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True Detective - McConaughey/Harrelson crime series - S2 starts June 21st

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Content Round Up - Episode 7 - After You’ve Gone
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OddMorsel said:
I understand the complaints in here, there was a bit too much just talking and exposition, too much explaining. But the moments where Rust and Marty catch up were really great, I thought, like where Rust is impressed with Marty's ability to connect the old woman who freaked out with Tuttle in the car... Marty getting visibly irked when Rust lights a cigarette in his Caddy, and the continuation of the 'unreliable narrator' but switched from interrogation by police into the two detectives catching up with each other were things I really liked.

The end was fine, to me. I guess if you wanna say "it's too blatant" that's fine, but we're on the second to last episode here, the subtlety with plot cues worked great early on but it's time to drive the plot home. If it were just one of the first few episodes in the series and you find out some schmuck mowing lawns (is it the same guy from earlier on at the church?) is the 'killer', then it'd be a bit of a let down, but the way he says "My family's been here a long time" hints at many more than just a single antagonist and highlights how even Rust, who thinks it "ends with this man", may not realize what he's gotten himself into.

The end also draws some similarities with the end of episode 3, where Ledoux is shown on camera for the first time. Makes you think that the lawnmower guy is going to be a key to the puzzle, but not the completed picture itself.
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I think it just felt strange to pull on the brakes so hard leading up to the finale. It kind of felt like the show lost momentum. I dunno. I mean, on paper I agree with you. I think there were a lot of great scenes in this one. And honestly, I can't say any of the set up they did felt unnecessary. It all makes sense.

But the episode on the whole just felt so, slow and unsatisfying by the end of it. Strange enough, I prefer these kind of moments to the more action oriented episodes. And I actually want the ending to be more low key and straight forward (because as I've said, I've always feared this show could fall into the action/horror movie tropes).

Maybe it wasn't the pacing. Maybe, the whole time jump, restarting the relationship over again in a single episode, and how they revealed the lawnmower man didn't work for me? I can't put my finger on it (and I admit this is my own failing). BUT, the episode just felt like a step down to me, compared to the past ones. I think it was more so how they brought everything together, that felt strange to me.
 
Mackenzie 92 said:
Loved when Marty watched the video, was a great scene. Also pretty creepy when they were talking to the old lady.

Lawnmower man was kinda predictable.
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I wonder how predictable it would've been if he wasn't talked about on this thread as often as he was. If somebody hadn't uploaded the pic, and pointed out the IMDB credit, Idk if I'd have seen that coming.
 
You know, I kept trying to guess which image you would use as the main one for the show recap. My first was Rust sitting on the river bank or whatever drinking a beer in the sun. Then it moved to this image of the two of them at the investigation office...split in the center with the window and then crossed horizontally with the blinds.

Point is...there's a TON of great camera work in this show and multiple opportunities for a great screenshot to stand on its own.
 
That final scene with Errol mowing a flat circle and the detectives coming to the killer only to chase down the wrong leads is ominous. I really hope papniya and gilbough don't fuck this up and end up having the onus of this unsolved case passed on to them. That would suck but illustrate cohles philosophy that "we live in a world where nothing is solved" and "time is a flat circle". For Cohles sake I hope this isn't an exercise in futility.


"sure hope that old lady was wrong"
"bout what?"
"About death not being the end of it"

The Artful Dodger said:
I wonder how predictable it would've been if he wasn't talked about on this thread as often as he was. If somebody hadn't uploaded the pic, and pointed out the IMDB credit, Idk if I'd have seen that coming.
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Not very.
 
I think saying something is predictable because a rabid online fanbase predicted something isn't fair. Every piece of information has been analysed, and now the show is putting ask the pieces together.
 
rexor0717 said:
I think saying something is predictable because a rabid online fanbase predicted something isn't fair. Every piece of information has been analysed, and now the show is putting ask the pieces together.
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Exactly, that alone is a testament of how good this show is. The fact that you want to go back and watch it, as oppose to leaving it alone to see what next week brings is a sign of great writing. This show is more like a visual novel than an extended film or a quality work of television.

Like, even now though I know that mystery, I'm still excited to see the resolution and definitely want to buy this on DVD.
 
