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. Johnth10
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    Do not listen to reviews which compare it negatively with season 1. This one is just as good, maybe even better, but it's different style. Writer was smart enough, not to try to remake the first season, it would've been bad. It isn't. It's brilliant. Except for the intro song which is absolutely terrible. Just cut the sound on it, and enjoy the rest.
  2. geewah
    Jan 10, 2021
    7
    Not as bad as a lot of people are making out, but still a considerable drop in form from the first season. I don't mind the completely different direction the series has taken, just needs a better and more original story.
  3. RaduA
    Feb 23, 2019
    7
    70/100

    I'm disappointed. The first season was really exciting, but this one did not really interest me.
  4. razavidavi
    Feb 9, 2019
    2
    Where do I start. Season 1 was excellent. The performances by McConaughey and Harrelson were top notch. The story was compelling, albeit a little abstract and then rushed to its conclusion.

    Season 2 was the exact opposite. I always wonder how this happens to something that was created with so much promise. The characters are all unlikable in the sense that you don't care about them. The    Where do I start. Season 1 was excellent. The performances by McConaughey and Harrelson were top notch. The story was compelling, albeit a little abstract and then rushed to its conclusion.

    Season 2 was the exact opposite. I always wonder how this happens to something that was created with so much promise. The characters are all unlikable in the sense that you don't care about them. The lines are very abstract for the sake of being abstract, with zero substance. Everything about this season screams pretentious and lacking substance. All the characters are flawed, yet band together for an altruistic mission. Come on give me a joke.

    Predictable at times, boring throughout, this is the fabric of a show that had a lot of promised, but burned on its own substance less grandeur. Somebody in the production process of this show really thought they had something that resembled a masterpiece, and hey with such a great cast and directing, sure you could have. But then you get this. its like a really good cut of rib eye steak. You pay top dollar. By the time you get home, your famished. You have all the right ingredients, you cook it for the right amount of time, it looks great. One bite, and you realize you under cooked it. All that went to waste. Now you could throw it back on the cast iron, but after its cooled down, your likely to get leather like steak. Gross.

    Luckily, Season 3 doesn't suffer this same fate. So there's that.    … Expand
  5. buddhalou
    Jan 21, 2019
    7
    Falls into the good, but not great category for me. Bit of a let-down and definitely not on par with the perfection of the first season, but still very watchable.
  6. Luhter
    Jan 13, 2019
    9
    Well, the second season is completely different than the first. And I get it, people wanted a sequel.
    They didn't get one. And it never was supposed to be one in the first place.
    Where the season 2 failed, is that is too convoluted for a show that airs weekly on TV. You definitely have to watch it in a shorter time span to keep up with the details. But it would be unfair to rate the    Well, the second season is completely different than the first. And I get it, people wanted a sequel.
    They didn't get one. And it never was supposed to be one in the first place.

    Where the season 2 failed, is that is too convoluted for a show that airs weekly on TV. You definitely have to watch it in a shorter time span to keep up with the details. But it would be unfair to rate the show based on this. 10 years ago this would be a no-no, sure, but now with the popularity of netflix streaming you can't judge based on this.

    If you disliked the show initially, try this, watch the show in a week, max 2 weeks span. It will completely change the perspective.

    It's more intense, fast paced and interesting than the first season. But it doesn't have the flair of the first season's characters and the story misses the dark mystery of the first. It also fails at the end to tie the story in a great ending.    … Expand
  7. Gavalanche
    Jan 8, 2019
    9
    I actually really enjoyed this season, more than the first, strangely. There are masterful hands at work here.

    There is a lot to love.... for those who can see...
  8. prms
    Jul 31, 2018
    8
    No, it's not the masterpiece season one is, and it's cheesy now and again, and the plot is very complicated (though i think that's a strong point) But it's still great. I love the brooding vibe, the moral ambivalence of the main characters , the epic scope. I feel like a lot of people are hating on this cause they want it to be something else, instead of appreciating it for what it is.
  9. PolpredoX
    Jul 17, 2018
    9
    To the undecided, here's my story.

    I launched the first episode of season 2, I'm on my couch at the end of the afternoon. The opening titles "meh, I prefered the S1 opening title...". I paused the episode. "What the heck ? What's with the attitude ? Give it chance. Let's say you're watching a cop story. No more, no less". I tap the space bar, the episode credits roll. The morning    To the undecided, here's my story.

    I launched the first episode of season 2, I'm on my couch at the end of the afternoon. The opening titles "meh, I prefered the S1 opening title...". I paused the episode. "What the heck ? What's with the attitude ? Give it chance. Let's say you're watching a cop story. No more, no less". I tap the space bar, the episode credits roll.

    The morning after, I can tell you that this was more than a cop story. This was amazing. The actors were amazing. I mean, goddamn it, you need to see it to believe it.The story was. The music, goddamn Lera Lynn you're a genius, a muse of tears and sorrow, you leech my pain away. **** is not to be kidding with. Don't listen the rumors, watch it.    … Expand
  10. annbd
    Jun 29, 2018
    2
    Because I have burned, I feel it's necessary to warn all the people out there, who have watched the masterpiece, that is the first season and they are satisfied and happy about it. So.. Do NOT waste your time with this total s**t !! Second season of True Detective is completely unsuccessful and most of all disappointing.
  11. stevenf49
    May 25, 2018
    8
    O.k. , it wasn't up to Season 1...BUT hardly any other show is either. Rachel and Collin deserve a 10 Rating-their chemistry worked for me and the shame of it all is they we wont have them around anymore. Despite the bad writing, the show still had me interested in the characters. Even Vince's one note acting had me wanting to see what was going to happen to him. Bring on Season 3 thru 50.
  12. BeastJ18
    Apr 27, 2018
    8
    While this season is a huge insult to the near perfection that is Season 1 (see my other review)... It gets a lot of very harsh criticism. The direction is great, the performances are still very good and all other elements are fantastic. The only exception being the writing, I don't really need to discuss what was sub-par as many others have. While this is the only poor factor, it is ofWhile this season is a huge insult to the near perfection that is Season 1 (see my other review)... It gets a lot of very harsh criticism. The direction is great, the performances are still very good and all other elements are fantastic. The only exception being the writing, I don't really need to discuss what was sub-par as many others have. While this is the only poor factor, it is of course very important.… Expand
  13. 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
  14. cottandy
    Mar 1, 2018
    9
    The second season. Let's begin with that it's an another story, so don't hope for a sequel. It is very good too, but not as great as the first one in any aspect. If you like this genre, you won't be dissapointed any way, so if you ask, whether you should watch it or no? It's a yes!
  15. agentdocent
    Nov 4, 2017
    10
    Все великолепно, поначало кажется что второй сезон проигрывает первому по всем параметрам, но к концу он раскрывается по полной и показывается себя отличной драмой
  16. abm0
    Sep 7, 2016
    9
    I have to believe people were expecting S2 to be S1 all over again, otherwise I can't explain the bad ratings they gave it, together with the critics. But then if it had been a reiteration of S1 they would've complained that it was a reiteration. I think their expectations got so warped out of shape by how good S1 was that they forgot to stay rational. And now we have this indefensiblyI have to believe people were expecting S2 to be S1 all over again, otherwise I can't explain the bad ratings they gave it, together with the critics. But then if it had been a reiteration of S1 they would've complained that it was a reiteration. I think their expectations got so warped out of shape by how good S1 was that they forgot to stay rational. And now we have this indefensibly deplorable score for S2 even though it was a very satisfying, dark and complex story, just one notch below the quality of S1.… Expand
  17. eagleeyeviking
    Sep 2, 2016
    6
    True Detective maintains the first season's trait of developing its characters and delivering a grim but thought provoking outlook at the world, but where this season falters is its plot. It is simply too convoluted with too many characters and backstories to follow. The payoff in the end is also sloppily done, a disappointment given that the second season was interesting until a point.
  18. smithjbran
    Jul 31, 2016
    6
    There are a number of very interesting elements at play in this second season of True Detective, from the central mystery at its core - one which may reference such iconic Hollywood entries at The Maltese Falcon - to at least some of the performances.
  19. martincm1910
    Jul 24, 2016
    10
    This is probably one of the most underrated season in the history of seasons. The plot of this one is beyond this world. Incredible performances (Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch, Vince Vaughn, Colin Farrell, Kelly Reilly) and the history develops pretty well.
  20. LKeyes
    Jun 12, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. True Detective Season 2 rocked. Well acted, Well written, Suspenseful and a mystery that dragged all the way to the end. Any comparisons to Season 1 is a waste of time. Season 2 stands on its own merits. Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams, Colin Farrell, Taylor Kitsch and an entire supporting cast is excellent. Nothing is cut and dry and the good guys are not always the good guys, but thankfully they are in far better shape than the ones they are after- a full on corrupted government and police department. This was very entertaining viewing and I did the smart thing- I rented the DVD and watched the whole thing.
    I would recommend this series highly.    … Expand
  21. sehecman
    May 26, 2016
    1
    Undeniably television's greatest letdown of 2015. Both characters and plot are boring and incapable of evoking any sort of emotion. Colin Farrell's character is too **** to be likable, and not **** enough to be interesting. Vince Vaughn gets awkwardly two-dimensional. Taylor Kitsch never even develops. Only Rachel McAdams avoids being a complete disaster, and her character is a walkingUndeniably television's greatest letdown of 2015. Both characters and plot are boring and incapable of evoking any sort of emotion. Colin Farrell's character is too **** to be likable, and not **** enough to be interesting. Vince Vaughn gets awkwardly two-dimensional. Taylor Kitsch never even develops. Only Rachel McAdams avoids being a complete disaster, and her character is a walking cliche. Furthermore the writing is dreadful; the characters don't seem to care about solving this murder, so why should we? To think that this drivel comes from the same series that gave us one of TV's greatest seasons ever is just downright depressing.… Expand
  22. night4
    Apr 26, 2016
    0
    Terrible story, mumbling actors, unlikeable characters and forced drama sum up this season. It's a shame, too, because season 1 was really compelling, if not exactly earth-shattering.
  23. Mike_M
    Apr 15, 2016
    1
    Now, if you're really smart, you can use what you learned from season 2 being terrible to go back and watch season 1 and understand that it was also well-made, well-acted, well-shot garbage storytelling.
  24. LatinCritic13
    Mar 29, 2016
    8
    After the second season of True Detective ended it ended out okay but not as good compared to the previous season. However, I liked the second season of this show but there are negative things that I didn't like about this season when the show ended like that. And also I like to debunk this review in a pros and cons points to see what are the good things or bad things about this season..After the second season of True Detective ended it ended out okay but not as good compared to the previous season. However, I liked the second season of this show but there are negative things that I didn't like about this season when the show ended like that. And also I like to debunk this review in a pros and cons points to see what are the good things or bad things about this season..

