True Detective

True Detective is an American anthology crime drama television series that premiered on HBO in 2014. It was created and written by Nic Pizzolatto, and its first season stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, as well as Michelle Monaghan, Michael Potts, and Tory Kittles in supporting roles. While the series did continue past season one, subsequent seasons feature new casts and storylines, marking each installment as a standalone narrative. This detail is worth mentioning due to the individualistic nature of each season.

The first season of True Detective centers around two Louisiana State Police homicide detectives, Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson) as they investigate the particularly gruesome murder of a woman that carries occult undertones in the backcountry of Louisiana.

The series features a non-linear storytelling style, shifting between 1995 when the murder was committed, and 2012, when the two detectives are asked to revisit the case. This interplay between time layers brilliantly enhances the depth and complexity of the narrative while revealing glimpses of the detectives’ personality development and shifts in their relationship throughout years. It is also worth noting that True Detective uses the backdrop of the bleak rural Louisiana as much more than just a setting. The landscape mirrors the story’s grim tone and acts as a silent character, enhancing the storytelling with its eeriness.

Matthew McConaughey's portrayal of Rust Cohle has been praised by audiences and critics alike. He embodies the tortured, enigmatic character with an eerie ease, delivering a masterclass performance. Cohle’s philosophical ramblings, bleak outlook on life, and zealous driving force to find the truth, all contribute to making him one of the most intriguing characters on TV.

Similarly, Woody Harrelson's portrayal of Martin Hart provides the perfect counterweight to Cohle. Hart hides his own flaws and secrets behind the veneer of a conventional family man, and his struggle with maintaining that facade adds another facet to his character.

Apart from the stellar performances from the lead actors, another aspect of the show that deserves special mention is its cinematography. The haunting visuals and atmospheric, often desolate, panoramas perfectly compliment the series' dark narrative. Director Cary Joji Fukunaga creates an atmosphere steeped in tension and implemented an unforgettable six-minute long tracking shot in one episode that has since been widely lauded.

Additionally, True Detective’s original score also adds a hauntingly beautiful tone to the series. Complemented by an assortment of music from various artists, the eerie and ethereal soundtrack mirrors the complex and grim narrative of the show.

Furthermore, the series is not just a simple whodunnit; rather, it delves into the profound moral, philosophical, and existential themes. It explores the human condition, the concept of time and reality, and philosophical nihilism among others. The dialogue heavy script filled with introspection, existential dread, and metaphysical musing has given the series a unique critiquing ground among both viewers and critics.

Finally, the rich tapestry of supporting characters adds to the realism and depth of the series. From Michelle Monaghan's Maggie Hart, the wife caught between her husband and his partner, to numerous minor characters that enhance the mystery surrounding the investigation, every character is three dimensional and purposeful.

Ultimately, True Detective is a show that transcends the traditional confines of a crime drama. It is a profound exploration of humanity, time, memory, and nihilism, all set against the backdrop of a gripping murder mystery. It is a series that demands viewers' complete attention, rewarding them with a multi-layered narrative, compelling characters and impeccable performances, making it a must-watch.