True Detective 2: Electric BoogaTrue

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

i did not think this was very good.

[bouncingbrick]

I loved it. I love that they just threw the viewer into this world without hand-holding us through everything. It never got bogged down in unrealistic exposition dialog and that made the world feel very natural. I didn't enjoy it as much as the Season 1 premier, but I still enjoyed it quite a bit. I have to admit I got goosebumps in the last scene when they put all the characters together. The potential implied by that last scene alone was wonderful. Let's hope they don't waste it.

[cricket]

I recorded this on DVR so my wife and I can watch it together. It's hard to imagine it matching last year, but I'm hopeful.

[Carbs]

Went in with zero expectations and enjoyed it a lot actually. I see the mixed reviews it's been getting online and I think a lot of it has to do with people being asspained that Cohle isn't around to recite a passage out of the mindf*ck bible while sporting a thousand yard stare. I was kind of blah about it when I heard about the new cast but it's honestly decent IMO. A couple cool character moments and I enjoy McAdams character.

[BlueLion]

It looks like it's going to rely on narrative less than in the first season, and I'm all for it.

[Iroquois]

I get the feeling that the characters played by Farrell and Kitsch are supposed to be similar to Hart and Cohle respectively (one's violent and damaged with family issues, the other is an emotionally distant nihilist), though the effectiveness of the differences remains to be seen. Also interesting how they've kind of dropped the whole past-present gimmick from the first season - hopefully, they can make it work but it's not hard to think of that as one of the most distinctive parts of season one. Without it, this seems to be playing out a lot more conventionally, which I'm currently not convinced is the best move.

[christine]

Watched it. Could be good, let's give it time.

[tramp]

I actually loved it. I was a bit confused afterward thinking about all the mixed reviews. People say it was boring. Really?

I thought Colin's character was a bit cliched, but it didn't take away my enjoyment. I felt the show had a certain mood and the music was just perfect for that noir feel.

Looking forward to more.

[christine]

I'm waiting to be corrected by more episodes but I thought the Rachel McAdams character was the cliched one. You know the lazy way of showing a strong woman is to give her all the attributes of what we think of as mens movie cliches - a liking for rough sex, a gambling heavy drinking lifestyle, a way of caring for your family that verges on bullying.
I liked the way the whole thing didn't come together until the very last minute, so going on now we have already learned a lot about the characters that hasn't even taken in the plot yet.

[bouncingbrick]

I get the feeling that the characters played by Farrell and Kitsch are supposed to be similar to Hart and Cohle respectively (one's violent and damaged with family issues, the other is an emotionally distant nihilist), though the effectiveness of the differences remains to be seen. Also interesting how they've kind of dropped the whole past-present gimmick from the first season - hopefully, they can make it work but it's not hard to think of that as one of the most distinctive parts of season one. Without it, this seems to be playing out a lot more conventionally, which I'm currently not convinced is the best move.

I can see them showing Farrell's fall from being a decent cop via flashback. They had that single scene with him and Vince Vaughn but I think there's room for more. That said, I can also see it being told in a more linear fashion as well. I'd be pleased either way. :D

[TylerDurden99]

Finally got a chance to sit down and watch this after a hectic week.


(Some spoilers ahead)


I really liked the first season but I wasn't overly enamoured with it, and I felt pretty much the same about this opener. I mostly liked how it was all character building and getting-to-know-you stuff and I liked several of the performances. I was really hoping Vince Vaughn would bring some unseen thunder, but it turns out that it was Colin Farrell that did that. I have a feeling this might be his best work in the making.


I had a few problems with Rachel McAdams' character, especially a few of the all-too-convenient connections (oh, your sister just so happens to be doing porn in the very place you're raiding, oh your father is the leader of the very insititute that may have some connection with a missing person you're investigating) and her storyline just isn't as interesting as the others. But she's good in the role and hopefully the later episodes will give her better things to do.


Like the first season, it's very cinematic and this season seems to be trying evoke a Lynchian vibe. That's what it felt like to me anyway, with the dark, unpredictable atmosphere. Not to mention the very obvious reference to Mulholland Drive.


