True Detective season 2

Lore & Background

The season's story follows California Highway Patrol officer Paul Woodrugh, who discovers the body of corrupt city manager Ben Caspere on a highway. Vinci Police Department detective Ray Velcoro and Ventura County Sheriff's Office sergeant Antigone Bezzerides are called to assist. Career criminal Frank Semyon, who lost his money in a rail project overseen by Caspere, begins his own investigation. The season comprises eight episodes, all written by Pizzolatto, with directing duties split among six directors; Cary Fukunaga, who directed all of season one, did not return as director but remained an executive producer.

Reader's Guide

The second season of True Detective is significant as a follow-up to the critically acclaimed first season, but it was met with mixed reviews. Critics praised the performances of Farrell, McAdams, and Kitsch, as well as the cinematography and action sequences, but criticized the pace, narrative, and writing, particularly for its convoluted plot and weak dialogue. Many deemed it disappointing and significantly inferior to the previous season, with some outlets naming it one of the worst television series of 2015. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season holds a 47% rating; on Metacritic, a score of 61 out of 100. HBO president Michael Lombardo later suggested that the pressure to meet an air date contributed to the season's challenges.

Did You Know?

• The season's opening theme is Leonard Cohen's 'Nevermind,' from his 2014 album Popular Problems.
• T Bone Burnett returned as composer, with a more electronic-influenced score than the previous season.
• Rachel McAdams received a nomination for Best Actress in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series at the 6th Critics' Choice Television Awards.
• The season was released on Blu-ray and DVD on January 5, 2016.