    PROS:
    + Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch, Kelly Reilly, and Vince Vaughn's performances
    + T-Bone Burnett's haunting score
    + Excellent soundtrack choices that lighten up the tone for this season
    + The last four episodes spice's things up
    + That orgy infiltration party scene
    + Physical action and shootouts scenes

    CONS:
    - Too much stories on other main characters makes this season confusing to watch
    - There are awkward moments in writing that affects the actor's performances
    - All these stories together should've extend about 4 more episodes instead of 8
    - Too many directors directing different episodes which makes the first half of this season so confusing to watch
    - The ending of this season was disappointing with no happy ending compared to the previous god-like season
    FINAL NOTE: This latest installment of True Detective is good still but not that satisfying enough to entertain the audience that came from the last season like me. However, I still love True Detective no matter what but it is better that Nic Pizzolatto to take his time really slowly. Because I noticed that this show feels rushed when the first season started out very steadily. Word an advice Nic, take your time if you want to put a lot of things in your show why not just extend it about 2 or 4 episodes for once and look for a better director next time instead of you having to get all directors direct different episode at once.
    VERDICT: 8/10    … Expand
  25. SergioV
    Feb 17, 2016
    7
    Standing alone, True Detective Season 2 is a thrilling Crime Drama, however when compared to it's anthological first season, it's no match. Unfortunately for me, it seems as if they have tried just too hard to make the characters hard-boiled and gritty, and the plot way too complex.
  26. SirBill
    Feb 3, 2016
    0
    If you enjoyed True Detective Season One, you should cherish that memory and stay away from season two. It has a slow start, seems like it might be going somewhere in the middle but then never does.... the behaviors of the writers seemed to think that they could emulate character growth by the characters behaving inconsistently, the ending is awful leaving many loose ends, unrealisticIf you enjoyed True Detective Season One, you should cherish that memory and stay away from season two. It has a slow start, seems like it might be going somewhere in the middle but then never does.... the behaviors of the writers seemed to think that they could emulate character growth by the characters behaving inconsistently, the ending is awful leaving many loose ends, unrealistic actions and generally all around unsatisfying. Not to mention they make you think there may be some supernatural elements as in S1, but those never come to fruition. This is a waste of good TV time that you could literally fill with ANY other TC show to better effect. In the end I was left wishing I had never watched it.… Expand
  27. Jspotter89
    Dec 14, 2015
    6
    Season 2 of True Detective is certainly something of a letdown. Gone is the character interactions and quality of writing that drove the first season to such heights. Instead, Season 2 gives us double the protagonists, about half the quality interaction between them, and not a shred of humor (intentional or otherwise) in its entire 8 episodes.

    Seriously, these are four broken human    Season 2 of True Detective is certainly something of a letdown. Gone is the character interactions and quality of writing that drove the first season to such heights. Instead, Season 2 gives us double the protagonists, about half the quality interaction between them, and not a shred of humor (intentional or otherwise) in its entire 8 episodes.

    Seriously, these are four broken human beings caught in the middle of an impenetrable mystery involving shadowy organizations, clandestine individuals, and layers upon layers of what can only be described as 'HUH?!?' Even in hindsight, having watched the whole season, I cannot wrap my mind around the conspiracy and events that transpired. The first three episodes are painfully obscured, which is okay given that the show is a mystery story, but you need the audience to be able to grasp certain elements of your mystery even from the outset.

    Revisiting the characters...they are well acted, certainly. Colin Farrell especially shines in his role. But the bottom line is that these characters are broken human beings, so morose and depressing that watching their story unfold is more burdensome than it is entertaining. It's not that Rust Cohle and Martin Hart were cut-ups, but they were able to jest every once in awhile. I can't recall a single instance of these characters laughing once the whole season. There are literally scenes where Farrell and Vaughn are in a bar (complete with mopey guitar-girl who shows up entirely too much), and they appear to be holding a contest to determine which one can look more forlorn. It's one thing to be "hard-boiled" and quite another to be clinically depressive.

    The anthology aspect of True Detective is one of the most interesting parts of the show. The bottom line that it provides is that, if one season is lackluster, as TD:S2 was, it doesn't necessarily mean that the entire series is screwed. Lets hope they course-correct back to greatness in Season 3.    … Expand
  28. Jgl02
    Dec 12, 2015
    5
    I'm not a movie or show critic in the sense of the word, but compared to the first season, the second season really lacked.... something. I can't put my finger on it but I guess the whole premise, or plot, was weak. An oversexed, highly messed up in the head female detective; I like Colin Farrell, but he seems not to bring what he has, if he has something, onto this show.
  29. MightyThor
    Oct 21, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Judged on its own season 2 of True Detective isn't that awful. It did keep my attention and I watched the whole thing in three days. It had exciting moments. But there are a couple gigantic flaws with it.

    First Vince Vaughn's acting sucks. He is the exact same character as he is in every movie, old school, wedding crashers, swingers. The way he delivers his dialogue could be right out of one of those movies, I just can't take him seriously. Like that inside is solid gold speech to Stan's kid, it sounded like he'd go you're a winner Mikey! at any moment, exact same delivery, just doesn't sound genuine. Same thing when he was conceding the club to Osip at the end, how Osip fell for that I have no idea cus it wasn't even close to genuine.

    Secondly the plot was stupid. It tried too hard when really it was just a boring government corruption plot with a tiny twist of the two orphan's thrown in.

    The end was entirely predictable, and really just one of those bummer endings for bummer ending's sake. I thought a more clever ending where everyone ends up ok would have been harder to do but worth it. It felt like a cop out. And way too sterotypical, bad cop falls in love with his partner in the end, yeah saw that coming too.

    The characters themselves were interesting but they were horrible detectives. I mean they sucked at seeing the obvious. This shouldn't have taken this many episodes to figure out the conspiracy.

    Things I did like, Rachel Mcadam's and Colin Ferral's acting was superb even if they were hamstrung by their limited dialogue at times. Mcadam's character was too one dimensional as well, but her acting made the character feel genuine. Taylor Kitsch was also amazing in his role.

    It's not an awful show but just pales in comparison to the original and really tries way too hard to be something it wasn't. This is basically an 8 episode version of a Michel Mann action flick like heat or something, not a psychological thriller like the first season. An example, when Ani is at the sex party the music goes all classical on us for the flashbacks. It was confusing, didn't fit any other parts of the show. I think they just threw it in to be artsy and edgy and it did not work at all.    … Expand
  30. NotoriousFraud
    Oct 8, 2015
    5
    It's always hard to live up to expectations, especially after the lightning in a bottle which was the first season. But what really bugs me is that there is little to no cohesiveness in this seasons plot, don't get me wrong there are some really terrific performances here even though there is twice the amount of desired main characters there should be, but it's also at the service of weakIt's always hard to live up to expectations, especially after the lightning in a bottle which was the first season. But what really bugs me is that there is little to no cohesiveness in this seasons plot, don't get me wrong there are some really terrific performances here even though there is twice the amount of desired main characters there should be, but it's also at the service of weak as hell writing thanks to a rushed script. Listen, i'm not one to be quick to says it's hands down the worst premium television season this year, but that won't exactly make up for slack pacing and the 'what the hell was that ?' brain fart of a season finale. The final verdict, well Mr. Pizzolatto, 'That little detail, maybe, way down the line, breaks the case.'… Expand
  31. hazmaz
    Oct 5, 2015
    10
    I loved the second season! And only reviewing because I want a third! If not for Rust being one of the best tv characters ever in the first season, I think I would have liked the second more. Vince Vaungh took some getting used too, but ended up being great!
  32. asmanraj
    Oct 3, 2015
    0
    After the brilliance of season one, the deadly dullness of season two is just depressing. I sat through all eight episodes and thought doing so was a chore. This season had no redeeming qualities. This is easily the worst show of 2015 that I've seen so far. After this tragedy of a season, I hope there's no season three. A Metascore of 61 is way too generous. I hope this season doesn't getAfter the brilliance of season one, the deadly dullness of season two is just depressing. I sat through all eight episodes and thought doing so was a chore. This season had no redeeming qualities. This is easily the worst show of 2015 that I've seen so far. After this tragedy of a season, I hope there's no season three. A Metascore of 61 is way too generous. I hope this season doesn't get any award nominations, especially when there are brilliant shows that get snubbed every year. When I heard that Vince Vaughn was cast in a dramatic role, I was immediately skeptical, and I was right to be. As Rolling Stone wrote, this season is "True Defective". Avoid.… Expand
  33. TheApplegnome
    Sep 17, 2015
    5
    The second continuation failed to deliver almost everything that the first one became famous for. It’s not as unique, inventive or artistic. But it's still stylish, and of course beautifully shot. But it’s not even close to the first entry.

    One of the greatest aspects with the first season was the incredible characters. I was so obsessed and attached to them. The story was also a major    The second continuation failed to deliver almost everything that the first one became famous for. It’s not as unique, inventive or artistic. But it's still stylish, and of course beautifully shot. But it’s not even close to the first entry.

    One of the greatest aspects with the first season was the incredible characters. I was so obsessed and attached to them. The story was also a major aspect; so beautiful, deep and full of metamorphic storylines. This second season is much less ‘True Detective’, it’s more like a classic, clichéish tv-show that doesn't stand out in any way. It still got its style but it’s much less entertaining. It’s in fact a major letdown due to much boring dialogs and an overall less interesting plot. But it’s still a bit artistic, even though I might not enjoy it as much as season one. It’s still very well written and there’s nothing really bad about it, it’s just too slow sometimes. It’s still very flawless, just as the first season, but it’s too slow for me.

    Slow and very boring, but still critically great.

    Personal rating: 5.5/10
    Critical rating: 7/10    … Expand
  34. Danil
    Sep 1, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It all starts within the first few minutes of the first episode. Velcoro is given a photo of a presumed rapist. It doesn't occur to him that when a dark haired latino man rapes a dark haired woman it is fairly unlikely the rape child is going to be ginger. True detective my ass.

    Everyone seems to be upset with acting. But the acting is actually fine, just a bit unconventional.

    The problem is with all the discrepancies and holes in the story, that they seemed to try to cover by overwhelming viewers with **** of irrelevant information and names.    … Expand
  35. Boingopo
    Aug 31, 2015
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm writing this to spare others of wasting their time in watching this piece of cliched ridden cop drama garbage. Take a pass on this uninteresting plot line and poor character development. The only thing that keeps the show afloat is the useless tension that something may be actually happening. Things get more ridiculous when they set up the main characters for death with the cliched plot line of we'll meet you in Mexico to start a better life. Woody and Mathew need to kick some ass and start firing people or at least proofread scripts and watch the dailies. What utter boring garbage and cliche ridden crap.… Expand
  36. Skulb
    Aug 29, 2015
    9
    While still very good, the second season of TD suffers from a slightly busy cast, which makes keeping track of names a bit of an issue at times. By the time the main character´s boss reappeared as one of the lead villains in the last two episodes I had forgotten his name a long time ago and almost that the actor was in the series at all. Despite this slight confusion the narrative isWhile still very good, the second season of TD suffers from a slightly busy cast, which makes keeping track of names a bit of an issue at times. By the time the main character´s boss reappeared as one of the lead villains in the last two episodes I had forgotten his name a long time ago and almost that the actor was in the series at all. Despite this slight confusion the narrative is compelling for all its darkness, the characters well written and acted once again and the atmosphere excellent. Perhaps not quite as good as in S1 but not that far off either.
    The dialogue might be slightly corny now and then and a few plot elements don´t make immediate sense, But this might be more to do with the understated nature of this show than anything else. TD routinely avoided explaining things to the viewers in S1 and that trend certainly continues. I do however feel that it this time serves less as an intriguing demand on the viewers than as an attempt to paper over inconsistencies in the script and cheaply close out plot lines
    For all of that TD certainly has a lot more merit than most TV shows. Dark, degraded and pretentious it may be, but it does those things extremely well. Can´t ask much more of a TV show can we?    … Expand
  37. jeef1523
    Aug 26, 2015
    8
    True Detective's Season 2 enters a new approach to the mystery world. Intriguing, complex, confusing and dark - an essential Noire from the core - elements that when put together make a very good mystery thriller.

