season finale last year? This should have been about as bad, but no.

    The characters seem to have no motivation whatsoever for being officers of law. Do they not understand that they're just pawns of the cliched mafia? How do they not understand this? Is this supposed to be a plot twist later or something?

    The dialogue is truly horrible. Even with captions on so that I can manage to understand precisely what everyone is saying, it sounds like LiveJournal. There is no balance to it like in the first season. When Rusty went on his noir thing, Hart would tell him to stop being pretentious. Now when someone goes on a Noir thing with dark lighting and face closeups, we cut instantly to a police department office with entirely unemotional dialogue that means nothing, yet is far more important to the plot. When the viewer looks back, they're going to remember looking at Vince Vaughn's face while he gave a dialogue, not the significance of Colin Farrell's character in the investigation. Thus in addition to terrible dialogue, it is terribly edited as well, a double-whammy of tedium.

    The music doesn't fit anymore because this is LA, i.e. the cradle of half of the American entertainment industry practically. At least the more successful noir examples like LA Confidential get this atmosphere right rather than affixing a weird alien soundtrack to a place that we should probably be familiar with in some tryhard-nihilist fashion.

    So far, the season is pretty cringeworthy.    … Expand
  19. NavyBean
    Jul 7, 2015
    3
    Characters are not likable and there are too many of them. Rachel McAdams trying to act tough is laughable. Pizzolatto read too many of his reviews for season 1 and it's all coming undone. Pretentious and slow with characters we've seen before saying things that are neither profound nor interesting. Zzzz.
  20. jlplatten
    Jul 7, 2015
    4
    Season 1 was perfection. Season 2 is boring. After three episodes, I figured out why I don't care about this story. It's because the murder victim is a dirty old corrupt politician. I don't feel bad for him, so I don't even care if these detectives solve the crime. On top of that, we have really boring characters, and too many of them. The first season kept it simple. Two detectives tryingSeason 1 was perfection. Season 2 is boring. After three episodes, I figured out why I don't care about this story. It's because the murder victim is a dirty old corrupt politician. I don't feel bad for him, so I don't even care if these detectives solve the crime. On top of that, we have really boring characters, and too many of them. The first season kept it simple. Two detectives trying to find a murderer killing innocent girls. Yes, the detectives had demons of their own, but we could over look that and still cheer for them because the killer in the show was way more heinous. We wanted justice while also watching two amazing characters (and actors) clash in the process. The second season is way more complex. We have three detectives, each with their own group behind them trying to push their agendas. Too much. I would say the only interesting story in this show is the piece where the crime lord is trying to figure out who screwed him out of his multi-million dollar deal, causing him to abandon his white-collar criminal approach and return to his gangster roots to find some answers. The acting is mediocre, and the dialogue is flat. This season is probably a lost cause, and hopefully the showmakers will learn from their mistakes and go back to what works when it comes to story telling.… Expand
  21. Eliotts
    Jul 6, 2015
    2
    Disappointing is the only word fit for this season. After a first season of deep philosophy, incredible acting, not one single line wasted, and a good storyline, this season bores the soul out of the audience. Especially Vince Vaughn's forced, lifeless acting is frightening. The stupid jokes (I didnt want to use offensive words but that is what they are) like "it is like sucking a robot'sDisappointing is the only word fit for this season. After a first season of deep philosophy, incredible acting, not one single line wasted, and a good storyline, this season bores the soul out of the audience. Especially Vince Vaughn's forced, lifeless acting is frightening. The stupid jokes (I didnt want to use offensive words but that is what they are) like "it is like sucking a robot's dick" are just too juvenile. The not-so-complicated-yet-over-decorated background stories of the characters are dull, not intriguing at all. There are too much to be criticed yet the season is not worth the effort or the time.… Expand
  22. Psyche2
    Jul 6, 2015
    1
    The dialogue doesn't ring true because the male characters are speaking Deadwood, Nic Pizzolatto's linguistic invention, more tolerable in fictional speakers from another century. Characters and plot are dull. Nothing like the spellbinding relationship created by the virtuoso acting of Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. I'm tuning it out.
  23. olderealms
    Jul 6, 2015
    1
    very disappointing. The first season had a mysterious eerie and haunting feel to it that was captivating, and make it stand out form anything else on tv. Season 2 hasn't gripped me in the same way, I find it lacks depth and the emotion of season 1. Wont be watching any more episodes, I'm bored with it.......
  24. Thomas313
    Jul 5, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Vince Vaughn is killing me. The facial close ups... Horrendous. Storyline is taking forever. The whole thing is a supreme letdown. Not a Harrelson or McConnaughey fan, but S 1 is beating this one up worse than VV gave it to the big Mexican.… Expand
  25. TheQuietGamer
    Jul 5, 2015
    4
    Let's be honest, we all knew this was never going to live up to the first season. So I'm not even going to talk about how it stacks up to last season. I'm strictly going to review this season based on it's own merits. Unfortunately it doesn't have many. It stumbles in just about every key area.

