When a show echoes through several years of pop culture, its quality is ensured. Hence why, 5 years after its initial premiere, I decided to tune into the sensational True Detective. Initially, I imagined a nitty-gritty traditional crime drama, such as the immense Broadchurch. And after the first couple of episodes of True Detective this seemed to be the case; the gripping story had been set and I was fully involved in the show, but it didn’t quite stand out. However, what soon became apparent as I progressed through the investigation by Detective Rustin ‘Rust’ Cohle and Martin ‘Marty’ Hart, was that the show had so much more to offer. Firstly, the non-linear story showcasing the Detective’s later years was a unique effect that made me fully invested into the case, as it was evident that the Detective's lives took a downturn once the events of the flashbacks finished. This is no more evident than in Detective Cohle, wherein the flashbacks he categorically turns down any alcohol offered, whereas in current time he drinks beers while in a police interview. Furthermore, the cinematography of the show was some of the best I've ever seen. I was particularly struck by a dolly zoom backward when Detective Cohle chases the main suspect in the finale, which heightened the isolation in the scene.
Moreover, the mise en scene of both detectives’ personalities, particularly in Detective Cohle's home, bearing his obsessive nature and simplistic life, was orchestrated perfectly. This was also reflected in how both men's private lives were shown, almost opposites; the problems surrounding Detective Hart’s home life is one of the pivotal storylines throughout the season, and yet we hardly ever see Detective Cohle in a scene alone. McConaughey’s and Harrelson’s performances are a testament to that, with both actors never flinching in the difficult characters lives, and instead embracing the roles. McConaughey particularly shines, with his role as Detective Cohle entirely convincing and real.
To put it simply, the first season of True Detective was unlike any show i’d ever seen, the cinematography was beautiful, the was gripping, and the acting was unbelievable. Nine/Ten.
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