    The mood of the series is set straightforward once again showing problematic and powerful characters, in fact, never have I seen Colin Farrel show so much depth in his    True Detective's Season 2 enters a new approach to the mystery world. Intriguing, complex, confusing and dark - an essential Noire from the core - elements that when put together make a very good mystery thriller.

    The mood of the series is set straightforward once again showing problematic and powerful characters, in fact, never have I seen Colin Farrel show so much depth in his sorrows, neither Vince Vaughn play an extremely powerful role. The case, also, very branching, and more confusing, than the first season's - it's not a downside, but one that could have been better played, showing for example a more elaborated crime or more intriguing villain. Nevertheless it's pace and characters make another very intriguing story.

    The pace of the show is brilliant, Nic Pizzolato showing once again how involving his stories can be, it's slow but carefully driven, as much that you're never bored or too confused, you are at many times, on the edge of your seat or feeling the palpable tension the actors bring to life. And the story's drama doesn't end there, since it's very dark and deep, the environment itself carries pessimism all around the developing, and it makes it far more compelling for you to watch.

    There are a couple of downsides though, as the story itself doesn't feel as dense as it should be, a tone that's brought by the dark setting and should be filled, and the characters don't combine as well in some scenes. Still it's a masterpiece in directing, bringing the best out of the actors, coordinating perfect scenes, along with one of the best action shootouts ever (again), leading to a great conclusion.

    It is not as perfectly fit as the first season, but it is one top drama season filled with great actings and some horrifyingly great and tense scenes.

    8.7/10    … Expand
  38. Denis_IRL
    Aug 26, 2015
    3
    Way too difficult to follow and a script that just became parody. Who talks like that?? Too many times we were asking the question Who are they talking about? or even What are they talking about? The actors did not match the amazing performances of Season 1.
  39. MattBrady99
    Aug 25, 2015
    5
    Season 2 isn't as good as the first season which is a real damn shame saying that. Season 2 wasn't bad and I tried to watch season 2 as it's own season but I still didn't get into it.

    Colin Farrell, Rachael McAdams, Taylor Kitsch, and surprisingly Vince Vaughn were all great in this season. But season 2 felt like it was trying too hard to be miserable on purpose and everything was way    Season 2 isn't as good as the first season which is a real damn shame saying that. Season 2 wasn't bad and I tried to watch season 2 as it's own season but I still didn't get into it.

    Colin Farrell, Rachael McAdams, Taylor Kitsch, and surprisingly Vince Vaughn were all great in this season. But season 2 felt like it was trying too hard to be miserable on purpose and everything was way too serious for it's own good. It didn't help that a good looking cast like this trying to act like the world is weighing on their shoulders and walking around acting depressed. As the show went on I got a little bit uninterested on what was going on, because everything that the second season is trying to do is try to work on something that's not going to work or going nowhere.

    Overall True Detective: Season 2 was pretty disappointing, but I do know that some people have enjoyed and liked this season and that's fine, but my opinion on this season isn't going to charge anytime soon.    … Expand
  40. eehbiertje
    Aug 21, 2015
    3
    Really disappointed with this season. it doesn't even come close to season 1.. In terms of story / clue's / plot twists / occultism and detective work.

    I must say that my expectations where high.. (and dropped when i saw the trailer for season 2) but please go back to the occultism and real detective work... because i don't have the urge to watch a next episode (after the first one)
  41. Chapa9dj
    Aug 20, 2015
    1
    A perfect example of how a lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place.
    Season 1 was a masterful piece of art. I have no idea what were they thinking with Season 2.
    Underwhelming story, boring characters, no mistery and one of the most anti-climatic endings i have ever seen. Also, there's a strong feminist agenda behind it, it made me want to puke more than once, why can't they    A perfect example of how a lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place.
    Season 1 was a masterful piece of art. I have no idea what were they thinking with Season 2.
    Underwhelming story, boring characters, no mistery and one of the most anti-climatic endings i have ever seen.
    Also, there's a strong feminist agenda behind it, it made me want to puke more than once, why can't they just keeps these politics to themselves?

    Really disappointed, i wish i could had my wasted time back but i can't.    … Expand
  42. Mantis
    Aug 20, 2015
    5
    I would skip this season. It's interesting enough but may be confusing or downright I don't give a f*ck. Spend your time on other series instead! I loved season 1 but this is disappointing.
  43. urnotmymother
    Aug 19, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Whilst the visuals were quite nice and consistent throughout the entire season, and Vince Vaughn managed to really step up his game from his usual Hollywood trash, season 2 was quite the disappointment. Apart from the depressing humming of a solo guitarist at the bar, most of that sinister country vibe that I felt so strongly in season 1 was entirely missing in season 2's urban setting. The true detectives were this time a pathetic trio of losers wallowing in self pity. Sure i guess they looked real cool most of the time with their constant nihilism, but to me they were just watered down copies of McCounaghey's character which worked so well in season 1. Rachel McAdam played an unconvincing role of being what she perceived a strong detective with commitment issues and a real i don't give a **** about anything, boyish attitude (while still maintaining an expensive and complex girly brown to blonde ombre haircut which probably cost her money and many girly trips to the salon). Colin Farrell was quite convincing in his role as detective Ray, who's life was spinning out of control. Although I find it difficult to believe that he and Rachel McAdam's character would fall madly in love in the last two episodes (why the hell did that happen, how the hell did that happen?) Taylor Kitsch played PTSD closet homosexual detective number 3, but man, he was dead before i could see his character develop, or maybe he was just a boring guy? That was it, there was no depth in their characters, no striking insight in what they said. I feel like they were bad cops in general, turning detective work into a boohoo support group. Not exactly the kind of people you would want to liven your birthday party, but even in a cop drama, they were difficult to like and watch.… Expand
  44. Sundance69
    Aug 19, 2015
    10
    You have to love all of these so called "critics". If the job of making such a successful series was so easy, all of these experts would be Hollywood moguls. I will be the first one to admit that the first couple of episodes were a little disappointing, maybe I was not done with the greatness of the first season and I was expecting for this season to be as awesome. As soon as I cleared myYou have to love all of these so called "critics". If the job of making such a successful series was so easy, all of these experts would be Hollywood moguls. I will be the first one to admit that the first couple of episodes were a little disappointing, maybe I was not done with the greatness of the first season and I was expecting for this season to be as awesome. As soon as I cleared my head from that, I really understood and liked what this season had to offer. A different set up, totally different plot, great performances and gritty background of Cali and let me not forget that off the charts mournful music make this an incredibly good second season. People should appreciate and enjoy what a masterpiece this season was, common, a lot of people expected that all the protagonists would survive and live happily ever after. This was great of the charts entertainment and can't wait for season three to arrive. This is, if because of all the bad reviews HBO decides not to comeback with another. People, compare this anthology to the kind of entertainment we see on TV. I can't find anything better.… Expand
  45. Movi3R3vi3wer
    Aug 18, 2015
    8
    True Detective remains to be technically brilliant in it's second season. From the cinematography to the memorizing title sequence to the choice of music. While season two doesn't manage to recapture the pure brilliance of season 1, the second season stands alone as a thrilling and riveting crime drama with amazing performances from Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams. The story does feel aTrue Detective remains to be technically brilliant in it's second season. From the cinematography to the memorizing title sequence to the choice of music. While season two doesn't manage to recapture the pure brilliance of season 1, the second season stands alone as a thrilling and riveting crime drama with amazing performances from Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams. The story does feel a bit convoluted at times with Vaughn's character (who is good in the season) and suffers from an unfocused narrative, balancing too many characters and Taylor Kitsch being as bland as a rock.… Expand
  46. harmattan
    Aug 18, 2015
    7
    First off, TD Season 2 is no where near as bad as critics and rabid fans of the 1st season have made out. On the contrary, it's an entirely watchable, hard-boiled detective/cop drama with some rough edges. It is largely a victim from "2nd child" syndrome where people are expecting something groundbreaking and extraordinary. From the get-go, the shows creators stated each season would beFirst off, TD Season 2 is no where near as bad as critics and rabid fans of the 1st season have made out. On the contrary, it's an entirely watchable, hard-boiled detective/cop drama with some rough edges. It is largely a victim from "2nd child" syndrome where people are expecting something groundbreaking and extraordinary. From the get-go, the shows creators stated each season would be entirely different from many perspectives, so I don't know what people were expecting.

    The plot is and atmosphere is, in a word, bleak. Something that is not necessarily bad, but in the case of TD 2, it seems a bit forced and overbearing. Further, the dialogue suffers from being too un-naturalistic in many cases. That said, the pacing is relatively well done, the acting very well handled (in some cases terrific, especially considering the material), and the story is interesting. Overall, I enjoyed it.    … Expand
  47. yrogerg123
    Aug 17, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Reviewing the second season of True Detective is delicate because criticizing it is the trendy thing to do. But honestly, I think the criticism is fair and well-deserved. As far as I'm concerned the first season was nearly flawless, and that has to be the starting point of any review of the second. The dynamic between McConaughey and Harrelson was as interesting a relationship as I've seen on television, and the way their characters trended in different directions while interacting the whole time more or less carried the audience through what could have been considered flaws in the story. It set the standard for what the writers could do with good actors, and make no mistake, the cast of season 2 is very good. Any plot holes in season one weren't as noticeable because it was enjoyable to watch.

    The second season just didn't produce the enjoyment as the first. It's hard to state simply why, because it's a complicated and ambitious show, and fell short in a number of different ways. And honestly, it's not that the second season is terrible. It's just not nearly as good as the first season, and feels the way sequels often do. The first was remarkably good, but I don't think the writers knew exactly why it was so good, so instead of searching for the chemistry between the main characters, they decided that McConaughey's one liners made the first season great. But that was just a piece of the whole. And without the chemistry, and the story, the world in which it was set, and the richness of McConaughey's character, the things he said would have been awkward and out of place. I know that because many characters in season two speak the way McConaughey did, and when they do, it feels awkward and out of place.

    One of the bigger flaws in my opinion is that the three detectives meet each other for the first time at the end of the first episode, by coincidence, based solely on a jurisdictional disagreement among departments. Each department wants a piece of this murder for different reasons, so these three people are thrown together without ever having met. The characters are all similar personalities: aloof and self-involved. None of them really let other people in and none of them particularly like to talk. They don't have much chemistry with each other and don't even appear to particularly like each other. Contrast this with McConaughey who, despite his aloofness, has a pathological need to speak his mind and be heard.

    This is all problematic because they don't actually build a relationship with each other that the audience can see. When it comes time for them to take huge risks because they supposedly care about each other, it doesn't seem like they would have any reason to. In the absence of explosive action, there is nothing of interest that these people do when they're together. They drive in cars and talk to witnesses, but the dialogue is always flat, always impersonal, and always monotone. It often feels like they share their thoughts in awkward one liners because it would be too weird to have TV characters that don't speak at all.

