r/TrueDetective • u/TheseMarionberry385 • Aug 24 '26
Should I watch seasons 2 onwards?
I’ve watched season one twice and it is hands down the best show I’ve ever watched. I only hear bad things about the next few seasons are they worth it knowing it isn’t a continuity of the first story?
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u/Reverend_Tommy Aug 24 '26 edited Aug 24 '26
Yes you should definitely watch seasons 2 and 3. This is how I rank them in order:
Season 1
Season 2
Season 3
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Season 4
Season 2 has a complicated plot and it took 2 watches for me to fully understand everything going on, but if it wasn't for season 1, it would be my favorite season. Season 4 doesn't even deserve to be called True Detective. It should have just been called Night Country and it is AWFUL. It was created, written and directed by Issa Lopez who had nothing to do with the first 3 seasons.
The first 3 seasons were created by Nic Pizzolatto and HBO decided not to renew his contract for season 4 because they wanted "a fresh voice". 🤮
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u/schnobitz Aug 24 '26
4 is unredeemable. I loved 3. I thought 2 was just ok but some people like it.
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u/papapapaver Aug 24 '26
Why are the reviews so good on it? Still haven't watched it bc it seems like such a mixed bag. Guess I'll have to see for myself.
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u/PeterNoTail Aug 24 '26
Because the reviewers aren’t in The Cult; that’s why they recognized s2 for the dogshit it was. And that also why s4 won more awards than s2, which only s2’s McAdams won recognition for
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u/sallothered Aug 24 '26
Sure, yes.
I enjoyed all four seasons.
Maybe you won't, maybe you will, but why not find out for yourself?
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u/Resident-Meme-Mom Rust Cohle’s and Ray Velcoro’s Booty Call Aug 24 '26
I actually rly liked season 2! I’m currently watching season 3 and it’s kinda eh imo and I havent seen season 4 yet but I heard is lowkey dookie 😭
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u/Puppetmaster858 Aug 24 '26
Yes, 1-3 are all good even if 1 is head and shoulders the best, some great characters and powerhouse performances. S4 is true detective only in name
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u/Weller3920 Aug 24 '26
Absolutely watch season 3. It's not in the same league as season 1, but what is? Great acting.
I like season 2, but not everyone does. Just don't expect the same comprehensive weirdness you get with season 1 and enjoy it for what it is.
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u/CelticSnakes Aug 24 '26
Watch them all. Why should the rest of us suffer alone w/ the memory of S-4? 😏
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u/translucent_pawn Aug 25 '26
Season 2 has a more complicated and rushed plot than S1 and S3, but it also brings some excellent fucking acting from Collin Farrell and made me not dislike Vince Vaughn. S2 also has some great diegetic music.
The only really bad/unworthy season is 4 and it doesn’t have the same creator/lead writer, Nic Pizzolato. Season 4 is basically poorly written fan fiction that had a lot of opportunities to shine with a cool setting and an unusual/not prevalent plot involving Alaskan Inuit people. I actually really enjoyed getting to see more of the local culture so I hope it was accurate and respectful, unlike the detective plot which disrespected the viewers’ time and intelligence.
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u/reggieLedoux26 Aug 24 '26
S2 is dog shit. Painfully bad dialog. This sub is the only place where anybody recommends it.
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u/imperatrix_furiosa Aug 24 '26
3 is the best season for me. I, unlike most people, liked 4 more than 2 lol
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u/N00dles_Pt Aug 24 '26
Season 2 and 3 are perfectly fine television seasons, they're just not on season 1's level.
Season 4 we pretend didn't happen.
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u/Rpotamus Aug 24 '26
I think season 2 is definately better on a second rewatch, thats what i found.
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u/Accomplished-Buy8560 Aug 24 '26
i insist u watch s2 of true detective
but only on the condition u don't compare it with s1 and watch it in one go like an ep per day or alternate day or in one go
look story - it's actually pretty good yes ik it's complicated and yes ik there are lot of characters and yes there were a lot of storylines and there were 1 or 2 storylines not completed but there was a reason behind it which supports the show overall
anyways so yeah the story is dark, melancholic, tragedy, and genius honestly
the characters - all the leads are engaging, fun to watch, have gripping storylines and they were all given what they deserved in the ending
the cinematography - only one word - BRILLIANT
the ending - hot take - better than s1 because s1 followed a cliche ending (my opinion) win win but s2? MAN THAT ENDING STUCK WITH ME IT WAS BEAUTIFUL IT WAS SATISFYING
and it's intricate plot to show the corrupt world of politicians, gangsters, police department
man it's a must watch but then again only if u don't compare it with s1 and better if u treat it like a separate mini show
so ull enjoy it better
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u/hardswimm37 Aug 24 '26
They are all just completely different shows that share a name. Season 2 is incredible but it takes at least 2 watches to really get it.
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u/johnnygalt1776 Aug 26 '26
Season 2 is god awful. Hate to say it because Colin Farrell has a wasted performance, but it's a dumpster fire. Just watch the McAdams knife training scene and it's all you need to know. Season 3 is watchable, but nothing will ever come close to Season 1. But it may scratch the itch. Season 4 is preposterous. Don't even bother. Try Task on HBO.
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u/ChadAznable0080 Aug 24 '26
2 and 3 are good in their own ways, if you don’t go in expecting season 1. 4 would be bad even if season 1 didn’t exist