Topic: True Detective
If you haven't hopped aboard the hype train yet, you're missing out on some masterful television and storytelling. Even with only two episodes thus far, I'm already prepared to declare this is the show that will take Breaking Bad's throne as the critical darling of television. Here's a rundown for the uninitiated:
+ Neo-Noir Mystery
+ Written by novelist Nic Pizzolatto (Galveston, Between Here and the Yellow Sea, Wanted Man)
+ Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga (Jane Eyre)
+ Anthology Format
+ Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson and Michelle Monaghan lead the first season
Why am I hyped? While cop shows are arguably the most common genre on all of television, this series offers a very unique take on the premise thanks to its neo-noir tones. The writing has been loaded with tremendous bits of character building, philosophical musings, and surprising but logical twists. The anthology format allows the show to neatly tie-up it's story by the end of each season, meaning we won't have mysteries dragged on and on to keep viewers interested in the hope of finally seeing resolutions (looking at you, LOST). We also don't have to worry about the show pulling any punches or looking like a generic police procedural thanks to HBO being HBO. Speaking of which, the cinematography is nothing short of fucking spectacular; not only is the imagery breathtaking but it also enhances the tone of the series. It isn't Roger Deakins levels of eye porn, but it's close.
The show also utilizes multiple timelines to tell the story as McConaughey and Harrelson's characters reflect back on the case after a similar murder shows up 17 years later after the original. This gives viewers great insight into the psyche of both characters and how the case changed their lives. The performances are all tremendous with McConaughey already locking up the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Miniseries. I know that's a bit much to say after just two episodes, but his performance is that good.
TL;DR - GET HYPE