I don't know if it will out-do the first season, but so far I'm invested and I'm excited for the next episode.

[foster]

i was entertained.

[Daniel M]

Didn't like it either. Structure was all over the place, it was really hard to follow in parts, and just seemed to be deliberately confusing for the sake of it. The whole thing felt incompetently directed, scenes had no rhythm to me etc. So blatantly obvious - "this is my least favourite life" or whatever it was playing? And the characters seem over the top too, I wasn't particularly sold by any of their performances, especially Colin Farell. But I think the thing that disappointed me the most was the writing, I thought the dialogue was laughably bad. Nothing memorable, and just silly one liners like the "don't act on hunger" one, gone are the enjoyable monologues that took place last season, that put a smile on your face despite their pessimism, now it seems like the writer is straining to hard to try and create iconic lines and failing miserably.

[The Sci-Fi Slob]

Ridiculous bilge! Not even a shadow of the first season, and I hate Colin Farrell, he's the most overrated and annoying actor in the world.

[BlueLion]

Didn't like it either. Structure was all over the place, it was really hard to follow in parts, and just seemed to be deliberately confusing for the sake of it. The whole thing felt incompetently directed, scenes had no rhythm to me etc. So blatantly obvious - "this is my least favourite life" or whatever it was playing? And the characters seem over the top too, I wasn't particularly sold by any of their performances, especially Colin Farell. But I think the thing that disappointed me the most was the writing, I thought the dialogue was laughably bad. Nothing memorable, and just silly one liners like the "don't act on hunger" one, gone are the enjoyable monologues that took place last season, that put a smile on your face despite their pessimism, now it seems like the writer is straining to hard to try and create iconic lines and failing miserably.

Well, that's because I think it's going to be different both tonally and structurally, and like I said I'm all for it. I think the style fits the mood like a glove, it's like a strange Lynch/Michael Mann mixture. Besides, Rust's philosophical ramblings already feel dated, the show needed something different this season.

And you like movies that are hard to follow, so why complain about TV that is hard to follow?

[Daniel M]

It's not that I particularly like movies that are hard to follow, it's more an indirect thing where I find myself enjoying them because instead of plot there is a strong and enjoyable focus on mood, characters etc. whether it's Altman, Lynch or whoever.

I didn't find it particularly interesting, mainly dull in fact, I understand that they were trying to create backstories for each character but every one of them seemed like an extreme, the scene where Farrell beat up that kids dad summed it up for me, it seemed like it was trying to push its pessimistic world on us much too soon and obviously. I didn't get an understated eerie atmosphere that kept me fascinating and waited for what would happen next, instead I was just frustrated by how horrible all these people are. None of them seemed sympathetic or likeable. I didn't smile once in the episode where as I pretty always had a smile on my face when McConaughey and Harrelson were both on screen last season.

And yeah, it would have been difficult to include just one character with huge philosophical ramblings, so I didn't expect it to be like this every season, and it would have been difficult to try and replicate, but some of the one liners in from the characters were awful, I really, really hated some of the dialogue.

And I think I have a problem with Colin Farrell in general too actually. I don't know what it is about him, but he really irritates me in his roles, maybe I think he's too self-serious with his characters. I thought he was a problem in The New World too.

I will still be watching and I still think it has potential to be strong, maybe the massive tonal shift has just taken me by surprise. Season One showed you could be pessimistic and understated but at the same time fascinating, enjoyable, thrilling etc. There's a murder story at the centre of it that will keep me watching too, but that's not much of a compliment (once I start watching an episode of CSI I rarely switch it over) where as in season one I didn't particularly care about the resolution, I just enjoyed having the main characters on screen, which is not the case here :(

[cricket]

My wife and I just finished this first episode, and we are both quite optimistic about what's to follow. I do have to say that I miss the opening credits from season 1, although they were ok in this. I thought the second half was much better than the first half. I thought Farrell, McAdams, and Kitsch were all very good throughout. My main problem in the first half was Vaughn. I've always liked him, but I haven't enjoyed any of his work in years. I thought for the first half he was doing his best, but I just wasn't buying into his performance. I thought for the second half he was dramatically better. It doesn't seem to have the creepy mystery of season 1, but I believe I enjoyed the first episode as a whole, more than I did last year. I loved how it ended and it's got me wanting more.

