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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User Reviews

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