I can buy that Kelly saw him as a "giant" simply because she was a little girl and up close and hunched over he might seem much larger than he actually is. But the girl and the handicapped assistant at the revival ministry also said he was a tall man. I guess it's hard to tell without full perspective in the final shot when he gets off and stands up, but he didn't look particularly tall to me. Not significantly taller than Rust or Marty. I wonder what's up with that.
 
Is predictability really the issue here though? For me, it was the way Rust talked to the guy. Then how they revealed him a second time. I dunno. I just didn't like the way they introduced the character. Kind of felt cheap to me.

I also find it strange that, Rust was told that a guy with scars on his chin (shiny chin) was with Dora Lange. He talks to a guy with a scar chin after this, and he doesn't remember? Granted, I can forgive this because Rust only had a 50 second conversation with the guy. And at this point, he had turned the investigation to it being Reggie LeDoux (the evidence was damning). But given how INSANE Rust is with memorizing things, and taking down notes, I just find it odd he didn't take notice of the guy. Or have a mental note on it.

I dunno. I guess I can accept that again, this was a short conversation, and Rust is only human. But I kind of hate how they establish Rust as this really meticulous person, that doesn't remember that. But even if I'm okay with him not remembering (because again, logically we could forgive him not remembering), I just don't like how they reveal him to the audience twice. It feels forced to me. When Rust talks to him, he just happens to be sporting a patchy beard. When we see the big reveal of who he is, he's more shaven. Meh.
 
duckroll said:
I can buy that Kelly saw him as a "giant" simply because she was a little girl and up close and hunched over he might seem much larger than he actually is. But the girl and the handicapped assistant at the revival ministry also said he was a tall man. I guess it's hard to tell without full perspective in the final shot when he gets off and stands up, but he didn't look particularly tall to me. Not significantly taller than Rust or Marty. I wonder what's up with that.
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If I remember the actor from Boardwalk he seems like a relatively big man.
 
duckroll said:
I wonder if it'll even stop. They could get the guy, they could pin maybe a few guys with a child killing conspiracy, but can they really dismantle something which seems to have existed for decades, or maybe even longer? With so many powerful people involved? People who have basically put themselves in the positions in society to allow themselves to systematically control the situation? Maybe that's the true horror at the end of it all. That even if they can stop a murderer, the heart of the matter might never be put away. Society averts their eyes from what they don't want to believe.
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Yeah, I agree totally. That's what I think Pizzolatto's trying to portray. Even though we now know the truth, the fact of the matter is that this disease is so widespread that whatever sort of justice there's to be had, society averted its eyes a long time ago, and will continue to do so time and again. As long as there's corruption, people of power will take advantage of their position, and the sad fact is that they will get away....again and again.

There is no end, only the realisation of the fact before the cycle repeats itself.
 
kmax said:
Yeah, I agree totally. That's what I think Pizzolatto's trying to portray. Even though we now know the truth, the fact of the matter is that this disease is so widespread that whatever sort of justice there's to be had, society averted their eyes a long time ago, and will continue to do so time and again. As long as there's corruption, people of power will take advantage of their position, and the sad fact is that they will get away....again and again.

There is no end, only the realisation of the fact before the cycle repeats itself.
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That's really the point of all Gothic Novels. That Evil lives on, no matter what is done. Also the "Time is a flat circle" line being repeated over and over kinda hammers this point.
 
The Artful Dodger said:
If I remember the actor from Boardwalk he seems like a relatively big man.
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Holy shit. He's Remus?! I really didn't recognize him at all. That's a good thing. Yeah Remus is huge. I guess it really is perspective playing a part here. When paired with the vast open natural area he's in, even a big guy would seem normal sized if there isn't another person there for comparison.
 
duckroll said:
Holy shit. He's Remus?! I really didn't recognize him at all. That's a good thing. Yeah Remus is huge. I guess it really is perspective playing a part here. When paired with the vast open natural area he's in, even a big guy would seem normal sized if there isn't another person there for comparison.
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Yup, on the left side here:

BklDVg8.jpg


EDIT: Though Stephen Graham is very short...
 
