True Detective - Série 3

The third season of True Detective is definitely better than the season two, but it is not as dark as the first season. On the other hand, the course of investigation is more interesting in this one. The investigation takes place in three different timelines, which become bombastically intertwined. It gets most beautiful in moments when the different timelines mingle in the same scene. It’s simply a joy to see that. Nevertheless, the actors were interesting as well and they worked really well with the entire show. Stephen Dorff and Maharshala Ali make a good team. In both cases, I am still getting used to them as actors, but in the case of True Detective they could not have made a better advertisement for themselves. If HBO manages to keep up a similar pace, I will be satisfied. Still, they could make the next season a bit darker again… (02/28/2019)

This attempt to achieve the broadest possible scope somewhat misses the mark. What was at first a welcome refresher in a format reminiscent of the Vietnam flashbacks fades away when Wayne starts talking about war with just about every male character, and likewise the storyline of a tested marriage never reaches a satisfying catharsis, only timidly brushing off most conflicts. Although I would classify this case from West Finger as better than its two predecessors, it wouldn't be by much. Ali and Dorff, with their stubborn expressions, are the ones effortlessly carrying the entire investigation (even though Nic Pizzolatto again relies on uncovering plot twists from slightly unfair directions), and for the third time, albeit just barely, allows the concept of a whodunit to play out – wandering, searching, examining, and only then perhaps finding or, god forbid, revealing something. My patience didn't desert me this time either, but I wouldn't try my luck on another one. 70% (11/20/2019)

If you enjoyed the third season, you’d better stop reading. If you haven't seen it yet, stop reading and go form your own opinion. I'm actually writing this review just for myself to vent the frustration that came over me after finishing all eight episodes. The opening made me look forward to a crime series full of suspense and great atmosphere. Instead, I got a weird mixture of a crime series and Memento. Some of the episodes were mysterious, others even more mysterious, but the fairy tale/soap opera-like conclusion spoiled all the mystery there was. 3*- (11/20/2019)

Another case branching into three time planes. Pizzolato already knows that just a little experimentation is needed and puts together a story more about partnership than about dead bodies, with lost kids, lies and money playing the lead roles. Ali is great as Hayes and the part is ingeniously written. A tough guy who wanted nothing and that nothing led him not to an obsession, but to a life that he is forgetting, slowly but surely. One of the most powerful moments of the series is when the time planes intersect (Viet Cong in the bedroom!). There’s a return to quality conversations in the car and partner quarrels that cut close to the bone. The ending is realistic, but quite pleasant this time round. True Detective still delivers quality that is worth waiting for. (02/25/2019)

It's hard for me to review this. It has the most in common with the first season, which I still consider the best, but the third installment simply and plainly did not reach that high standard. Don’t get me wrong, it is still an excellent product from HBO. Of course, the main characters contribute the most; Mahershala Ali gives a powerhouse performance, but I was even more impressed by Stephen Dorff. I would never have guessed it, but his performance really blew me away, perhaps partly due to the script, which gave him quality lines. I fell in love with his character. The mysterious aura of the entire case managed to captivate me; Nic Pizzolatto knows how to make a high-quality detective story. I give full marks for the atmosphere of the American pessimistic countryside, as I experienced quite a few unpleasant feelings. So why only four stars? I don’t consider the resolution a failure per se, but with such a buildup, I was expecting a major twist that would shuffle the cards and leave me saying WOW. That didn’t happen, but I still recommend it. There aren’t many solid detective stories around these days. I give it 84%. (04/22/2019)