True Detective Pilot Coverage: HBO’s Next Big Thing

Episode Commentary: “The Long Bright Dark” 

When you think of cop dramas, there are always the questions of how and if it will separate itself from the rest. HBO’s newest series “True Detective” takes a different kind of approach in not focusing on the actual murder. Instead we get a close look at the main characters in detectives Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson), and Rust Cohle, (Matthew McConaughey).

The audience will be surprised of how these characters light up the screen.

The episode kicks off in the present, where two detectives, one of which is played by Michael Potts, famously known as Brother Mouzone from “The Wire,” interviews both Hart and Cohle separately- regarding a murder case they both worked 17 years ago. As Hart and Cohle each discuss the case, we go back to 1995 when the murder took place. The interview starts off with Hart and Kohle talking about each other- from then on we get a look at how both Detective Hart and Cohle both take on the case.

What makes this episode stand out is how well Harrelson and McCanaughey play off of each other. Hart is calm cool and collected and a family man. He also believes in God. Cohle has a more philosophical approach to life. He does not believe in God, and while he is even-keeled and calm as a cucumber, Hart thinks he may be a bit off , but at the same time, smart enough to work the case.

Not only is “True Detective” a cop murder mystery, but you can say it is a story within a story from both Hart and Cohle’s point of view of how they perceive one another- both as partners and as people. Along the way, you find out what kind of people they are, their past and how they are complete opposites. The case itself is interesting as well as it involves the murder of a young girl. The way this girl is murdered is quite satanic and draws plenty of attention.

Powered by the performances of its two stars, “True Detective” looks like it will be HBO’s next big thing. For a series that is eight episodes, it is important to jump right out of the gate and attract the audience- that’s exactly what it does. Although there is a simplicity to this first episode in terms of no action and graphical violence, it is the main characters that keep you hooked and interested, not because of who they are, but how they perform, as well as their personalities. “True Detective” hits a home run, right off the bat.