    The first place is in the case itself. So far it's just not interesting. There is a    Let's be honest, we all knew this was never going to live up to the first season. So I'm not even going to talk about how it stacks up to last season. I'm strictly going to review this season based on it's own merits. Unfortunately it doesn't have many. It stumbles in just about every key area.

    The first place is in the case itself. So far it's just not interesting. There is a compelling sense of weirdness to it, but overall tries way too hard to come off as dark and mysterious. It's constantly hinting at a bunch of bigger things going on, but fails to let viewers in on them. I get that the case has to have some mystery to it in order to get going, but this season moves so slow that after three episodes I somehow know even less about the case than I originally did. I'm not even entirely sure I still know what it's about. Also, why is Vince Vaughn's character even here? He's not a detective and his story seems only barely related to the case at hand so far. He's mostly off doing his own thing that's even less interesting then what the rest of the cast is doing.

    Speaking of the cast let's talk about how poor they are. Taylor Kitsch? Really? Why are they still trying to make this guy a thing? His work here is just as lifeless, forced, and boring as everything else he has done. It looks like they are trying to do some interesting things with his character by having him struggle with his sexuality, but his acting is so poor that it's hard to care. Ditch him Hollywood. He's done you nothing but harm so far. Rachel McAdams is a good actress, so long as it's the right type of role. She simply does not belong in a gritty and dark drama like this one, at least in my opinion. The evidence is in her work here. The character she plays has the potential to be interesting, but McAdams doesn't know how to bring her to life. The same thing extends to Vaughn, except that his character doesn't feel interesting. His inclusion just feels useless and Vaughn is better used for comedies. At least that is what his work here says. As for Colin Farrell, he's actually fantastic. He gives a top-notch performance and brings his violent and weird character to life. He's the highlight of the show.

    With the exception of Farrell the cast and characters suffer from having interesting backstories that aren't fleshed out or really touched upon much at all yet, miscast actors, and bad dialog. That's another big problem with the show; dialog. The show tries way too hard to come off as dark and mature. We get it. The character are damaged. Why do we have to listen to them spit out clichéd and cheesy one-liners that fail to come off as deep of thought-provoking like the writers intended for them to be? The conversations characters have just end up going nowhere. The only character with anything interesting to say is Farrell. They have really done great things with him on this show.

