Two stars, somewhat removed from the A-list place at the table they had enjoyed for most of the past two decades, sign on for a strange eight-episode serial tale and ignite the masses with a truly riveting feast of television. Do you think Matt and Woody knew they had this in them? To be this good, playing such deep, dark characters at such different peaks and valleys along their personal timelines? (Draw from what you know, right?) The writing was great, the supporting cast was solid, the setting was incredible, the story sublime, but these two guys driving around in a shitty unmarked cop car, talking, was the highlight of the screen all year long, big or small. I hope young actors are picking these scenes apart and learning the lines for their overpriced classes. I got pretty carried away with True Detective’s mystery and whodunit qualities but, as the subtly beautiful final scene revealed, the brightest stars were there in front of our eyes the whole time. Series creator Nic Pizzolatto may have a monkey on his back as he pens season two, but unlike McConaughey’s Rust Cohle, I have more than a little faith that every little thing’s gonna be alright, alright, alright.—Pat McGuire
http://youtu.be/TXwCoNwBSkQ