    But they don't come off as human, they come off as depressed automatons, and it makes for a show that is not all that enjoyable to watch. Even when Farrell and McAdams sleep together, it's after a truly awkward exchange where they each share their own personal trauma, and then afterwards they sit on the opposite end of the room, not talking, while the camera switches from one to the other over the course of hours. Maybe it's true to the characters but it's not good TV.

    My biggest problem with the show is the dialogue. They all try to talk the way McConaughey did in season one, but none of them are that interesting, or frankly, well-written, so instead they drop these depressing one liners in lieu of dialogue. McConaughey was a character with a truly unique worldview. He didn't see the world the way others did, and it made him a great detective but a miserable human being. But the three detectives in this season? They're just depressed people who experienced serious trauma, awish they could escape but know they can't. That could be interesting, but they all try to talk the way McConaughey did even though it makes no sense for them to be talking that way. They don't see more deeply, they're just depressed. They're vulnerable in a way he wasn't, but not pathological in their need to solve the murder, or even to understand the universe. McConaughey was searching for truth, but he knew who he was. These people just want to escape their own lives. I think the writers asked "what would happen if three McConaughey's crashed into each other?" but instead found out what would happen if three people who shouldn't be anything like him decided to act just like him for no discernible reason. The result is awkward, disjointed and underwhelming.

    The most disappointing thing is how much acting talent there was to work with, but how little there was to show for it in the end product.    … Expand
  48. fbtimesofficial
    Aug 13, 2015
    6
    The genius of True Detective's second season is that it's overwritten, not as compelling as its predecessor, and at times a little too arrogant for its own good - and yet the characters are more fully developed, the cinematography is some type of miracle, and the setting - a California that's apparently all there but mysteriously slightly off - perfectly highlights this season's attitudeThe genius of True Detective's second season is that it's overwritten, not as compelling as its predecessor, and at times a little too arrogant for its own good - and yet the characters are more fully developed, the cinematography is some type of miracle, and the setting - a California that's apparently all there but mysteriously slightly off - perfectly highlights this season's attitude towards the series as a whole.… Expand
  49. Plissken23
    Aug 11, 2015
    1
    Season 1: True Detective, Season 2 : True Disaster.

    8 Episodes which some of them lenght between 1h and 1 hour 20 mins, The whole season is just blah blah blah, long dialogues that lead nowhere, 4 characters that never got well developed in 8 EPISODES, the shooting scenes are just rushed, it seems that the writer just wanted to mess up the show, (lets just write a bunch of random crap    Season 1: True Detective, Season 2 : True Disaster.

    8 Episodes which some of them lenght between 1h and 1 hour 20 mins, The whole season is just blah blah blah, long dialogues that lead nowhere, 4 characters that never got well developed in 8 EPISODES, the shooting scenes are just rushed, it seems that the writer just wanted to mess up the show, (lets just write a bunch of random crap and lets let the episode roll like that, with all due respect for people that defend this season, i would suggest you to watch the first one again without messing any detail, and later watch this one again and compare!!! Season 1 was a true detective show, this crap isn't even about "Detectives" isn't about a "Case" this is just a crap that could be like Training Day... some people give this 10? i give 1! and i'm being generous!!!..    … Expand
  50. OpinionatedGuy
    Aug 11, 2015
    8
    While this season’s case plot arc is too convoluted, the second season of True Detective is somehow enjoyable to watch on its own without being compared to the first season with thought-provoking themes, well-executed character plot arcs and stellar performances from Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams.

    Rating: 7.5/10 Pros: +There were a lot of thought-provoking themes this season. One    While this season’s case plot arc is too convoluted, the second season of True Detective is somehow enjoyable to watch on its own without being compared to the first season with thought-provoking themes, well-executed character plot arcs and stellar performances from Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams.

    Rating: 7.5/10

    Pros:
    +There were a lot of thought-provoking themes this season. One particular theme I liked was Woodrugh’s plot arc that revolves seeing his homosexuality as a weakness and a shameful trait.
    +The character plot arcs are well-executed.
    +Colin Farrell’s and Rachel McAdams’ performances are stellar. It would be a huge snub if they’re not nominated for an Emmy next year.
    +I thought the season finale was actually satisfying.

    Neutral:
    .Vince Vaughn’s performance takes a lot of time to grow on. I am not impressed by his acting until the penultimate episode. Although I am am somehow impressed now, it took that long to make me change my opinion about someone’s acting so I can’t say it’s a good thing nor it’s a bad thing.
    .Season 2 of True Detective is no Season 1. But it’s still somehow enjoyable on its own.

    Cons:
    -The case plot arc is too convoluted to understand.
    -The change of setting to a bigger city is the reason why this season doesn’t feel special for me. The first season’s setting in which is set on a more isolated setting is one of the things that made me love about the first season.    … Expand
  51. Bertoflyingfox
    Aug 11, 2015
    3
    What a disappointing season. The story didnt entertain, the characters were dull, and the episodes suffered from really bad pacing. It's strange to go from season1 where the characters felt unique, then going to season2 where they all conveniently fit into tropes that were used as cheap plot devices.
    I wont spoil the ending but it all culminated into something a cheap cop-thriller from    What a disappointing season. The story didnt entertain, the characters were dull, and the episodes suffered from really bad pacing. It's strange to go from season1 where the characters felt unique, then going to season2 where they all conveniently fit into tropes that were used as cheap plot devices.
    I wont spoil the ending but it all culminated into something a cheap cop-thriller from the 70's would've covered in much quicker time than 8+ hours.    … Expand
  52. hemla
    Aug 11, 2015
    10
    I have to say i love it even more than the first season. I was hoping they would do something different then the first season which would be still as good and they completely delivered. I love the acting, love the tension and love the storytelling. I can see why somebody would dislike it for its complexity and sometimes hard to follow progression but i have to say, i am in love.
  53. TravisFinn
    Aug 11, 2015
    0
    I remember seeing the first episode of the season and laughing my ass off at how embarrassingly bad the writing, story and casting seemed already. But I decided to give it time because Season 1 was a masterpiece of southern gothic and noir themes mixing into a great crime drama.

    What a waste of time though. Nic Pizzolatto originally wanted to create Season 1 as a novel but luckily    I remember seeing the first episode of the season and laughing my ass off at how embarrassingly bad the writing, story and casting seemed already. But I decided to give it time because Season 1 was a masterpiece of southern gothic and noir themes mixing into a great crime drama.

    What a waste of time though.

    Nic Pizzolatto originally wanted to create Season 1 as a novel but luckily got the chance to transform it into a TV series because what he wrote was better than some penny novel you might pick up at an airport shop if you're bored. The producers and him knew that story was special. Along the way however, the idea of making it an anthology show also gave it reason to become a TV series instead of a film.

    Needless to say he was pretty arrogant thinking he could strike gold twice. Season 2 feels like the most rushed piece of petty crime crap you can find on public cable. It's like a goddamn Law & Order special with a bigger budget.

    The cast in this season is irredeemable; not only can they not function and work off each other in meaningful and interesting ways, but alone, they almost fail as characters themselves. Colin Farrell, Rachael Adams and Taylor Kitsch play **** up cops and Vince Vaugn plays the dumbest looking and weakest punk-ass gangster I've ever seen. His presence as a 'power-player' in this series is a joke. The character development in this story is so sloppy and unfavorably depressive. What ultimately kills it however as I just said, they do not work off each other. Each is the same as the last, corrupt to the tooth and too sad-sack for anyone to give a **** about them.

    The story is confusing, muddled, and ultimately unsatisfactory. We know off-the-bat that the city is run by corrupt police and officials. So who did the crime? Take a goddamn guess anyone who seriously thought this was going anywhere. No secret societies, no hint of maybe-supernaturals going on, and no references to anything we can research on and discuss. The story is cut and dry, you get whats explained if you follow the mumble-jumble spouted by each character when something needs explaining.

    No mystery.

    For anyone who might disagree for my references to season 1 because it somehow shouldn't have any bearing on why I was hyped for a second season, well you're just stupid. And that argument is stupid.

    The fact of the matter is that I set high precedents for this show because it was so good. That should be expected by everyone. Unfortunately, it is all too clear Mr. Pizzolatto isn't as great as a writer as I thought he is.

    Nothing intrigued me in this show. The days of searching Carcosa on the web and hunting down details of literary and iconic references blind to McConaughey and Harrelson are gone. Instead, a standard police drama was made, and oh boy, its as dry and unpleasant as an old unmarinated steak cooked on an unwahsed grill.

    If THIS is what a true detective does and is what to be expected from now on, than I guess Mr. Pizzolatto should save his manuscript for a season 3 and stick it on the dusty shelf located in the very back of the book store, never to be read or picked for **** HBO of all channels ever again.

    Maybe thats too harsh I guess. I think The CW could take it in perhaps, maybe even TNT if he's lucky.    … Expand
  54. ryanbrad10
    Aug 11, 2015
    3
    What a massive shame. The first season was certainly one of the best shows in dramatic TV history. In season 2, the plot was convoluted, a complete mess; there were too many characters, and most of them were pretty hammy and terribly acted. Scenes with Vince Vaughn and Kelly Reilly were just so cringeworthy, an am-dram interpretation of Bacall and Bogart. However, Colin Farrell redeemedWhat a massive shame. The first season was certainly one of the best shows in dramatic TV history. In season 2, the plot was convoluted, a complete mess; there were too many characters, and most of them were pretty hammy and terribly acted. Scenes with Vince Vaughn and Kelly Reilly were just so cringeworthy, an am-dram interpretation of Bacall and Bogart. However, Colin Farrell redeemed himself with some credible moments.… Expand
  55. Metacritit
    Aug 10, 2015
    0
    The whole season is easy to describe: The visuals are nice and the plot is there, it just doesn't make sense at first, but it promises to make up for it.. just later, you know... be patient, ok? We're mid season? Don't worry about it, the plot will make sense later... and then oh, you're at the last episode, suddenly the plot grabs a gun and shoots itself in the face in front of you.The whole season is easy to describe: The visuals are nice and the plot is there, it just doesn't make sense at first, but it promises to make up for it.. just later, you know... be patient, ok? We're mid season? Don't worry about it, the plot will make sense later... and then oh, you're at the last episode, suddenly the plot grabs a gun and shoots itself in the face in front of you.

    You're sitting there with pieces of its brains all over your shirt and thinking what the hell just happened.

    The second part of the last episode, which was supposed to be the climax and the denouement of the whole story - is something so utterly stupid and unrealistic, so uncharacteristic of the characters it was written for, it felt like Pizzolatto imagined the ending with his morals in mind and then attempted to fit a cube into a round hole. He wrote the ending, he wrote the characters, and the two were incompatible, so suddenly all characters who were smart started acting like idiots, just so Pizzolatto could get them where he wanted them to end up.

