Is True Detective the Best Television Drama Nowadays?

The television series True Detective has garnered significant attention since its first season in 2014. However, in 2019, the consensus among some critics and viewers suggests that it may not be the pinnacle of modern television dramas. While it maintains a high standard, comparisons to its contemporaries reveal its strengths and weaknesses.

An Inconsistent Pacing

In my opinion, while True Detective is an engaging show, Season 1 comes out as the standout. Although Season 2 improves upon the first, the pacing in the latest season seemed too slow, disrupting the overall narrative flow. Despite this, the character acting is exceptionally strong, and the themes explored are relevant and compelling. Nevertheless, the show is not without its critics, and there are other series that have captured my interest more recently, such as Killing Eve. In February 2019, while True Detective was still airing, the new episodes of Killing Eve were more compelling to me.

Character Development and Plot

The character development in the show is phenomenal, particularly the portrayal of Rust Cohle by Matthew McConaughey. His intense and nuanced performance is a standout, earning the series a high standing among TV dramas. Despite these strengths, the latest season’s plot delivery was criticized for being too slow. The plot twists and character arcs that were designed to build suspense and emotional engagement sometimes fell flat. However, in the final episodes of the season, the pacing did improve, and intriguing plot twists began to unfold.

Direction and Controversies

The direction of the investigation in the current season has raised some controversy. A significant number of viewers found it difficult to follow, which is unusual for a seasoned critic like myself. Typically, keeping up with the intricacies of a plot is not a challenge. Nonetheless, the investigation’s direction is complex, and it requires a keen eye for detail. The show, however, is so good that such a flaw is barely noticeable. In fact, after rewatching the series, I found that the lost plot threads were not the show’s downfall; rather, they contributed to its overall depth and complexity.

Comparison with Other Shows

When comparing True Detective to other television dramas, the show stands as a top-three contender in its category. However, it does not hold the top position. Contemporary shows like Killing Eve and Fargo have also earned high praise. While True Detective is almost perfect as a mini-series, it cannot be considered the best full-length TV show. Shows such as Hannibal, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, The Wire, and The Walking Dead have also garnered critical acclaim and enjoyment from audiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while True Detective excels in many aspects of television drama, it is not without its shortcomings. The pacing issues in the latest season, while not detrimental to the overall quality, were a point of contention. The show’s strength lies in its acting, character development, and the timely and relevant themes it addresses. In the vast landscape of contemporary television dramas, it certainly holds its own, but it is not the undisputed champion. Shows like Killing Eve, True Detective, and Fargo are contemporary television dramas that are worth watching and discussing.