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True Detective - Season 2 Premiere, "The Western Book of The Dead" - Advance Preview

Jun 21, 2015

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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.

In many ways, the premiere is sort of like the first half of The Avengers. It’s a lot of story building while we wait for the team to assemble. The stories are varyingly interesting, though none ever lost my attention. Nic Pizzolato has spun a dark, weird, intricate mystery, something he’s done for years with novels and short stories. Unlike other anthology series’ like American Horror Story, this season retains none of the cast and opts to change up virtually everything. We’re not in Louisiana anymore, for one thing. Season two takes place in sunny, seedy, California. When the cast was announced for this season, I was most excited to see the kind of material Vince Vaughn would be given. So far, he’s not quite the standout but definitely shows promise. His character in the premiere is bit bland unfortunately; he’s a “bad guy”, for all intents and purposes, though it’s his wife (Kelly Reilly) who steals nearly all of their scenes.

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.

All things considered, “The Western Book of The Dead” is a strong start. Farrell provides more than enough reason to return, and the ending promises that the entire premiere was more of an epilogue than a true starting point for the season. I’ll have a preview of the second (even better) episode after the premiere. For now, let us know what you’re most excited for on Sunday night, and if you think season two can possibly top season one. Feel free to follow me on Twitter for all my SpoilerTV work.

24 comments:

  1. Season 2 looks pretty good. Also I think season 1 was great, but not amazing. It was overrated.

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  2. Finally, some positive vibes. I was getting a bit disheartened after reading the not so charitable reviews by some of the well known critics.

    I am hoping it turns out to be surprisingly good like Wayward Pines. The critics were scathing before it aired and have continued to poke fun at it, even going so far as to say that the actors involved seem to be wishing they were someplace else. All this negativity made me hesitant to watch the show but I did watch and I have found it quite enjoyable. So, here's me, wishing that just like Wayward Pines, S2 of True Detective too, entertains and enthralls me.

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  3. Looking forward to this. Really enjoyed the awesome first season.
    But strangely I'm looking forward to Fargo's second season more than I'm looking forward to this even though I enjoyed TD season 1 more than Fargo's first season.

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  4. I wonder why people go to the trouble of posting season 1 is overrated on every TD news article posted anywhere on the internet. I agree with the sentiment but find it odd and funny with the frequency it's thrown around.

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  5. As a whole, I gotta say I enjoyed Fargo a little more last season. It had so many quirks, and they really nailed the ending... but it doesn't take away from how much I also enjoyed True Detective. I know a lot of people will find the premiere jarring, but I have no doubt it'll be worth sticking it out. I read Nic Pizzolotto's novel "Gavelston" last year and that was great as well.

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  6. I think as long as you go in with an open mind, it'll be worth your time. I was a little worried after reading some reviews too, but as I said - for me, Farrell's performance alone is enough to keep watching. I've always found him to be seriously underrated, and I think this will do wonders to get him recognized for his talent.

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  7. This is so good to hear. It seems like this season has divided critics and that may have to do with the fact that it is not like season 1. But this is good to hear some positive things from a site I trust. From the sounds of the review, it sounds like this season is more violent than the first season.

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  8. I think for the first season people didn't know what to expect and they had zero expectations for it. So when it came on and was very good, people were shocked and obsessed over it. Now with season 2 people are setting their expectations way too high to such ridiculous levels it would be impossible to live up to them.

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  9. I enjoyed season 1, I hope they can carry this show again, for a great season 2 looking forward to it

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  10. How many episodes there are this year?
    Eight or Ten?


    Thanks for your preview! I'm curious.

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  11. If you read what people and critics are saying about season 2, I would say that they aren't at all setting expectations high; they are pretty much expecting it to be shit.

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  12. Cheers max. I really loved it, and I've been lucky to see the first 3 Episodes. Loved it so far.

    Glad to see that you liked it as well

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  13. Thanks for reading! Eight episodes again this season

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  14. Thanks for this great review. The negative comments I've read have all been along the lines of but "season 1" and its irritated me. They don't seem to understand this is an entirely different show that I cannot wait to watch. Even more so after your unbiased, honest review.

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  15. It's even irritating a few of my favorite critics and I do believe Kurt Sutter weighed in on one of the reviews, as only he can. It's not S1. It's not the same story. Why they think it should he the same tone and drama is beyond me.

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  16. It's mostly because season 1 brought on so many fans and so many people who don't even normally watch tv. I've seen people online who are shocked when told that this series is an anthology and that Rust and Marty aren't in it. It's like people have been saying: if you go into this season expecting season 1 then you are going to be disappointed.

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  17. Thanks for the review. I can´t wait to watch it. I really enjoyed season one and look forward to an entirely different story with great actors.

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  18. I le­ft my office work a­nd since then I am making Eighty-Five Dollars per hour. How? I work online! My old work was making me un-happy ,so I made a decision to take my chance on something different… Two yrs have passed since And I say my life is changed completly for the better! Here is what i do< w­w­w.P­a­y-R­e­v­i­e­w.c­o­m >

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  19. I didnt see the first season but it was loved by everyone so i will jump the wagon with this one. Your preview was great

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  20. It's especially annoying because, as I said, the important stuff remained the same.. great actors, unique direction, a strange, dark story.. I appreciate that Pizzolatto was able to so totally switch things up but maintain quality.

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  21. Thanks for reading! I'm sure you'll enjoy the season, so far it's great.

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  22. I liked the first three episodes myself. I would say that the first episode is slow (first episode last season was also slow), but that's normal because it sets up a new narrative and connects the characters. This is a much bigger story than season 1, with more people/characters involved that it can be a bit overwhelming. But i got hooked on the new season by the end of episode 2. Looking forward to how this season finishes the story.

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  23. Fantastic preview Max! I'm really looking forward to seeing what the writers can do with this new story. It looks really interesting! Thanks for covering True Detective while I'm on vacation.

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  24. I loved it, the fucked up way those three characters lives are was just enough to get me hung up. I'm really looking forward the rest of this season.

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