    The second season of "True Detective" is a disappointment, and not just because it doesn't live up to the first season. With the exception of Farrell and some weird moments involving dudes in masks the show's second season just isn't worth watching. It shows promise, but it just isn't being realized right now. Maybe the show will get better as it progresses. If it does I'll update this review. As of right now though it's just not worth your time in my opinion. There are better and more intelligent things on TV right now.    … Expand
  26. carakas
    Jul 3, 2015
    3
    So far, an awful follow up to a really good first season (except for the ridiculous ending, of course). A bunch of dark, **** up characters that we've seen over again & again, plus a slow uninteresting plot that doesn't lead anywhere. Watching the second episode made me realize that I don't give a **** where all this mess is going to next. Even that last scene, where Pizzolatto is tryingSo far, an awful follow up to a really good first season (except for the ridiculous ending, of course). A bunch of dark, **** up characters that we've seen over again & again, plus a slow uninteresting plot that doesn't lead anywhere. Watching the second episode made me realize that I don't give a **** where all this mess is going to next. Even that last scene, where Pizzolatto is trying to shake things up a little, fails to make you sweat about one of the main characters. I'm out.… Expand
  27. roscoeswaffle
    Jul 2, 2015
    0
    Bad writing is just...bad writing.
    Less wordy than Season 1 yet equally dreadful.
    What a shame, too. Rachel McAdams! Colin Farrell!
    Oh, and did I mention that bad directing is just...bad directing.
  28. Yas667
    Jul 2, 2015
    5
    I am not giving this a 5 in comparison to the first season which was ground breaking. After watching the first 2 episodes; the series is very very underwhelming. The characters and portrayal is mediocre to say the least. I dont mind a slow show however the worst problem is the story set in a similar pace is not half as engaging. Disappointed!
  29. 123456
    Jul 1, 2015
    6
    Episode 2 of Season Two, and the unexpected final scene suggests this season may have something interesting to say. Episode one was packed with content but failed to entertain in any meaningful way, lacking drama, tension or charm, and spending so long skirting around the plot (especially compared to Season 1) that it was a relief to finally get somewhere, but again this only happened inEpisode 2 of Season Two, and the unexpected final scene suggests this season may have something interesting to say. Episode one was packed with content but failed to entertain in any meaningful way, lacking drama, tension or charm, and spending so long skirting around the plot (especially compared to Season 1) that it was a relief to finally get somewhere, but again this only happened in the final scene.

    I can understand how the show would be wary of repeating itself after its success, but it seems to have thrown away so much that made it great and replaced it with twice as many protagonists and conversations that go on too long.    … Expand
  30. barzozwierz
    Jul 1, 2015
    2
    you always compare the 2nd part to the 1st one. in this case it's painful. no one can introduce more complex character than Rust, or redefine the crash of personalities. now... it's just blockbuster cliche, trying to be more deep than it should, touching relations between people in most common and unintrusive way. ending up really, really cringy. take away the horror of Chamber'syou always compare the 2nd part to the 1st one. in this case it's painful. no one can introduce more complex character than Rust, or redefine the crash of personalities. now... it's just blockbuster cliche, trying to be more deep than it should, touching relations between people in most common and unintrusive way. ending up really, really cringy. take away the horror of Chamber's imagination, disturbing combination of human judgement, redemption, replace rural, unexplored Louisiana with comfy LA and you get this... thing. six minute uncut, disturbing insight into human psyche with unspoken words, CGI that are not there to make it more interesting but actually having a meaning, and music that perfectly fits the atmosphere of the setting - i don't believe such thing will be ever possible in this season.
    it feels forced, unnecessary. cheap