[TONGO]

They got a nice group of actors for this. Problem is Kitsch cant act, he's wooden like Keanu, and Colin Farrel aint much better. I do think Vaughns charisma, and McAdams playing something outside the box for her will be great.

The episode depressed me. There wasnt any humor coming from anyone like they had with Marty (Woody Harrelson) last season. This actually helped the horror/dark aspects of the show as it wasnt the complete tone throughout. Vaughn hopefully will have the more colorful scenes.

Not as good as the first season, so far. Definitely worth keeping up with.

[cricket]

I didn't think episode 2 was great, but it had it's moments and I enjoyed it. A surprise ending obviously.

[foster]

2nd episode not as good as the first.
the beginning half of this episode jumped around every minute without any transitions. just bam bam bam bam different place different characters. it was really difficult to take anything away from what i was watching.

[TylerDurden99]

Caught the second episode yesterday and all I have to say is this:


Thanks, True Detective. All I really wanted was another boring crime procedural.

[Daniel M]

Just turned off the second episode half way through. I'll get to it eventually but honestly I found it painful. Slow talking, silence, slow talking, silence. No flow, no chemistry, nothing to like. Terrible direction and muddled storytelling that makes it more than a chore to keep up with everything, and the dialogue is still awful, the Vince Vaughn opening monologue felt like I was being tortured.

[TONGO]

Wow.

Ok I think too many shows are taking cues now from Game Of Thrones where nobody isnt expendable. :laugh: Oddly, I liked it better than the first episode. Yes there were too many story arcs, but if end result is to thin it down to just one it could be genius.

Not as good as first season, and not gonna be. Its ok.

[BlueLion]

Yeah, second episode was just meh. Which is a real shame, considering the first one was really good.
Not convinced by Vince Vaughn either.

[Iroquois]

I liked the Danger 5 reference at the end.

https://scontent-nrt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/l/t1.0-9/18714_937825816258894_4577748384794278296_n.jpg?oh=2ab90ebf38299f467495da896cd92fed&oe=56200140

[foster]

they showed the bird head in episode 1 too
also you can see 4 hooks for animal heads on the wall but one of them is missing.

[doubledenim]

I think that after this season, they should lose the TD name. Each season will be measured vs. the first and subsequently a failure.

I'm gonna be upset however the Velcoro situation pans out.

[TONGO]

Well....it is better than True Blood.

[doubledenim]

After the second season of TB, that's not saying much.

This is one of the least entertaining shows I can remember on HBO. I will grudge watch this, mainly because of a lack of anything else.

[TONGO]

The opening dream/hell sequence was awesomely hilarious. The rest was ok. My guess is the killer is a woman, but "who?" is not worth thinking about as killer in first season wasnt someone the audience could guess. Doubt Ill watch season 3.

[christine]

Just turned off the second episode half way through. I'll get to it eventually but honestly I found it painful. Slow talking, silence, slow talking, silence. No flow, no chemistry, nothing to like. Terrible direction and muddled storytelling that makes it more than a chore to keep up with everything, and the dialogue is still awful, the Vince Vaughn opening monologue felt like I was being tortured.

Me too. Mind started wandering, then lost the thread and can't be arsed to watch again.

[cricket]

Just finished episode 3; still enjoying it, but still need and want more.

[BlueLion]

That was so disappointing. Couldn't care less about any of the characters honestly. I think Vince Vaughn is actually terrible. I don't even know what to expect from the next episodes.

[TylerDurden99]

I liked this episode more than the last, but it still isn't very good. I think Colin Farrell's character is the only interesting one of the bunch, and I could definitely stand to see more of Fred Ward as his dad. The neo-noir tone isn't really working for me and Vince Vaughn's storyline is just so dull.


I'll keep watching, because it keeps throwing out these moments of the quality I want, but it needs to really lift it's game up.