    He didn't write an ending for THESE characters, he just wrote AN ending. The sudden "exfoliation" of the plot when Pizzolatto made his characters act unlike themselves, made me suddenly lose all emotional attachment to the series. By the time the credits hit the screen, I was thinking about how the quality of the plot was making me feel and not the plot itself. I was surprised, I never though writing could turn so bad so quickly.    … Expand
  56. pjslowboy
    Aug 10, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm not really sure what to say. The beginning was slow, just as the first season, but it really started getting good at episode 6. The ending was going good, but I thought it almost seemed like they were trying too much to be like a "Breaking Bad" ending. I don't know if anyone else thought this, but I really liked the actors in this season including the non-famous actors in it. The ending was a bit disappointing, but I really liked Rachel McAdams and Colin Farrel. But I was very surprised how much I like in the end how good Vince Vaughn was. But maybe it's me, but his demise seemed a lot "Breaking Bad" ish. Nevertheless, the acting was good, but I didn't really like every one of the actors low raspy talk throughout the whole series that seemed to imitate Mathew McConaghey's character in the first season. At least Woody Harrelson was unique and at the time so was McConaghey's. In this episode everyone is trying to be him. Loved the acting though so I'm gonna be kind and say it's right in the middle on rating. It kept me intrigued and I had to see the end. It's just the end was somewhat (or very) disappointing and as far as I'm concerned on the writers. Hope this helps and sorry for the misspellings of the names.… Expand
  57. RepentHarlequin
    Aug 10, 2015
    1
    True Detective Season 2 or: Why True Detective Has Always Sucked...

    To understand why True Detective Season 2 was doomed from the onset, first we need to take a little trip down memory lane. The year is 2013, Breaking Bad is ending, a show that came out of nowhere and dethroned HBO as being the only oasis of quality television dramas (see 'The Wire') in a desert of network procedurals    True Detective Season 2 or: Why True Detective Has Always Sucked...

    To understand why True Detective Season 2 was doomed from the onset, first we need to take a little trip down memory lane. The year is 2013, Breaking Bad is ending, a show that came out of nowhere and dethroned HBO as being the only oasis of quality television dramas (see 'The Wire') in a desert of network procedurals and Battlestar Galactica. HBO, seeing an opportunity to steal back its throne enlists Nic Pizzolatto for... reasons; a novelist whose career to this point is already pretty inexplicable, maybe because he'd worked on a couple episodes of The Killing, and getting any AMC talent on the payroll seemed like a good idea to HBO execs. They give Nic a gaunt, physically transformed Matthew McConaughey who is already working on Dallas Buyers Club and is hungry to escape his shirtless dudebro Wooderson reputation and show he has some acting chops. So Nic churns out a fairly pedestrian southern murder mystery with superfluous Woody Harrelson and equally superfluous occult elements and bikers because hey, Sons of Anarchy is a thing. What makes it work? A pile of dialogue and plot elements literally plagiarized from mostly public domain sources. Why Thomas Ligotti didn't outright sue HBO is a question with an answer known only to the reclusive Ligotti, but I digress...

    So True Detective season 1 gets held up entirely by McConaughey's hypnotic melancholy monotone musings on nihilism and existentialism thrown against Woody's palooka corn-pone straight man, musings completely plagiarized I should remind you. From the ratings success of this watery jambalaya a second season is ordered. But wait, Nic can't just write a replica of the first season, or people will soon catch on to his hackneyed writing and thievery from his betters. Initially he was going to go with some kind of exploration on the "occult origins of the US transportation system" featuring "hard women"... Instead he just pulls out all of the LA crime tropes he can find and crams them into one nonsensical pile of over exposition and cheap dramatic tricks with a sprinkle of Lynchian metaphor that is about as subtle as a jackhammer waking you up on a Sunday morning. The network throws him a couple of actors teetering on the brink of the B-list, and HBO viewers tune in expectantly after several months of speculating about how maybe Vince Vaughn won't suck the life out of this mess.

    Now I can explain the plot of Season 2 for you if you have time to sit down with a pen and paper or otherwise provide a white board for me to use ~that's nothing on you~ there are simply too many tangled threads, secondary, tertiary, and yes even quaternary characters to go through that I feel I'd need visual aids to keep it all straight. Once you strip that away though you quickly reveal there is no meaningful plot, just a lot of cliches, unbelievable coincidences, characters endlessly explaining their backstories, and generally lousy pacing being passed off as "character development". This show is Bad Writing 101 and it is so neurotic as to be constantly groan worthy: Oh we're going back to the bar where it's always that same chick with the bruised knees on the mic moaning about how we can't escape our pasts for more exposition? Gee I wonder if after some exposition Taylor Kitsch can act disinterested toward his girlfriend whose only contribution to the show is to service him sexually whilst he stands (yes stands) angrily getting a beej, and then she can harangue him about keeping secrets after. Oh but apparently he loves her so much that he's going to have a kid with her and change his entire life and apparently even his sexual nature for her. If we're lucky, between the tedious exposition, most of which leads absolutely nowhere, we'll be treated to 5 or 10 minutes of Vince Vaughn being a badass... That's the show. Thank god it's over. May it not be renewed for another agonizing season that I am apparently powerless against watching. Good night.    … Expand
  58. Arcon
    Aug 10, 2015
    5
    Meh, just meh. Story is extremely overcomplicated and told via hard to hear and understand dialogue(rewinding to try and understand what was just said) about characters you have already forgotten about or never knew their names.

    Just not worth the trouble watching.
  59. BantHoon
    Aug 10, 2015
    8
    The problem with many cinema and television critics today is that it’s increasingly difficult for them to look outside of their boxes. Many (most?) of them feel that if a story isn’t constructed to their liking or doesn’t follow a path they appreciate, it is inherently flawed. Most of these critics no longer try to figure out what a writer and/or director is TRYING to do; instead, theyThe problem with many cinema and television critics today is that it’s increasingly difficult for them to look outside of their boxes. Many (most?) of them feel that if a story isn’t constructed to their liking or doesn’t follow a path they appreciate, it is inherently flawed. Most of these critics no longer try to figure out what a writer and/or director is TRYING to do; instead, they apparently want the writer and/or director to do the things and follow the forms that make them comfortable. (Gertrude Stein would be appalled!) For example, critics, professional and novice, are claiming that it was obvious Ray and Frank were going to meet their demise by cues early in the episode. Of course! This is obviously intentional on Pizzolatto’s part. Viewers are SUPPOSED to realize this and see the end coming for the characters, which brings about a sort of pathos and sympathy that makes the rest of the story compelling. In any case, don’t we all know that Ray and Frank aren’t going to be alive in the end from the very first episode? Killers and criminals rarely make it out of crime series alive. One critic complained that the gun fight after which Frank and Ray make off with millions isn’t very suspenseful. First, it isn’t a “shootout”; Frank and Ray are doing all of the shooting. Second, why does the critic believe it must be suspenseful? This is not intended to be a suspensefully thrilling scene, rather a scene solidifying what we already know about Frank and Ray: that although they have certain variations of integrity, they are–and always will be–brutal individuals at heart.
    True Detective Season 2 was good, not as compelling as Season 1, but still a very good series. The problem, it seems to me, is that movie and television viewers today–like the critics–are snarky and self-entitled to the degree that if a program isn’t what they hoped it would be, they react virulently negatively, as if a show that isn’t designed the way they think it should be designed is a personal affront to them.
    It is absolutely true that a few things about Season 2 are problematic. One, there are too many disparate plots and storylines, some of them hardly pertinent to the primary plot. (One can make a good argument that Kitsch’s character isn’t necessary–what does it really add to the story?) Along with this, there simply are too many characters. With so many characters integral to–and not really integral to–the story, there is very little time to develop many of them sufficiently. This, and the sometimes convoluted plots and not-altogether-necessary subplots, makes the story difficult to follow at times. And, of course, Vince Vaughn is ill-suited for his role. I have always respected Vaughn, and still do, but this is evidence that there are some character types he isn’t fit to play. In addition, I don’t think Kitsch is great. That being said, there are a lot of GOOD things about Season 2:
    1. The season finale offers a far better ending than that of the Season 1 finale, which was incredibly disappointing. (The entire Season 1 was set in motion by a lunatic backwoods hick? That’s it?) It ended like every suspense/mystery/horror story: good guys finally track down insane killer under heavy peril, are injured in the task, and survive. It cheapened the entire Season 1 series. Conversely, there is a lot of soul and humanity in the Season 2 finale. Much more original and emotionally engaging. Ray seeing his son for the final time, his final voice message never connecting with his son, he and Ani’s final phone conversation, Frank’s hallucinations during his final moments–these are all truly touching and well written.
    2. Though Vaughn misplays his part and Kitsch’s performance isn’t stellar, I think Ferell’s performance is every bit as good as Harrelson’s and McCaughnehey’s. McAdams is really strong too. In addition, the supporting cast is stellar. I think Season 2 has caught way too much flack for poor acting. While one or two performances are dubious (one in particular worse than that), as a whole Season 2 is remarkably well acted.
    3. Of course, one of the main gripes about season 2 is the difficult storyline, and I concede this complaint is warranted. However, it is only because Pizzolatto aims so high. And I think he should be credited for that. Yes, I think he bites off more than he could chew, but I give him credit for his creative attempt. It’s a really intricate story, whereas Season 1 is just… people are being killed, and come to find out it’s an insane hillbilly. Season 1 was great because of its protagonist characterizations. Season 2, of course, also relies on characterization; the problem is there are four main characters (and important secondary ones), which is simply difficult to pull off in a relatively small number of one-hour episodes, and as I’ve suggested, the entire Paul characterization ends up being irrelevant to the story. But, still, I give credit to Pizzolatto for aiming high. In intention, effort, and design, I thi    … Expand
  60. millenbop
    Aug 10, 2015
    4
    Season 1 pretty much had it all. Season 2 pretty much only had McAdams .

    The story is, to me, not that interesting, and I really didn't care how it would end. This is the biggest problem with s2, it's not compelling. Also, too many side stories that didn't add anything at all other than more things to keep in your head, as you never know what's important or not. Most of the actors    Season 1 pretty much had it all. Season 2 pretty much only had McAdams .

    The story is, to me, not that interesting, and I really didn't care how it would end. This is the biggest problem with s2, it's not compelling. Also, too many side stories that didn't add anything at all other than more things to keep in your head, as you never know what's important or not.

    Most of the actors were not believable, Vince Vaughn should stick to B movies.

    George said it best: "it's a show about nothing".    … Expand
  61. JJFoshay
    Aug 10, 2015
    8
    I think this season is actually a considerable improvement over the last. Whereas the last went for vague, flowery philosophy and pseudo-complexity, this season is a hyper-realistic depiction of systemic corruption with an extremely intricate plot that favors multiple viewings, discussion, and detective work by viewers. The performances are strong, sometimes considerably so, and whileI think this season is actually a considerable improvement over the last. Whereas the last went for vague, flowery philosophy and pseudo-complexity, this season is a hyper-realistic depiction of systemic corruption with an extremely intricate plot that favors multiple viewings, discussion, and detective work by viewers. The performances are strong, sometimes considerably so, and while the writing bears the creator's trademark heavy handed philosophical dialogue, the relationships between characters and rich and feel authentic. The first few episodes were somewhat slow, but reveal themselves as full of crucial clues once the series wraps up. The action sequences are thrilling and well produced. The ending is a bittersweet and multi-layered answer to last year's tidy conclusion of the good guys winning - that conclusion is difficult to draw after the view this season takes on the prevalence of urban nihilism, hedonism, and self-serving corruption reinforced by guiltless violence. True detectives make sacrifices and possess flaws that hinder their fight for a better world.… Expand
  62. madskull505
    Aug 10, 2015
    0
    Sucks Big Time. HBO just wanted to cash in the name of the series.
    Flaws in this season:
    1. Simple story stretched to 8 episode 2. Diluted Overcomplicated Unengaged story 3. No psycho killer (bumper) 4. Overcomplicated script 5. Not the top notch cast 6. Very Very Very bad finishing. And no true mystery thus true detective. This is just a cash in series for Matthew McConaughey    Sucks Big Time. HBO just wanted to cash in the name of the series.
    Flaws in this season:
    1. Simple story stretched to 8 episode
    2. Diluted Overcomplicated Unengaged story
    3. No psycho killer (bumper)
    4. Overcomplicated script
    5. Not the top notch cast
    6. Very Very Very bad finishing.