    it might be interesting. but not as another part of True Detective. you cannot match perfection.    … Expand
  31. sshpv
    Jun 30, 2015
    6
    It's good, but not great. Season 2 has it's strong sides, such as cast and directing, but the plot is just middling, never bringing a fresh idea or plot twist. We've already seen it all.
  32. snagglepuss
    Jun 29, 2015
    2
    Meandering character development of characters that feel fake and phony. Just take the darkness and grumbling from Season 1 and slap it onto season 2 - none of the magic or what made season 1 any good. None of the characters are even that interesting and that's why they doubled up and have given 4 of them now. Rachel McAdams likes rough sex - why is this info I needed when the audienceMeandering character development of characters that feel fake and phony. Just take the darkness and grumbling from Season 1 and slap it onto season 2 - none of the magic or what made season 1 any good. None of the characters are even that interesting and that's why they doubled up and have given 4 of them now. Rachel McAdams likes rough sex - why is this info I needed when the audience first meets her? Vince Vaughn was eaten by rats as a kid. Lame. Day 2 he ran out of food day 3 the light bulb went out day 4 the rats came. Just bad exposition and lame character dev.. Really had high hopes for the show but now after watching episode 2 - I can tell that with 20% of the show now out - I don't know why anyone would want to continue with this really unnecessarily convoluted but not interesting storyline with characters that are all dark/depressing/cynical.… Expand
  33. jferreir
    Jun 29, 2015
    2
    Season 1 was known for its creative and convincing dialogue with moving performances. Season 2 is so bad it makes me wish True Detective was never created in the first place. The casting is downright terrible -- Ferrell is his predictably cliched 'detective with a moustache', while Vaughn ominously walks around screen trying to look serious as the viewer patiently waits for the punchSeason 1 was known for its creative and convincing dialogue with moving performances. Season 2 is so bad it makes me wish True Detective was never created in the first place. The casting is downright terrible -- Ferrell is his predictably cliched 'detective with a moustache', while Vaughn ominously walks around screen trying to look serious as the viewer patiently waits for the punch line/Owen Wilson. Dialogue isn't nearly as interesting or deep, the characters aren't nearly as developed, and the entire story-line feels like it was thrown together at the last minute to meet some arbitrary deadline. There is literally nothing about this show that makes me want to continue watching it.

    In short, Season 2 is such a flop that it makes Rachel McAdams appear less attractive by extension. Someone deserves to lose their job over this.    … Expand
  34. DanniBoi
    Jun 29, 2015
    10
    This show has an incredible character development behind it and yet soon to be reveal. The first season was all about the environment and the dark and twitted atmosphere those character from the 1st season where into. But this one has and more tone down theme, but what holds it together and in a deep concept is the characters this actors play. How everything develops in its own right,This show has an incredible character development behind it and yet soon to be reveal. The first season was all about the environment and the dark and twitted atmosphere those character from the 1st season where into. But this one has and more tone down theme, but what holds it together and in a deep concept is the characters this actors play. How everything develops in its own right, alongside with the character development is a slow and steady intrigue to be discovered.… Expand
  35. PaulSoleil
    Jun 27, 2015
    1
    Instead of something new and fresh for the second season (the advantage to an anthology, the ability to re-invent), this feels like a cheap knockoff of season 1. Maybe not so bad, since season 1 is easily brilliant (enough to overlook the satisfying conclusion), but Justin Lin's directing fails to communicate the story in any stylish or coherent way. (even the trailers looked like aInstead of something new and fresh for the second season (the advantage to an anthology, the ability to re-invent), this feels like a cheap knockoff of season 1. Maybe not so bad, since season 1 is easily brilliant (enough to overlook the satisfying conclusion), but Justin Lin's directing fails to communicate the story in any stylish or coherent way. (even the trailers looked like a Lifetime cop show). I'll keep watching, just like when you go to your high school reunion and see your old high school crush is now 330lbs, but you still stare at her to try to see the girl you once liked so much. I can see the actors trying....and maybe that's a problem....… Expand
  36. Idiota150
    Jun 26, 2015
    2
    Disappointment starts at the intro already and then there's just nothing that ever becomes remotely interesting. Rather than introducing some intriguing crime (barely comes up), we get to watch a full ensemble of people with more problems then your general population. If it's gonna revolve around these unbearable characters I'm not watching.
  37. Qldgamer
    Jun 25, 2015
    1
    Rambling swear fest. The flipping back and forth between now and what happened is over used and distracts from the show.

    In the end all the characters are pretty unlikable and thus I don't give a @#$ about them.
  38. trooper1993
    Jun 25, 2015
    5
    It is most certainly premature to judge this tv show from its premiere as each director has a different approach to build up. However, although sad to admit this new season has failed to provide any form of absorbing elements seen in the previous season from the start and has to some extent severely disappointed the loyal fans.

