True Detective has been one of the most talked-about shows in the last decade as it blew everyone’s minds when it first premiered and quickly became a sensation. HBO didn’t leave the fans with much optimism that this anthology would return for another go ever since season 3 aired in 2019. But 5 years later, we finally have another True Detective mystery titled Night Country, this time starring Jodie Foster and Kali Reis. Issa Lopez took over the show running duties from Nic Pizzolatto for this shortened 6-episode season.
This season is based in Ennis, Alaska and follows the disappearance of 8 men from a local research station. There were serious doubts about whether this new season could match the standards set by its freshman season, especially without creator Nic Pizzolatto, but I’m glad to report that Issa Lopez and the team delivered. Jodie Foster in her first TV role in over 4 decades plays Detective Liz Danvers, who has been exiled to tennis by her superiors. She is struggling with a lot of past trauma, while also trying to form a relationship with her step-daughter.
Kali Reis, in only her third-screen credit, plays Evangeline Navarro, a trooper and Danvers’ partner in the missing scientists’ investigation. She is also dealing with her own ghosts and past failures. The two of them give us our first female detective duo, in classic True Detective style. The two leading ladies don’t see eye to eye at the beginning, but very soon develop really strong chemistry. Navarro is impulsive while Danvers is a more detail-driven investigator. Their occasional better also adds to their character dynamic.
The shortened season doesn’t take away anything from the depth of the mystery, in fact, in a way it makes a crisper. The pacing is fairly consistent, but it does feel very slow at times in the first half of the season. A couple of dull moments here and there are compensated for by intense investigation scenes that are very compelling and keep you invested in the story. The arctic setting works really well, not only for our central mystery here but the constant darkness also acts as a sign of the darkness in the people’s lives.
Issa Lopez gives us a very female-driven story, which hasn’t happened in this franchise so far. She also beautifully captures the indigenous people and their culture and seamlessly weaves them into the central mystery. Her direction is also impressive and she finds the right tone and feel for the narrative, especially with so many supernatural and horror elements in the mystery. One of the best things this season does is that it sticks the landing. We get proper closure, with moments that almost feel poetic.
Jodie Foster is fantastic here. She has an electrifying screen presence and nails her character. Reis is also very impressive as her partner and convinces the viewer of how desperate her character is for justice. Finn Bennett, who plays Pete Prior is also really good and brings a lot of charm. His character is probably the one most people would sympathize with. Apart from a couple of underused supporting characters, this is a riveting watch and gives a great start to the year for TV shows.
True Detective: Night Country offers a chilling and absorbing mystery in a dark and unforgiving landscape. The two leading ladies are mesmeric on screen and captivate while unraveling this terrifying mystery one thread at a time. This season flirts with the supernatural and fleshes out all the intrigue in its snowy expanse. Issa Lopez’ take on this anthology franchise is a must-watch and she proves that the True Detective brand still has a lot to offer.
True Detective: Night Country will premiere on HBO on January 14, with the finale airing on February 18.