    And no true mystery thus true detective.
    This is just a cash in series for Matthew McConaughey and HBO, very disappointing and has no re-watchable value.    … Expand
  63. Beermonger7
    Aug 10, 2015
    3
    True Detective season 2 is a birthday present with nothing in it. The gift wrap looks great and the bow is nice. The card you open first is one of those good quality ones that plays music. Then you open the gift and theres just nothing in there, mabye a pet rock or something extremely lame.

    This show pulled me in with rays violent outburst in the first episode. I felt like I had to keep    True Detective season 2 is a birthday present with nothing in it. The gift wrap looks great and the bow is nice. The card you open first is one of those good quality ones that plays music. Then you open the gift and theres just nothing in there, mabye a pet rock or something extremely lame.

    This show pulled me in with rays violent outburst in the first episode. I felt like I had to keep going. The rest of the show was just a bunch of people talking softly in depressing tones set to depressing music. There was not enough material for each 1 hour segment so there were a lot of shots of freeways and urban landscapes. I still remember the ending of the season finale a couple of characters were walking through a crowd for about 5 minutes to more depressing music.

    The only thing I even cared or liked was Bezzerides at the party. She was very vulnerable being a drugged female cop who did not want to "attend" the party. I liked the whole scene. Honestly I could just watch that one episode and get everything I needed out of the season.

    The finale was just plain predictable, slow, and boring. I expected some major payoff for my time investment but the show sort of changed from crime solving to escape. Two characters manage to shoot out an entire gang. Then one character gets killed by the other gang like he forgot they even existed. The other character, a trained capable cop cant lose a tail?

    Ultimately who give a F about any of the characters or the story? I tried to care about the characters and the story but half way through the season I was on my smart phone for most of the show and I no longer cared.    … Expand
  64. MiamiLopez
    Aug 10, 2015
    6
    Acting was decent by the main characters.
    The story was not clear and hard to follow.
    There was not true conclusion. The story has a beginning middle and no end. Story should have started in 1992 riots with the actual murders of two business owners. The conclusion should have played itself out to show viewers someone going to jail or dead. It was a BIG letdown after season 1 which    Acting was decent by the main characters.
    The story was not clear and hard to follow.
    There was not true conclusion. The story has a beginning middle and no end.
    Story should have started in 1992 riots with the actual murders of two business owners.
    The conclusion should have played itself out to show viewers someone going to jail or dead.
    It was a BIG letdown after season 1 which was a complete story line that traveled well through a bona-fide conclusion. Can someone say the Sopranos meets Jeopardy? I am still wondering who Stan was.    … Expand
  65. CaptainDldo
    Aug 10, 2015
    0
    Worst television I've had the displeasure of viewing. Can't believe HBO green lighted this garbage.

    Heres a fact:

    If season 2 were season 1, it wouldn't have gotten past the trailer.
  66. Marrr
    Aug 10, 2015
    3
    I thought the acting was fine. The atmosphere was creepy and the corruption was palpable. I even liked the stylish cinematography and the noir-ish dialog. What I did not like is the fact that the plot is nigh incomprehensible. Did you memorize all the names of the characters briefly mentioned but not necessarily shown within an episode? Did you memorize their motivations or whether theirI thought the acting was fine. The atmosphere was creepy and the corruption was palpable. I even liked the stylish cinematography and the noir-ish dialog. What I did not like is the fact that the plot is nigh incomprehensible. Did you memorize all the names of the characters briefly mentioned but not necessarily shown within an episode? Did you memorize their motivations or whether their actions took place 20 years ago or in the present. I hope you did, because if you didn't you won't know what the hell anyone is talking about the next time the show decides to spring an unsuspecting "detective" scene on you from amongst a slew of aimless subplots about the main characters. There are a few good set pieces in the season, most notably, an awesome bloody shootout at the end of one of the episodes, but good god was the finale disappointing. There's not enough here to spend a full seasons time watching.… Expand
  67. escfromit
    Aug 9, 2015
    0
    Finished watching the this second season of the series and it feels like the author had a ghost writer(s) or something. There's an inconsistency with the writing level in season 1 and 2. I'm very disappointed that the network green-lit this and rushed the season in order to fill the slot. One thing that peeved me is that horrid constant with the bar. Druggie guitar player in theFinished watching the this second season of the series and it feels like the author had a ghost writer(s) or something. There's an inconsistency with the writing level in season 1 and 2. I'm very disappointed that the network green-lit this and rushed the season in order to fill the slot. One thing that peeved me is that horrid constant with the bar. Druggie guitar player in the background. Why? The shift in directors was very obvious. There was no continuity in tone. At first I was skeptical of the new cast (Rachel, Collin, Vince, and Taylor) but they once again proved their talent but it couldn't save the writing. I'm on the fence for season 3 if it comes around. I just hope they take their time with it.… Expand
  68. alexnexus
    Aug 9, 2015
    7
    Well... I just saw True Detective S2 E8 -final episode- and I have to say that it never lived up to what the first season achieved. Nevertheless, the miserable, beat up and more-human-than-human characters where worth the trip. Yes: sometimes their romantic dialogs -cuasimonologues- where a little bit to much, but it was part of what made the first season unique and what made a lot of fansWell... I just saw True Detective S2 E8 -final episode- and I have to say that it never lived up to what the first season achieved. Nevertheless, the miserable, beat up and more-human-than-human characters where worth the trip. Yes: sometimes their romantic dialogs -cuasimonologues- where a little bit to much, but it was part of what made the first season unique and what made a lot of fans come back one more time. The best of season two would have to be Rachel McAdams herself playing a central character (Ani Bezzerides) many would say hovers out of her acting comfort zone. In second place the series' music especially Lera Lynn's melancholic voice and lyrics. I do want to see a third season and probably a forth season. Let's see what's next. Cheers!… Expand
  69. ahndrew
    Aug 9, 2015
    5
    **** horse **** The entire season was great don't get me wrong. The first seven episodes lead up to a very important ending that puts you on the edge of your seat. And then the edge of that seat becomes the most disappointing gentle ride you can possibly imagine. No twist, no surprise, just everyone dying except the one character that you don't care about. Woody and Mathew, come on guys,**** horse **** The entire season was great don't get me wrong. The first seven episodes lead up to a very important ending that puts you on the edge of your seat. And then the edge of that seat becomes the most disappointing gentle ride you can possibly imagine. No twist, no surprise, just everyone dying except the one character that you don't care about. Woody and Mathew, come on guys, you can do better.… Expand
  70. Mazmorrero47
    Aug 9, 2015
    3
    I've been defending this show for the last 8 weeks, but wow! the finale was a huge middle finger towards the audience and made me think I've been wasting my time all along. Nic Pizzolatto is officially the M. Night Shyamalan of television.
  71. AContext
    Aug 9, 2015
    2
    I stayed until the end; through all 10 mumbling, convoluted, glacier-paced, dark, Twin Peaks stealing, too convenient episodes. Can I get these 10-and-a-half hours of my life back? Sadly, no. This was an intentionally confusing piece of pulp fiction, but without the wink and a nod that says, "Hey, we're really just playin' around here." This was supposed to be serious drama. It wasn't. II stayed until the end; through all 10 mumbling, convoluted, glacier-paced, dark, Twin Peaks stealing, too convenient episodes. Can I get these 10-and-a-half hours of my life back? Sadly, no. This was an intentionally confusing piece of pulp fiction, but without the wink and a nod that says, "Hey, we're really just playin' around here." This was supposed to be serious drama. It wasn't. I almost gave it up after episode 8, the party piece where - in a 40-room mansion - Taylor Kitsch manages to end up outside the very room where the bad guys are discussing their dirty deeds. And the cop arrives just in time to hear the bad guys talk about exactly what's taking place, what the critical information is and who's involved. Puh-leeze, Did Pizzolatto realize in episode 8 that he had too much story yet to tell and only two episodes left in which to accomplish that feat? I was expecting so much more after the McConaughey/Harrelson tour de force....but noooooo!!… Expand
  72. BlackFox81
    Aug 9, 2015
    6
    This season felt overwhelming too many main characters and story lines intersected, not sure why the chp guy turned out to closet homo and I'm not sure was his issues in Iraq when he was military or was he working with a pmc black mountain. Dunno I liked Vince vaughen But I just can't see him as a gangster. Sooo overall this season is okay not great like season 1 but alright.
  73. LighterThings
    Aug 8, 2015
    8
    While season two may not be able to live up the incredibly high standards set by it's predecessor, there's no denying that the show has me glued to the screen every Sunday night. Nic Pizzolatto has proven himself to be one of the most talented writers working in television right now, as each episode is a testament to the complex story he has woven over these eight weeks.

    Like The Wire    While season two may not be able to live up the incredibly high standards set by it's predecessor, there's no denying that the show has me glued to the screen every Sunday night. Nic Pizzolatto has proven himself to be one of the most talented writers working in television right now, as each episode is a testament to the complex story he has woven over these eight weeks.

    Like The Wire before it, the reason True Detective works so well is because the show starts fresh with each season, quickly evolving into this web of intricate story lines following broken people on the verge of foundering as they descend into the darkest parts of mankind's depravity. While some fans may be missing that "Silence of the Lambs" vibe from season one, season two is something of an homage to some of the best crime dramas of the last twenty years, namely "Heat" and "The Departed."

    The show may have lost a few stragglers after the shift to a new cast and new plot, but I have loved every minute of this season as much as I enjoyed the first, and I cannot wait to see what's in store for us in tomorrow's season finale. Personally, I like the idea of an ever-changing cast and story; it allows Pizzolatto and crew to explore new locations and plots with some of the best actors of our generation, so even though we'll be saying goodbye to Velcoro, Bezzerides, and Woodrugh -- like we did Cohle and Hart -- there's always next season to look forward to.    … Expand
  74. gerald-n-piggie
    Aug 6, 2015
    5
    I loved Season 1 and promised myself to judge Season 2 alone without making unfair comparisons. That being said, Season 2 is just missing the mark for me.

    Pros - the episodes have been getting better through the season. Cons - Too many characters and overly complex storyline within a 8 week format. If this exact storyline was stretched over a couple of seasons it would give you more    I loved Season 1 and promised myself to judge Season 2 alone without making unfair comparisons. That being said, Season 2 is just missing the mark for me.

    Pros - the episodes have been getting better through the season.

    Cons - Too many characters and overly complex storyline within a 8 week format. If this exact storyline was stretched over a couple of seasons it would give you more time to develop the characters and for the audience to follow along. I don't feel any strong emotional connection to the characters or the crime.

    Also, I 1000% understand that this is fiction and supposed to a type of film noir/pulp saga, but I can't get over how completely improbable the plot is. I just flat out don't believe most of it. I keep thinking - at the first whiff of THIS level of corruption the Feds would be brought in - they leave something this large and important to 4 policemen originally.