    Colin Farrell attempt to reincarnate Mcconaughey's    It is most certainly premature to judge this tv show from its premiere as each director has a different approach to build up. However, although sad to admit this new season has failed to provide any form of absorbing elements seen in the previous season from the start and has to some extent severely disappointed the loyal fans.

    Colin Farrell attempt to reincarnate Mcconaughey's character feels like lazy and recycled writing. Vince Vaughn doesn't fit in these type of TV shows as much as Dwayne Johnson can't do comedy (Tooth fairy). His type of role has been embedded in cement within the realms of trash comedy.

    Ultimately this show feels like the usual detective show you find late at night on cable TV. I'm confident it will get better (hopefully) but can already safely assume that it won't match the first season by a milestone.    … Expand
  39. albacromby
    Jun 25, 2015
    10
    Come on! You know it's going to get good! We have Crazy dad, Crazy sister and Tiger Woods. Nothing simple can come out of this. I'm excited to see how the players fit and how they become True Detectives.
  40. conchis
    Jun 24, 2015
    0
    The cast of season 2 is perfect for a comedy series. Colin Farrell tries a lot to smoke and drink like Matthew did in season 1 but it's just not the same. You can't really make up for a bad story by making the protagonist drink and smoke in style. In the end, what made season 1 so damn good was not only the outstanding performance of the protagonists, but also the deep storyline thatThe cast of season 2 is perfect for a comedy series. Colin Farrell tries a lot to smoke and drink like Matthew did in season 1 but it's just not the same. You can't really make up for a bad story by making the protagonist drink and smoke in style. In the end, what made season 1 so damn good was not only the outstanding performance of the protagonists, but also the deep storyline that combined drama, adventure, occult elements and horror. Season 1 had purpose, season 2 apparently doesn't and quite frankly this first episode is the worst premiere I have ever seen.… Expand
  41. jayman69
    Jun 24, 2015
    9
    Wow without having seen season 1 I checked out the first episode of season 2 I loved the eerieness to it and the nods to Stanley Kubrick and David Lynch through the film with its wide shot and aerial shots the performances are amazing and intrigues me to watch more I loved the music and some people reviewed that they hated it but I thought it fit well I look forward to watching more ofWow without having seen season 1 I checked out the first episode of season 2 I loved the eerieness to it and the nods to Stanley Kubrick and David Lynch through the film with its wide shot and aerial shots the performances are amazing and intrigues me to watch more I loved the music and some people reviewed that they hated it but I thought it fit well I look forward to watching more of this and seeing the characters develop and what their motivations are. I've been wanting to see season one so I can't compare it but I love this so far… Expand
  42. andreasng
    Jun 24, 2015
    6
    Season one was one of the most modern and compelling crime series of this decade. It kept itself short and good, if something was a bit off it was the ending, but that is up for discussion. S1 was good, very good. It was slow, soecific, focused and most of all very very compelling. The characters was charming in every way.

    S2 has gone downhill. It is fast, storytelling-wise, it tells    Season one was one of the most modern and compelling crime series of this decade. It kept itself short and good, if something was a bit off it was the ending, but that is up for discussion. S1 was good, very good. It was slow, soecific, focused and most of all very very compelling. The characters was charming in every way.

    S2 has gone downhill. It is fast, storytelling-wise, it tells the audience "stuff" - and it tells the audience alot of it. "Stuff" can be interesting, "stuff" can be the difference between a plausible world and an implausible world. The characters seems less different than the characters in the last season. But most interesting of all, the first episode end with a desire to tell me more, but leaves me with a desire to not really follow the series no more. That is a tough thing to say, and I will watch the future episodes, but the fact that it doesn't give me some sort of cliff to hang on to is not good. 7 episodes to make up for it, if it ends "better" than S1 then I'll be happy as well.