[Daniel M]

I enjoyed the ending of episode two and the beginning of episode three (the dream sequence, which seemed so obviously a homage to Lynch and Twin Peaks). On the plus side episode three seemed better directed and more coherent, it was just so dull. Almost every scene, especially the ones with Vaughn seem so overlong and self serious. I'll retract what I said about Farrell before, he's doing a good job and acting the part well. Frank could have been interesting but Vaughn is terrible and Taylor Kitsch's character is terribly uninteresting and poorly acted. If you got rid of him, focused on just Farrell and McAdams, and had a great actor playing Vaughn's role, it could be decent.

[earlsmoviepicks]

Warning! SPOILERS (sort of) BELOW



I wanted to like this so much. This season is really bugging me. The creepy Leonard Cohen opening, cool -- that's a good setup. But for what? Many minutes of Colin F looking worried (yes we get it, he's worried). We suspect there's some kind of sick killer out there, but the only real torture here is watching Vince Vaughn try to act. And there's no shortage of that. Everyone's so moody and troubled...well...ok......the only character I could empathize with so far is the shotgun-wielding birds-head guy. Because he did what we all wanted to do after watching Colin brood through the first 2 episodes. And Mary and Joseph, the rubber ammo save --- did they really just do that?

The only real fun I get out of the show is picking out the Deadwood alumni. And even they aren't being used to their full potential. I'm not looking for shocking scenes, just a good story. Whoever wrote this script should watch the pilot of Deadwood for a tutorial on how to build a story. Moody alone doesn't cut it.

Ok, vented, that felt good.

[tramp]

Ah, having problems with this show now… I keep trying to like it, but it just isn't compelling. I cannot stand the Rachel MacAdams character. Her hair even bugs me, lol.

I actually think Colin can act and at this point, he's the ONLY reason I'll watch the next episode. I just wish something would happen that would make me invested.

[TylerDurden99]

The newest episode just continues the mediocrity, in my opinion. They're doing potentially interesting things with each character, but none of the actors are equipped well enough to do anything with them. Save for Colin Farrell, who is still the best thing about this season. The thing that pisses me off the most is that each episode has these great moments, but they're just lost in the clumsy noir-ish tone that they just can't pull off.


One other thing I've noticed across every episode so far is that the actors mumble. A lot. I don't know if this is intentional or not, but it's really weird.

[Daniel M]

Yeah, the fourth one was very disappointing. Until the last ten minutes all we got was dull pointless conversations.

The end of the episode was underwhelming too, not particularly well shot like the one in the first season, and the way that only three of them were left and everyone else died was kind of silly.

[doubledenim]

Ah, having problems with this show now… I keep trying to like it, but it just isn't compelling. I cannot stand the Rachel MacAdams character. Her hair even bugs me, lol.


It's funny you say that. When she is on-screen, that hair is the only thing I see.

[foster]

The last episode was awful, I lost all respect for this season. This is the sort of thing that you get with a bad director.

Bad guy Automatic guns have infinite ammo. Good guy pistols need to keep reloading.
Are you ****ing kidding me? What a bunch of garbage, I would be ashamed and embarrassed to be a part of this season.

[earlsmoviepicks]

So far IMO, not very worthy of HBO. I find myself debating whether to watch Alaskan Bush People or this.

[christine]

It's growing on me. I watched ep 2 a second time cos the first time I wasn't paying enough attention. I've watched up to halfway through ep 4 so will finish that tonight.
I'm really liking Colin Farrell, but Taylor Kitsch is playing a great part as the damaged Paul. It's a very good portrait of self loathing. That shot of him in the taxi with two tears running down his face was quite moving.

[cricket]

I just finished episode 4, and I thought it was the best of the season so far. I was thinking that even before the big finish, which I thought was awesome. I also think the 4 main actors have it their stride and are doing a very fine job.

[foster]

Well at least someone enjoyed the absurdly unrealistic infinite ammo of automatic guns

[foster]

Here ya go, in case you have no idea how *reality* works.
This dudes big ass clip of 40 bullets runs out in THREE seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCRWSt-xOSo

[cricket]

Do we know for a fact they weren't reloading only because they didn't show us? They don't have to show us every detail.

