Black Maps and Motel Rooms

After a sluggish 3 and a half episodes, I thought this season would be a big flop. I could relate to Bezzerides and Velcoro, but nothing else - no other characters, no subplot and certainly not the main plot. The only reason I kept watching is because my stepson insisted - hey, it's True Detective, we can't miss it. So I went along.

But since the shootout at the end of episode 4, things really picked up. The plot is becoming tighter and some sense of urgency is coming about. Most importantly, things are finally becoming interesting with Frank. The uninteresting subplots were either abandoned, reached a solution or were at last incorporated to the main plot. Episodes 5-7, plus the set piece in episode 4, made this second season more than worthwhile. If the final episode tops last year's finale (in which the showdown was less exciting then expected), I think season 2 will be almost on par with season 1, lacking the tour de force of Rust Cohle's iconic character, but not being a big letdown in terms of storytelling. Needless to say, episode 7 was the best so far, and an excellent pre-finale buildup. Not many critics agree with me that the series really picked up in the second half, but IMDb users sure do - just look at the marks.

The best way to cut the problems that plagued BOTH seasons is to reduce the number of episodes from 8 to 6 next time. It is not that we have to withstand "filler" episodes, but the fact is that seasons 1 and 2 were plagued with too many uninteresting subplots and characters. A shorter season will tighten up things. But we know it is not going to happen, since a longer season is more profitable, and the fans sure like to see more hours of TD.

Following the botch operation of saving damsel in non-distress, the three leads find themselves chased by multiple parties. Meanwhile, Frank is forced to cash in and plays his last gambit. With all the secretive scheming by people around him, he's finally takes the desperate step.

Vince Vaughn is exceptional in this episode, utterly delivering the anti-hero role with cold intensity. He makes his intentions known, even to the point of oozing murderous intent. It's a nonchalant and ruthless persona, as though he's finally snapped but still fixed in sternly cold manner.

Ani suffers the most repercussion from the operation, even worse since things play out much differently that she had hoped for. Parts of the episode are invested to her trying to salvage her relationships. It's an effort for redemption, a more cathartic chance than others get.

Taylor Kitsch has some of his better scenes. In hindsight, he's shown some potential, but overall he's been rather mediocre in the season. This time he gives a couple of sparks, while it doesn't rise to Vaughn's or Farrell's level, he's pretty decent here.

The most problematic aspect of the case is how it's not accessible. There are many links to the past or subplots that are only briefly shown, barely mentioned or occurred off screen entirely. This makes it harder to invest on. Another more trivial hindrance is the scenes have odd transition, the series has done this frequently where conversations would be cut by other scenes before. It's not entirely intrusive but quite jarring.

With only one episode to go, the show lights the fuse for explosive end. I personally like the second season, although it needs a grand exit to be widely remembered as a solid entry to True Detective name.

I swear to God I had to rewind certain parts of this episode over and over again to try to comprehend how insanely confusing this whole mystery is. I honestly thought I was following along with the plot perfectly well until I reached this episode. there's so many people involved in the conspiracy that it overreached at times due to how wide this thing spreads-almost every single person in the show is involved in one way or another, and it can be a bit much. Don't get me wrong-I still loved it, but damn if it didn't make me feel dumb at times. let's see how they wrap this all up. I wonder if anybody is even going to make it out alive.

I think this episode was SO GOOD!

Everything felt so right. So many pieces were brought together! The acting, directing, writing, everything was on pair with the first season! A little too late? Maybe. Did it happen nonetheless? Yes. But you cannot deny the greatness of this episode. The dystopic feeling throughout the whole episode were fantastic.

To sum it up: the first 3 episodes of this season were too slow, too incoherent and it's obvious Justin Lin has ruined the directing in the first two episodes. (face it, it's obvious he has)

But since episode 4 everything has been so good! Episode 5,6 and now 7 has been, to be honest, a fantastic experience to watch. I've enjoyed it so much! I'm extremely anxious to see the season finale. (which to our luck will be 90 minutes)

Give credit where credit is due. This episode: 9.5/10.

As everyone knows, This season of True Detective has been insanely controversial and divisive it seems like since before it ever even aired. I think when the season started no one knew what to expect, and a lot of people were already ready to be disappointed, Ready to look for anything and everything to criticize and rip to shreds. It has been plagued by hype and backlash since season one ended. I feel that the season has been strong all along and has been a phenomenal slow burning character driven mystery, But after this episode, I think it is at the top of it's game and that season 2 is easily consistent in quality and entertainment value as season one. All of the things that were planted throughout the season and might have seemed confusing or random to some viewers at first glance, Are coming together now in a great way.

The performances are all top notch and The directing and cinematography is excellent as usual. This is a complex and complicated story that requires full attention and patience, and as we have seen in these past couple of episodes, Rewards it greatly. Much like season one, This is a season that begs to be re-watched, Every viewing adds more layers to the experience and when people do watch this season over as time goes on, I think we will see this season getting more and more of the credit it deserves. It already seems like the overall attitude concerning this season is starting to shift with a lot of people.

This was a great episode of television and a great season of television. The finale looks to be great and intense, But regardless of how it turns out, I think this season has already proved itself. Anyone that is debating whether or not they should watch this season, If you get past all of the hype, expectations, gossip, and all of the other things that have seemed to hover around this show for some reason, I think you will find an incredibly solid, entertaining, well made, and rewarding season. In my opinion this is one of the best shows on TV and everything that I want from a great HBO drama.