    First impression, not super good. Sadly.    … Expand
  43. Nikola
    Jun 23, 2015
    8
    I watch pilot.
    In first 20 mins, were pretty confused and messed .
    but as the episode is nearing the end of an impression on the TV series grew better and better.
  44. Ravens1294
    Jun 23, 2015
    5
    The premiere was pretty good. The characters are very intriguing, the acting is very good, the cinematography was great and I'm interested in the case.
  45. Axgrinder
    Jun 23, 2015
    2
    I was a big fan of Season 1 of True Detective. The end of Season 1 was like getting off a carnival thrill ride. It was a bit of downer to learn that the Season 1 finale represented the end of the ride, and I had to adjust to the idea that Season 2 would tell a new story involving different characters. Like many, I was skeptical about the new cast (Vince Vaughn and Colin Farrell), butI was a big fan of Season 1 of True Detective. The end of Season 1 was like getting off a carnival thrill ride. It was a bit of downer to learn that the Season 1 finale represented the end of the ride, and I had to adjust to the idea that Season 2 would tell a new story involving different characters. Like many, I was skeptical about the new cast (Vince Vaughn and Colin Farrell), but I’ve known what was coming for quite some time, and I’ve had time to adjust (lower) my expectations.
    What I wasn’t prepared for was the change in Directors. Gone (unfortunately) is Cary Fukunaga, replaced by Justin Lin. Lin tries to be highly stylized with lots of close ups of Colin Farrell’s face with the lighting just so. It’s sort of reminiscent of Michael Mann and the movie Miami Vice, but without the color or sultry heat of the Miami night. Overall the direction comes across style over substance.
    The story line is also underwhelming. Last season, the crime scene in opening episode hooked me like a big river catfish, and I couldn’t turn away. The plot simmered slowly like an all-day Louisiana Gumbo, and the story behind the two main characters unfolded like a slow southern drawl. I savored the way the show took its time letting me discover the characters, their histories and their deep flaws. You might not understand them, but you could empathize with and root for them.
    The opening episode of Season 2 fell flat. It was like, “Episode 1: Everything you need to know about the characters and their flaws. This year we have four main characters instead of two and we don’t have time to develop the back story of each character so, we’re just gonna throw all our cards down on the table and get on with the main story.” Not surprisingly, the pace felt forced. The episode also lacked drama. Instead of dramatic tension, there was dramatic music, much too much dramatic music, telegraphing the coming of each new scene. The music was a like a sitcom laugh track, trying to make me feel something that wasn’t there.
    Rachel McAdam usually gets cast to play “nice girl” roles and it will be interesting to see how see does as a cop with anger issues and a dysfunctional sister and father. Dysfunctional is putting it nicely. Her sister is an on-line “entertainer” and her father, unable to cope with the world, has withdrawn to a life of teaching platitudes in an ashram. The problem isn’t that the characters have messy lives. The problem is that the characters are sendups. It’s hard to identify with or feel any empathy toward any of them. Here’s hoping S2,E1 is an aberration.    … Expand
  46. Shimmyan
    Jun 22, 2015
    8
    Pretty solid from the very start, a lot of information to assimilate in the first episode, a lot of talk and character stories, the pace is different compared to the first season, but I avoid as much a I can to think about Season 1 while watching Season 2. Rust and Marty and the actors performing aren't coming back, we have to get over it to enjoy this new season. It will be impossible toPretty solid from the very start, a lot of information to assimilate in the first episode, a lot of talk and character stories, the pace is different compared to the first season, but I avoid as much a I can to think about Season 1 while watching Season 2. Rust and Marty and the actors performing aren't coming back, we have to get over it to enjoy this new season. It will be impossible to match last season's quality.

    The plot is more of a mainstream crime story this time like we are more used to (mob, cops, deal going wrong implicating everyone), just hoping it won't get too mainstream and please don't make Rachel McAdams's character an invention to please that yapping feminist audience.

    I found the writing and character play quite convincing for now, even though the protagonists seem to have an overly dramatic background, maybe to compensate on the lack of darkness we have this time. I just hope it won't go too much on the self-pity pathos, yet it is going to be hard to fit four in depth character stories in 8 episodes.

    It is still too early to judge, yet it has been confirmed that the story picks up pretty fast after the couple of first episodes.

