The most important thing to remember going into the second season of True Detective is this; it’s nothing like season one. That may seem relatively obvious, given that it’s a new cast and new story, but it needs to be repeated. Many of the reviews I’m seeing are basing their negatives opinions on the fact that the series is so totally different. The way I see it, the most important things remained the same; fantastic cast, visionary directing, great scripts and interesting stories. Season two kicks off somewhat slow, but I have a feeling it’ll be worth the ride.
Without question, for me, Colin Farrell as Detective Ray Volcoro owns the premiere. Balancing moments of vulnerability with some brutally shocking scenes, Farrell's performance will be what people are talking about on Monday morning (and around Emmy season next year.)
In terms of where the premiere leaves us, I was excited to see where Rachel McAdams’ Detective Ani Bezzerides would head. It’s a type of role I’ve never seen her play, and she nails it. Her stuff in the premiere is a bit odd - some beats are a tad cliché - but I’ve screened the next two episodes and can promise that McAdams continues to impress. It’s striking how much we learn about each character’s lives in such a short time, particularly Ani and Ray.
Officer Paul Woodrugh (Taylor Kitsch) makes a discovery late in the episode that ends up bringing the ensemble together. You’ll get a good idea of what that might be from a recurring cutaway that pops up several times in the premiere. Kitsch’s character gets into an odd predicament in the first episode, and we don’t learn a whole lot about him early on. The character is dark, dedicated to his job, and has a past that he doesn't want to talk about. Kitsch hasn’t had the most promising post-Friday Night Lights career, but his turn here should be enough to reestablish him.