[foster]

Do we know for a fact they weren't reloading only because they didn't show us? They don't have to show us every detail.

I didn't do a shot by shot breakdown. The truly absurd thing is that they kept showing the handguns reload. :lol:

[cricket]

I know what you mean, but of course they're going to spotlight what the main characters are doing. It certainly was a crazy scene.

[TONGO]

About done with latest episode, and I have to confidently say Collin Farrel can act. That must be something the series does for an underated actor as McConaughey impressed as well. Matt had much better lines too.

They could have cast someone ALOT better to play Frank than Vince Vaughn, but hes still got enough charisma to keep me interested. Disappointed in Rachel McAdams, and Taylor Kische. I really am reminded of Keanu Reeves when I watch Kische act now. Thats not good.

[TylerDurden99]

The latest episode was probably the best since the opener. Not entirely good, but a step in the right direction.

I do like the fact that they're trying to constantly develop the characters, but it's still heavy handed and not very well written. I actually like Taylor Kitsch as Woodrugh, he's developing into quite an interesting character. Can't say the same for Vince Vaughn and Rachel McAdams though.

[Iroquois]

Wow, did everyone give up on this show or what?

The ending of episode six was a good escalation of things and episode seven managed to maintain that same heightened tension reasonably well - especially that ending, which is quite the stunner even for a season that's been pretty dependent on having stunning endings to improve whole episodes (though it also seems a bit too contrived in its own way).

Be interesting to see what this means for the finale.

[Daniel M]

Episode six was by far the best in the season for me. I really enjoyed it, and even felt happy for the characters at the end. I actually care for Ray, if they made the season just about him being drawn into a dark world on false information about his wife's rapist, it could have been an interesting personal story.

Glad Taylor Kitsch's character died. Had no idea what his character's name was until I checked online yesterday.

Although I had no idea who they other characters (black guy and guy at end) were until I checked afterwards. Convoluted mess, I know noirs are meant to have twists and turns, but I really think they could have shown the viewers more respect in making things clearer. Some things felt really ambiguous and it's often hard to understand what a dialogue or scene is implying.

I read this:

http://uk.businessinsider.com/true-detective-season-2-plot-summary-2015-8?r=US&IR=T

And it pretty much explains everything up nicely :) The most simple explanation seems to be that it's the Laura kill who killed Frank and the original police officers involved in the diamonds being stolen have been trying to cover it up all along?

[cricket]

I'm only through episode 5 so I'm a little behind. I'm really enjoying it and looking forward to the rest.

[dadgumblah]

I'm enjoying it also. True, not as good as the first season, it's still a cut above most regular TV shows (talking about the Big Three networks or the Big Four if you count Fox) airing now. Cable is different because you can take bigger chances without as much or any censorship. Add to that the fact that I don't watch a lot of shows on cable networks such as USA, TNT, etc. So, mainly watching HBO, Cinemax, and the Big Three, True Detective is naturally going to make it for me as a good, if not great show.

P.S. Thanks for the link, Daniel M. Even though I love the show, I was confused about how all the threads linked up. The link really helped make things clear.

[foster]

Spoilers below.

Finale had some good parts, but I hate watching morons on TV.
Colin is wanted for two murders and he doesn't think that the police will have his son staked out? Seriously, this guy is a cop, he is a detective and he is this ******* stupid?

Vince gets stabbed one time, and instead of tying his shirt over the wound to stop the bleeding he just walks until he bleeds out. How is he this ******* stupid.

So glad this season is over. Good riddance.

[christine]

Loved that last episode. Sure the series plot was obscure in parts, but the characters were interesting. Foster you've just got a downer on it cos of the guns thing ;) well (happily) I know bugger all about guns so that didn't bother me but surely anyone getting a knife stabbed and twisted in their side can be forgiven for not having the nouse to apply pressure and just get up and walk...besides he died way back before he had all those conversations. As for Colin going back to see his son, well wait till you're a dad and then come and tell me you wouldn't risk everything to see your child for the last time :)

[foster]

Well christine I don't think I would ever commit suicide by cop just to wave at my kid for a couple seconds, but thats just me :) I prefer characters that make intelligent decisions

[jrs]

I thought this was True Detective set in the 80s with breakdancing lol . :p

[BlueLion]

At times frustrating but I liked it. This was never about plot in the first place, so I won't complain about that. Fourth episode is easily best in the series for me, third undoubtedly the worst

Seriously flawed but worth watching in general.