    How official press critic reviewers manage to give this a 62 after seeing three or four episodes, while promoting recent examples of garbage writing and acting like GoT Season 5 and the entire Walking Dead series with 80s and 90s is BEYOND ME.    … Expand
  47. morpheuswalrus
    Jun 22, 2015
    3
    Imagine if twin peaks season 3 was made by michael bay. It was like a bad episode of the X-files, but without any monsters or aliens. Unless I hear some VERY good things, I won't be tuning in again.
  48. Knighthawk81
    Jun 22, 2015
    6
    I loved the first season of "True Detective," the aesthetic appeal, the slow burn of the narrative, and the powerful performances. But I didn't love its first episode. The same might end up being true of the second season. The premiere was OK, but it wasn't incredibly compelling. This could certainly develop, and I like the actors here, but the premiere felt like a let down.
  49. shadow47
    Jun 22, 2015
    5
    This season of True Detective is bad by its own merits. We needn't compare it to the stellar season 1 to reach that conclusion. The dialog is fragmented and full of nonsensical one-liners that are passed on as profound, the main characters all seem slightly different variations of each other, and the acting is too stiff and monotonous. I mean, I have always wanted to ask this of someone inThis season of True Detective is bad by its own merits. We needn't compare it to the stellar season 1 to reach that conclusion. The dialog is fragmented and full of nonsensical one-liners that are passed on as profound, the main characters all seem slightly different variations of each other, and the acting is too stiff and monotonous. I mean, I have always wanted to ask this of someone in the business: Does Taylor Kitsch have some powerful uncle in Hollywood? Because he has been bad in every film and TV show that I've seen him. And yet he still gets major roles everywhere. Anyway.

    However the central mystery of this season ends up unwinding, very well or very bad, it will not mitigate from its many mediocrities and shortcomings that were clearly evident in episode 1.

    P.S. Some people will give this season unjustifiably high ratings to "offset" what they believe to be malicious scoring by "non-fans". But if you look at my review of season 1, you'll see that I gave it a deserved 10/10.

    P.P.S. I did enjoy the music, including the opening theme. That is why it gets a 5 instead of a 3 from me.    … Expand
  50. qwerty8883
    Jun 22, 2015
    0
    Imagine an inferior version of season 1 without harrelson/mcconaughey. So far not worth waiting for the next episode. Wait until its out and watch it in a marathon as episode one was trash with very bad acting, overt hints at placating feminist criticism and VV as an unconvincing bad guy. Borefest
  51. Ariel90
    Jun 21, 2015
    9
    (Based on episode 1) An almost perfect set up episode, Colin Farrel was excellent, but this season can't be that slow, we need some action in the next few episodes.
  52. quincytheodore
    Jun 21, 2015
    8
    Different formula and larger scale, the rustic crime thriller is still bizarrely appealing. Season two is made with the purpose of not copying the plot of the first. It presents many perspectives in the span of one hour and less philosophical undertone. Despite many characters in play in relatively short time, the material and the performance by the cast are structurally solid. Pacing isDifferent formula and larger scale, the rustic crime thriller is still bizarrely appealing. Season two is made with the purpose of not copying the plot of the first. It presents many perspectives in the span of one hour and less philosophical undertone. Despite many characters in play in relatively short time, the material and the performance by the cast are structurally solid. Pacing is fast as it weaves more content, although I must admit, I do miss Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson exchanging banters.

    The first episode deals mostly in characters' introduction by shifting between them in rapid pace. Colin Farrell as Detective Velcoro is looking strong on-screen. He embodies more of the exhausted police role than the rest, his character is volatile and definitely unfriendly. With his traumatic past, the only thing he seems to care about is his son, yet the relationship might not be healthy as his flaws are jarring. Taylor Kitsch plays Paul Woodrugh, a highway patrol. Secretive and disgruntled, he appears highly enigmatic. There's a calm air about him, not in suave manner, just eerie.