    People are being murdered and everyone keeps quiet. Most corruption in the US government is about money sometimes sex. The minute people start ending up dead (Caspere, the security guard, Tasha), the average politician is going to peace out. I'm also laughing at ridiculous scenes such as Vince Vaughn's mobster character just walking right into the Mayor's office to discuss their illegal dealings right there in the open, or the scene at the orgy where the bad guys loudly explain what they're doing illegally tapping the documents and leaving them on the table in the open. Again, I know this is fiction, and if stylistically it was set to be more like a graphic or pulp novel (think the movie Sin City), then I wouldn't bat an eye, but that's not the overall style so it seems off.    … Expand
  75. moonjo
    Aug 6, 2015
    4
    Too many protagonists - not enough time for them to develop, harder for viewers to be interested in them.
    Weak plot - it's just weak. Never once have I felt intrigued about the 'big reveal'. In first 3 episodes, I was curious about the masked man. But he just disappeared and I really don't care anymore.
    Season 1 - season 1 was a masterpiece. And it has raised the bar way too high. This    Too many protagonists - not enough time for them to develop, harder for viewers to be interested in them.
    Weak plot - it's just weak. Never once have I felt intrigued about the 'big reveal'. In first 3 episodes, I was curious about the masked man. But he just disappeared and I really don't care anymore.
    Season 1 - season 1 was a masterpiece. And it has raised the bar way too high. This happens a lot for all the sequels. I remember watching the Pacific and being disappointed because Band of Brothers was so epic.
    Bottom line - if you haven't started watching season 2, don't bother until you really don't have anything better to do.    … Expand
  76. maxor92
    Aug 6, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After hearing that they would use a new cast for the second season, I was sceptical that the second season would live up to the first. Cast seemed and seems decent enough (except for Vince Vaughn), but after 6 episode the plot is not interesting and one doesn't even know what this season is supposed to be about. The characters are all f***** up in some way. I can't wait to write a review anymore.

    Plot: Boring, not catching, all over the place and not interesting. Especially since this show airs every week, every time I tune in to watch the show I really need to think about what happened in the previous episode. Ultimately not a lot happens each episodes in terms of the overall storyline. There are a few scenes that are supposed to add a "shock" value, but they do seem out of place. I enjoy shocking scenes if it elevates the stakes, but these just seem to be randomly placed in an episode to at least deliver some kind of entertainment.

    Characters: Colin Farrell's character is pretty cliche, Rachel McAdam's character is not very convincing, Taylor Kitsch's character actually has a lot of potential (he is pretty badass), but you can't figure out what the character is about. These characters are all ok, but Vince Vaughn's character... From the moment I saw that he was cast in this TV show, I was worried. Vince Vaughn can only act in one way and has a very monotone voice, that ultimately only fits into comedy. Cutting it short - he isn't a very good bad guy. His scenes are painful to watch.    … Expand
  77. Prech
    Aug 4, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Абсолютно несправедливая оценка дается этому сезону. Сезон отличный, закрученный и сложный сюжет, в отличии от первого сезона. Первый сезон был очень глупым по сравнению с этим, даже убийцей оказался гребаный садовник, ну это же смешно. Его тянула только стилистика, вообщем не понимаю откуда столько негатива.… Expand
  78. Amiria
    Aug 4, 2015
    5
    the most problem with this season is CASTING i don't know who's pick this actors and actress but honestly there's no way to colin farrell plays with vince vaughn and also VINCE not good for that character everytime i see vince in true detective i remind his role at starsky & hutch and i laugh :D
  79. Bagga
    Aug 4, 2015
    9
    Season 2 is fantastic.

    With an extremely complex plot and A LOT of characters, season 2 has been getting alot more criticisms than season 1. I think this is because this season is not made to be watched once a week; its either a binge watch show or a show that you need to re-watch. The plot is amazing, but extremely complex so if you view it one a week most of the small details, that    Season 2 is fantastic.

    With an extremely complex plot and A LOT of characters, season 2 has been getting alot more criticisms than season 1. I think this is because this season is not made to be watched once a week; its either a binge watch show or a show that you need to re-watch. The plot is amazing, but extremely complex so if you view it one a week most of the small details, that end up really important, are lost on you.

    In short; the characters are great, the story is great, the cinematography is beautiful but the dialog is a little off sometimes and the pacing could be better. Still, fantastic season.    … Expand
  80. HabaneroTube
    Aug 3, 2015
    5
    I actually fell asleep in the the season premiere. I really tried to stay awake. Rachel McAdams and Vince Vaughn are mediocre actors that look like "ok, this is my serious face now, can you see it"? It's quite annoying.

    The presence of fine acting in season 1 weighs against the performances in season 2. It's an unbeatable premise and the formulaic approach to achieve the same dramatic    I actually fell asleep in the the season premiere. I really tried to stay awake. Rachel McAdams and Vince Vaughn are mediocre actors that look like "ok, this is my serious face now, can you see it"? It's quite annoying.

    The presence of fine acting in season 1 weighs against the performances in season 2. It's an unbeatable premise and the formulaic approach to achieve the same dramatic chemistry is fruitless since the new cast is still discovering themselves to partake in haute drama and it shows...and it's very painful at times.

    I'll be watching reruns of season 1.    … Expand
  81. CineSuppa
    Aug 3, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While I can understand early confusion regarding the second season of True Detective, I think most are missing what's going on. If you think the first season was dark, you're in for a surprise. We often look at the most barbaric acts as something done by the uneducated, the misfortunate, the sick, the poor. Season 2 is rocking the commonplace conception that civilization is civilized. And doing it in an extremely timely and interesting way. This is where I'm hoping the core of the story isn't lost on the masses.

    There's a long history of socio-political analogy in "The Wizard of Oz", and this is exactly what we have here: a modern interpretation. Ani is Dorothy, Ray is the Tin Man, Paul is the Cowardly Lion and Frank is the Scarecrow. The masses are Munchkins, obliviously carrying on their hard-working lives as long as the status quo is kept intact. But it's not.

    Ani came from humble and virginal beginnings, but the good daughter fairytale is long dead. While Dorothy was a character pure of heart and mind, Ani is the everywoman who's been forced down the darkest of dark paths. Her childhood rape shaped her entire existence, and she's long prepared for a worst-case scenario of retribution, something she's now had a taste of.

    Ray is a man in a hard metal exterior, hardened then rusted by his experiences. When he couldn't be there for his wife in need, his anger grew and he sought revenge. Now he's learning he made mistakes, and through social lubrication (particularly with Ani), he's able to be a functional adult again. But he still lives in the shadow of knowing he can rust solid, never to be repaired. This is partially evident in his substance abuse. Avoiding reality.

    Paul has every decoration of a hunter and is the personification of bravery. The king of the jungle. His war record and his duties as an officer of the law are the cornerstone of who he is. But he has secrets. Ones that scare him. Ones that ultimately are his downfall because his cowardice eats him. For all his training and resolve, his incomparable truth is his weakness. Homosexuality is literally a thorn in his paw.

    The three of them are normal people who society has changed. Gone are the G-rated tropes of yesteryear, and the plight of the common man. Each embodies our worst unspoken sexual fears. You could even make the analogy the source material made: hard working common people from various walks of life coming together in similar misfortune.

    And Frank. Oh Frank. He's the Scarecrow. The straw man. The original analogy was the farm workers of America, but Frank takes it much further. He has no clue of his roots. He was an orphan. He built himself up, stuffed his own shirt with golden straw, and filled himself out as a man. But straw burns, and he's been burned and left for dead by flying monkeys (various henchmen). The fire analogy is even stronger by him burning his properties to the ground in retaliation.

    They all started on slightly different paths, but now converge around something they all have mutual interest in. And where The Wizard of Oz skips over the darkest parts of their journey, this miniseries delves into the depths for each of them. Each has or will be confronted by the cornerstone of their fears. They'll all be challenged in their own pit of hellfire and brimstone.

    While we don't have the antagonist to point a finger at yet, we know exactly who it is. It's an allegory. The villain is those who make the decisions for all of us, those who write the law but are above it. The villain is corruption. It's the modern mafia, and how they've moved into legitimate business delving deeper into unfathomable corruption. We might not know their names or faces, but they tug at the strings of reality like we're all starting to be familiar with in the real world. The land and rail deal of Season 2 is a microcosm, an intimate biopsy into a larger cancer, insinuating the multi-headed beast lurking in the shadows in a way that hasn't been done since Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut. We know it's there.

    These four characters are wondering through the dark part of the forest. They're all on a quest to get the Wizard from different sides of the law... but nobody gets to see the Wizard.

    I can't wait to see the finale.    … Expand
  82. evomedia
    Aug 2, 2015
    2
    From the very first scene in Series 2 I was disappointed, its not simply that Season 2 is different from S1, it just seems like the script is trying too hard, the Photography is sub par and has none of the subtle nuance of the original, worst of all it has no clear story arc per episode.

    But back to the opening scene .. and why this series is annoying me rather than entertaining, we    From the very first scene in Series 2 I was disappointed, its not simply that Season 2 is different from S1, it just seems like the script is trying too hard, the Photography is sub par and has none of the subtle nuance of the original, worst of all it has no clear story arc per episode.

    But back to the opening scene .. and why this series is annoying me rather than entertaining, we open on the scene where Colin Farrel is talking to his son ... now I know they haven't brought up the whole rape thing in the first scene, but the script is going to question CF as being his dad ... I don't mind that concept, but visually and conceptually it was as subtle as a brick to the face. Its like the director/casting agent thought ok we have a dark haired skinny CF and later we want the audience to question if he's the father, so ok we'll cast a Ginger haired fat kid, it leave no question marks, no is he or isn't he the father to play on. It was almost like watching a comedy sketch. Simply put, this season lacks any sense of mystery.

    There are also TOO many storylines, it felt like a train wreck, your introduced to what felt like 20 characters in the first episode, it gave you no time to buy into any scene or character, you get a few lines and your jarred of to another character.

    It also lacks any sense of atmosphere, Season 1 practically oozed Deep South America, Season 2 has alot of aerial shots of cars on highways, shots that frankly could be filmed anywhere, in fact it seemed 90% of the opening episodes felt like they were shot inside some generic soundstage ... it simply lacks any real sense of location.

    Its cliched, muddled, lacks nuance, and has some terrible acting at times, it's as if everyone knows it should be great, knows the writier is capable of great things but no one wants or knows how to commit.    … Expand
  83. EL-Kaza
    Jul 28, 2015
    1
    Of course, it should not be compared with season 1, since they opt to have a totally different style, and we accept and are glad for hat. However, the story is not coherent. It feels like we are going around and did not pass the overture. The dialogue has a lot of dead meat, banal, and not engaging. The acting, except for Ray, is not convincing and cliche. They try to be intellectual andOf course, it should not be compared with season 1, since they opt to have a totally different style, and we accept and are glad for hat. However, the story is not coherent. It feels like we are going around and did not pass the overture. The dialogue has a lot of dead meat, banal, and not engaging. The acting, except for Ray, is not convincing and cliche. They try to be intellectual and engaged but sorry it did not work.… Expand
  84. Karamos2000
    Jul 28, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Okay. Its not anything like the first season. Story is convoluted and muddled (I'm fine with that). Sub story regarding the "son"is poor. Aside from Vince Vaughn, acting thin (Colin Farrell is bad) The problem, the new director hasn't been able to weave all of this together. When Ray was shot with us (the audience) caught off guard, that was a plot changer. Next episode everything a okay. The shootout, every cop hit except the main character. Suspense was needed here. Its kinda like a David Lynch film without suspense or intrigue. Nor do you develop empathy for the characters.… Expand
  85. Striper
    Jul 28, 2015
    1
    Season 2 so bad that it's hard to define. The plot is jumbled and hard to follow and the acting is pretty bad. Leave it to Hollywood to throw the glamorous but trouble female into the mix.
    It's so bad that I now watch Ray Donovan and record TD for watching when I need help getting to sleep.
  86. gustavohst
    Jul 28, 2015
    10
    Ótimas atuações, belo cenário, seriado que vem evoluindo bem, espero me surpreender!