[Daniel M]

Until there was about half an hour left that episode was really good, then it went down hill and ended really badly. Started getting bad after Frank got those diamonds and after Ray went to see his son.

I know its meant to be like a "noir" but f*cking hell, how pessimistic can you get. From the first season we got hints of "everyone is corrupt, the world is evil and you can't stop it" but this was blown up by a hundred. It was plain to see from that stupid woman signing "This is my least favourite life" what the message was supposed to be, but the last episode had to make sure it really nailed home just how bad this world really is, didn't it?

It just feels like everything has been pointless.

I hated Vince Vaughn as Frank, but as a character he was starting to win me round. I felt sorry for him being f*cked over and thought it was cool when he blew up everything and then him and Ray went and killed the Russians. Then some Mexicans that were barely in the show come and kill him, pathetic ending. Why couldn't he have got away.

I had a feeling either Frank or Ray would die but both of them, really? Ray's effort to get away was pathetic and unrealistic. I don't know how the writer can sit there happy with how he's treated his characters.

The "Ray is the father scene" has to be the worst of the whole season, the very very worst. From episode one is was predictable and every episode I was praying that it didn't come. A stupid cop out. Ray was probably the only character I cared about emotionally, I was angry when he died, and sad when he saw his son which I could buy, but that stupid scene showing he was the father p*ssed me off.

Rachel McAdams and Frank's stupid wife (every conversation between her and Frank is PAINFUL) are the only ones left alive and we end the show with them, really? The two most annoying characters?

I'm not sure if it's writing, acting or both, but I thought they were terrible character. McAdams played one of the most clichéd sexually stereotyped woman I have ever seen, always defined by her sexual preferences and giving her that stupid childhood story. Frank's wife was just annoying, she was a terrible actress I think. It comes to something when I stop being bothered by Vince Vaughn because of worse performances and characters.

Taylor Kitsch's character seemed to only be there so he could die in episode 7 so the cop could call Ray in episode 8. Absolutely pointless, silly character. We also have no idea what happened to his girlfriend and also to his mum, do we? Not that I care.

[dadgumblah]

Taylor Kitsch's character's mother, wife, and child were seen at the end as they dedicated a memorial highway to Kitsch. By the end, I also thought that his character was basically used as a prop to do things that the other characters were too busy to do. On the other hand, I did like McAdams and her character. I got the feeling at the end that she and Frank's wife were heading back to America to get revenge on the remaining bad guys that were shown. McAdams was shown putting her "gutting" knives down by her ankles, and they both had a serious "if looks could kill" look on their faces, plus one of them said they had a long trip to make. All of which tells me they're going back.

Which, on the face of it, is kind of stupid, as their mates didn't succeed in taking out all the baddies. Still, at the end of it, I liked it for what it was. It wasn't a patch on Season 1 but maybe they've learned by their mistakes and will present a better one next season. This one I feel, just had too many plot lines dangling and an overstuffed cast. Streamline it next season, please.

[MovieMeditation]

What happened to this show? How do you go from unique and groundbreakingly brillant into mediocre and partly bad so-so seen-before cop crime drama?

We are only on season 2 and it's already way down in the mess. A shame... I haven't finished the season yet, but half way through this just isn't good.

[jrs]

What happened to this show? How do you go from unique and groundbreakingly brillant into mediocre and partly bad so-so seen-before cop crime drama?

We are only on season 2 and it's already way down in the mess. A shame... I haven't finished the season yet, but half way through this just isn't good.

Nothing happened to it. I'm looking forward to the season finale tonight. I just didn't know there was a sequel to it called Electric Boogatrue. lol :p

[BlueLion]

Tarantino just called it awful... without even seeing it.

[jrs]

Tarantino just called it awful... without even seeing it.

Too bad for Tarantino.