    Vince Vaughn as Frank Semyon is an odd addition, he's the cloak-and-dagger type business man. The show ventures a bit to political side with him, although his past with another character seems dubiously illicit. Rachel McAdams is a wild card. Her role as Detective Ani Bezzerides is probably the one with most reality drama worthy family, with webcam adult artist as sister and religious hermit as the father. It's unclear how the chemistry between them would manifest since they haven't spent much time stuck with each other, though the performance by the major actors are definitely presentable.

    For the production, it still exemplifies the quirky dusty ambiance from last season. There are plenty of high panoramic shots, mostly with cloudy and barren tone. Soundtracks of humming instrument and slow songs make for the striking sense of isolation. To its credit, the first episode packs a lot of content, although the script isn't as thought provoking as before.

    Whether season will reach the prominence of the first remains to be seen, people understandably expect it to be. However, with good cast and alluring dry atmosphere, it is still an engaging crime thriller on its own right.    … Expand
  53. Raven25
    Jun 21, 2015
    4
    Let me start out by saying I had high hopes for this after season 1. I really was a fan. But season 2 is a let down. Pure and simple. Nothing terrible, just not interesting or entertaining, and simply not worth the time and effort to follow.

    The story is not particularly cohesive, the acting is truly down a notch (or several). There don't really appear to be many themes, and the ones    Let me start out by saying I had high hopes for this after season 1. I really was a fan. But season 2 is a let down. Pure and simple. Nothing terrible, just not interesting or entertaining, and simply not worth the time and effort to follow.

    The story is not particularly cohesive, the acting is truly down a notch (or several). There don't really appear to be many themes, and the ones that exist aren't particularly interesting. I think that the series has turned away from being character driven to being plot driven. This is a mistake.

    A significant part of the series seems to have been a response to feminist criticism of what was a brilliant first season. I guess this is the difference between a TV series that unashamedly wants to create something brilliant and a TV series that is so scared of critics that it panders to them at the expense of engaging with anything interesting.

    All I can say to the writers is: challenge me with something, don't give me a bunch of people with problems circling each other. To the directors: bring back the eerie suspense of season 1 and the darkness that all characters go through, the appeal of season 1 was that both lead characters went through a very dark shared experience and their worldviews determined what they got out of it as well as what they shared with each other. Don't give me a bunch of alcoholics with anger problems and daddy issues.    … Expand
  54. M3R1D1U5
    Jun 21, 2015
    9
    Slow, but full of power, True Detective 2 maintains the tension and drama within the first season, with the omnipresence of a supernatural factor moving around every corner. Just give it some time, and prepare yourself to enter a new level of entertainment.

    A band apart is the photography, cinematography and cast. It may not be a Matthew McCounaghey tri-force, but its still soon to judge.
  55. Pinkman_94
    Jun 21, 2015
    8
    It started slow,but I think it will improve,it was pretty similar to former season's first episode.I like very much Farrel's performance,the best for me so far.Mc Adams and Kitsch were good,I hope they get better through next episodes.A good start for one of my favorite Tv Shows
  56. Justin765
    Jun 21, 2015
    8
    Although not as instantaneously additive or thought provoking as the first season's premiere, "The Western Book of the Dead" still serves as a intriguing start point to what looks like a promising season forthcoming.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
56
#56 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: John Anderson
    Jun 23, 2015
    50
    True Deetective is both underwritten and over-plotted.
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  2. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Jun 22, 2015
    75
    It’s difficult to like or root for any of the four, making this one difficult watch. Still, creator and writer Nic Pizzolatto has a knack for storytelling and character development. Especially intriguing is Farrell.
    Read full review
  3. Kansas City Star
    Reviewed by: Sara Smith
    Jun 22, 2015
    60
    Although it was wise not to try to repeat the double interrogation format of the first season, there are clever nods to those closed-room confessionals, and the show eventually eases into rewarding drive-and-talks between Farrell and McAdams.... What keeps this Detective from being quite as compelling as the first is the lack of early focus.
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