While Justin Lin directed the first two episodes, the rest of the second season was helmed by a variety of different filmmakers, resulting in a season that lacks the clear and concise style of the story told before it. The filmmaker helmed the first season in its entirety, and that sharp, very confident vision resulted in the lavish cinematic feel that made True Detective much better than your average detective procedural show.
This quickly ticking, ticking, ticking, ticking clock resulted in a notably more rushed and scattered season, lacking the same precision, patience, depth and nuance that made the first season so invigorating, distinctive and impeccable.Īdditionally, the absence of director Cary Joji Fukunaga was noticeably felt. Nic Pizzolatto had all the time in the world to write that excellent first season, but HBO was hungry for that second season, and it wasn't looking to wait intently. The first season was written and carefully constructed after years of diligent work, and the second season simply didn't have that same luxury. Yet, despite its earnest intentions to expand itself and craft a new story that wasn't merely a copycat of its former glory, True Detective Season 2 falls short of its past success for a number of different reasons. The ambition was grandeur, the scope was much larger and the drive was longer.
As a result, this season opted for more of an interweaving storyline centered around criminals and crime-fighters alike rather than a nonlinear two-sided character study that centered around hazy, yet never forgotten memories, burning disgruntlements, dark vengeance and past injustices.