    Elementos mais simplistas que também vem a acrescer com a qualidade é abertura.
  87. shellview
    Jul 27, 2015
    0
    TD season 2 is an abomination. The acting is putrid. Vince Vaughan is so bad I have laughed out loud every time he opens his mouth and speaks. Not to mention the actress who plays his wife who obviously must have a "relationship" with the producer. The story is so convoluted it gave me a migraine trying to figure out what the hell is going on. Then they contrive the story line so thatTD season 2 is an abomination. The acting is putrid. Vince Vaughan is so bad I have laughed out loud every time he opens his mouth and speaks. Not to mention the actress who plays his wife who obviously must have a "relationship" with the producer. The story is so convoluted it gave me a migraine trying to figure out what the hell is going on. Then they contrive the story line so that they can give us one of the silliest orgy scene I have ever seen. I think the dialogue was written by a chimp who got hold of a typewriter. Throw in a chubby red headed kid who looks like none of his 3 parents...OMG! Dreck!!!… Expand
  88. gabal61
    Jul 26, 2015
    10
    I won't be so insulting to say that if you don't like this you're stupid. It is just that you need to know it is not a regular TV show, more of a novel. It is slow, noir, hopeless and sometimes, yes, annoying. If each episode is a chapter, I am enough interested to discover the next one. If you want hectic, saturated story and images à la CSI, you are at the wrong place. From a TV show onI won't be so insulting to say that if you don't like this you're stupid. It is just that you need to know it is not a regular TV show, more of a novel. It is slow, noir, hopeless and sometimes, yes, annoying. If each episode is a chapter, I am enough interested to discover the next one. If you want hectic, saturated story and images à la CSI, you are at the wrong place. From a TV show on HBO I am expecting: good story, good artistic direction, good soundtrack, good sound/image/feel; it's all there. But the most outstanding aspect is the acting. Flawless all around acting. I did not know McAdams, just that it was against her usual character, nor Kitsch and I became a believer. Vaughn, Farrell and Reilly are all convincing. Supporting actresses and actors alike are excellent, like Coster, Spencer or Davidovich. I am sadden by the poor review. Imagine it gave the idea to HBO to not do that kind of shows, who would?… Expand
  89. JamesL
    Jul 25, 2015
    8
    Critics be damned. I am enjoying the second season. I agree it does not match the first but that was going to be impossible. I like the doom and gloom. I like the misery, the drug and alcohol abuse. I think Vaughn's comedies are horrible so it is great to see him in this roll. GOT really missed it this year but this has my attention. Sometimes the critics just do not know when to enjoy.
  90. JonnyM2000
    Jul 25, 2015
    1
    A monumental flop, Vaughn couldn't be more wooden and miscast, I've seen better plot lines and acting in Neighbours. The other actors try to pull at least something out of the mess knowing what they have to live up too and that something has gone seriously wrong with this series.

    I try not to watch it but its becoming more like a car crash you just cant tear yourself away while shaking    A monumental flop, Vaughn couldn't be more wooden and miscast, I've seen better plot lines and acting in Neighbours. The other actors try to pull at least something out of the mess knowing what they have to live up too and that something has gone seriously wrong with this series.

    I try not to watch it but its becoming more like a car crash you just cant tear yourself away while shaking your head that you wished you hadn't seen it.

    How they could lose the magic they had in S1 is truly tragic.    … Expand
  91. Joe15
    Jul 24, 2015
    10
    Great second season. Great actors,writers,characters and story. Fast paced, suspenseful drama with depth. Enjoying it fully and can't wait to see what's coming next.

    For the naysayers, go back to watching The Bachelor or Under The Dome; it appears to be more your pace guys.
  92. jenwithapen
    Jul 23, 2015
    0
    It's such a disappointment. The dialogue is painful. Farrell is a friggin' champ, offering up grim and, at times, eviscerating drivel on subjects his character knows NOTHING about, like fatherhood, being a good husband, or contributing something of substance to the moral fabric that is Vinci California!

    But at least CF believes he is who is. He _believes_ in his character. Vince    It's such a disappointment. The dialogue is painful. Farrell is a friggin' champ, offering up grim and, at times, eviscerating drivel on subjects his character knows NOTHING about, like fatherhood, being a good husband, or contributing something of substance to the moral fabric that is Vinci California!

    But at least CF believes he is who is. He _believes_ in his character. Vince Vaughn is a TRAINWRECK. Calamityville Horror, holy crap. The man can't deliver a line, and it's UTTERLY clear he doesn't know WHAT to do with his character. It's like he's not even acting. Just floundering though stale and trite diatribes that go nowhere. Sure, they're filled with self-loathing, but besides that... there's just nothing there.

    Vaughn and his "wifey" are in the top five of TV's most boring couples to watch. Their average night revolves around sitting together in various dirty holes, **** about their barrenhood. Oh, there was that scene where they were on the couch... **** about their barrenhood. Ugh. It's unwatchable.

    One of the biggest disappointments in TV history.    … Expand
  93. imthenoob
    Jul 22, 2015
    4
    The story is no where near as captivating, The characters, aside from Ray Velcoro, are pathetic and weak. The show suffers from terrible miscasting as well, Taylor Kitsch just doesn't fit and Rachel McAdams sticks out like a sore thumb. What ruins season 2 is that they failed to set anything up in the first episode, There's no big mystery, No big crime. It's all heavy focus on theThe story is no where near as captivating, The characters, aside from Ray Velcoro, are pathetic and weak. The show suffers from terrible miscasting as well, Taylor Kitsch just doesn't fit and Rachel McAdams sticks out like a sore thumb. What ruins season 2 is that they failed to set anything up in the first episode, There's no big mystery, No big crime. It's all heavy focus on the character's back stories with no real help for the main plot.

    Now I am not saying it's a god awful show. Colin Farrell is a saving grace as Velcoro and the only reason the show is worth watching. Vince Vaughn also does a surprisingly pretty good job in his role too. If the writing material was a bit better, I am sure one of these guys would secure an emmy nomination for their role.    … Expand
  94. Vaxkang
    Jul 22, 2015
    10
    This show has excellent acting and story, the low scores it may get is because of the short attention spans of some the users here. Each episode is building tension, the story is solid. Too bad people tend to get sketchy when the plot is mildly complicated. Great season so far.
  95. jimmypowder
    Jul 22, 2015
    2
    Wow,what a drop off from last season. Boring,poorly written,lack of chemistry between the actors .

    No wonder nobody can get an erection in Season Two.
  96. avan1976
    Jul 21, 2015
    2
    So disappointing to see such an exciting franchise crippled in its second season. The characters are cliched (all with their own run-of-themill demons, including a gangster grappling with fertility issues), the dialogue stilted (with characters often announcing 'who they are' to the audience, just in case we missed it) and the story line overly complex. I simply did not care enough to trySo disappointing to see such an exciting franchise crippled in its second season. The characters are cliched (all with their own run-of-themill demons, including a gangster grappling with fertility issues), the dialogue stilted (with characters often announcing 'who they are' to the audience, just in case we missed it) and the story line overly complex. I simply did not care enough to try and decode the investigation. Except for Vaughn (who needs to practice his ominous/inner turmoil face at bit more), the actors do an admirable job of injecting at least some life into a cardboard script.… Expand
  97. grandier
    Jul 21, 2015
    0
    Unbelievably bad. Extremely boring. Lack of rhythm to the narrative. The plot is weak, simply not catching. We are now halfway and nothing really relevant has happened yet, at least nothing other than what was pretty predictable we would see after the first half of the first episode.
  98. Prophatsee
    Jul 20, 2015
    10
    I don't get all the hate or people saying they don't get it. I'm loving it and especially at the end of 4 and 5 can't wait to see how it ends. I don't know if people are comparing it to season 1 when it shouldnt. It's a whole new show new story new characters only the title name is the same. It doesn't have the chase a serial killer scenario like season 1 but it has political corruptionI don't get all the hate or people saying they don't get it. I'm loving it and especially at the end of 4 and 5 can't wait to see how it ends. I don't know if people are comparing it to season 1 when it shouldnt. It's a whole new show new story new characters only the title name is the same. It doesn't have the chase a serial killer scenario like season 1 but it has political corruption and cover up murder. I'm glad it's not going the serial killer route again seeing as that has been overplayed for years. If you like LA No ire James Ellroy novels or the Chinatown movie this is for you. Don't listen to the haters judge it yourself if you don't like it cool. This isnt a show where you can stare at your phone while watching it. Its like a book. Got to put phone down for an hour and don't expect anything every scene just listen and watch what's happening and enjoy as the tension builds up till it gets to a boiling point like it did in episode 5. It's that point in the book where you stay up late binge reading cause you have to see what happens in the end… Expand
  99. PJD
    Jul 20, 2015
    4
    It feels inferior to season 1 on all fronts. The plot, the subplots, the acting and even the theme song are inferior to the first season.

    You know you really aren't feeling it when episode four goes into episode five and you are confused as to who is who and what is going on. I chalk this up to not caring what happens to any of these characters. Vaughn's troubled villain is fine but    It feels inferior to season 1 on all fronts. The plot, the subplots, the acting and even the theme song are inferior to the first season.

    You know you really aren't feeling it when episode four goes into episode five and you are confused as to who is who and what is going on. I chalk this up to not caring what happens to any of these characters.

    Vaughn's troubled villain is fine but McAdam's tough detective doesn't work with her shaky voice in a lot of scenes. She's just not a tough type of person and it shows here.

    Farrell's bad cop with a conscious feels the same. Probably because in every scene he shares with another actor he is eclipsed. Nothing about his character stands out.

    Kitsch plays a good cop in a closet but it feels like one of those plot lines the story didn't need.

    All in all this is a pretty mundane followup to the first season. I would argue that True Detective season 2 is not even on par with the crime dramas from the 80s. Even soap operas have it beat.    … Expand
  100. cocofounder
    Jul 20, 2015
    9
    People are so quick to judge. Let's not forgot that season 1 took some time to develop too. I have to admit, episode's 1 and most of 2 had me almost falling asleep. But from the shotgun to the chest at the end of episode 2 to now the season woke up, all characters being properly developed now and let's just say if you've seen episode 4 and still think this season sucks then there's noPeople are so quick to judge. Let's not forgot that season 1 took some time to develop too. I have to admit, episode's 1 and most of 2 had me almost falling asleep. But from the shotgun to the chest at the end of episode 2 to now the season woke up, all characters being properly developed now and let's just say if you've seen episode 4 and still think this season sucks then there's no convincing anyway… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
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  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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