Imm0rt4l said:
I feel like there's more to the story of Marty quitting the force. His story kinda mirrors Rusts where he unloaded on a tweaker who injected his child with meth. I also get the feeling that Rust is either dying or now has the constitution to commit suicide(based off dialogue), maybe both, but probably neither.
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I'm pretty certain the bolded is the case. We've had numerous references to Cohle's death throughout the series:

Lacking the constitution for suicde.
Contemplation of self sacrifice.
Cohle's final case in narcotics ending as he murdered the man who wished to cleanse his daughter (interestingly this was mirrored in why Marty left the force), resulting in him being shot three times.
The reference to Cohle not taking a bullet in the shootout followed up with "maybe next time".
His comment on "Death is not the end" combined with the importance he has always placed on childhood.
His drinking and otherwise risky behaviour throughout the series.
Finally wishing to put a bow on on the case and tie up loose ends.
A hugely important point being the current situation with the sherrif; Cohle is very unconcerned with the risks/threats that are being suggested (this is far more risky than any previous misdeed.

It's possible that, as time is a flat circle, he may indeed walk away unscathed, but I would see it as a very real possibility that he will (and not just plan to) commit suicide, may take the blame for the murders despite stopping them, or alternatively, be shot by the police. My impression though, as of right now, is that Cohle will kill or sacrifice himself to close his debt.

EDIT: Oh I also liked the spiral's incorporation in the Light of the Way's logo, assuming it was intended to evoke it, here:

WTA8Zvy.png
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Not exactly the same, of course, but for me at least the logo brings to mind the spiral which has been present elsewhere.
 
As long as True Detective doesn't end with Hart putting the finishing touch on his manuscript, "The King in Yellow," everything will be fine.
 
The One Who Knocks said:
I'm pretty certain the bolded is the case. We've had numerous references to Cohle's death throughout the series:

Lacking the constitution for suicde.
Contemplation of self sacrifice.
Cohle's final case in narcotics ending as he murdered the man who wished to cleanse his daughter (interestingly this was mirrored in why Marty left the force), resulting in him being shot three times.
The reference to Cohle not taking a bullet in the shootout followed up with "maybe next time".
His comment on "Death is not the end" combined with the importance he has always placed on childhood.
His drinking and otherwise risky behaviour throughout the series.
Finally wishing to put a bow on on the case and tie up loose ends.
A hugely important point being the current situation with the sherrif; Cohle is very unconcerned with the risks/threats that are being suggested (this is far more risky than any previous misdeed.

It's possible that, as time is a flat circle, he may indeed walk away unscathed, but I would see it as a very real possibility that he will (and not just plan to) commit suicide, may take the blame for the murders despite stopping them, or alternatively, be shot by the police. My impression though, as of right now, is that Cohle will kill or sacrifice himself to close his debt.

EDIT: Oh I also liked the spiral's incorporation in the Light of the Way's logo, assuming it was intended to evoke it, here:



Not exactly the same, of course, but for me at least the logo brings to mind the spiral which has been present elsewhere.
Click to expand...

I mean, I think that was the set up. Rust is ready to die, but wants to finish this business first before going out. Marty has nothing really to live for, and feels like he needs to put this to rest. Marty knows that he might not survive this (hence the goodbye and thank you to Maggie).

Basically, episode just sets up two men with nothing to lose. From Marty's perspective, if Rust is right, then they are going up against powerful people. That the reach of their power is immense within the town. That these are dangerous people. Both Marty and Rust accept that if they are going to do this, they have to be willing to break the law, and might even face death. I think the episode pretty much sets up the final stage for these guys, which basically frees them and allows them to commit to whatever they have to do to finish this.
 
Cornballer said:
Yup, on the left side here:

BklDVg8.jpg


EDIT: Though Stephen Graham is very short...
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WIth movie magic, they'll make him as tall as he needs to be regardless of how big the actor is. Otherwise they'd have to get one giant ass actor for a character to be called "the tall man" next to Reggie Ledoux(who's actor is 6'7").

Regarding the "reveal", I think people get too hung up on who the murderer is, while it really doesn't matter. Who cares if it's the lawnmower guy or some other white trash psychopath? I think he's just a pawn in the greater conspiracy, who's behind all will be the real reveal(if that even happens).
 
Eh the obvious reveal of that guy was really underwhelming.

Also I forgot there was only one episode left, the pacing of this show has been all over the place.

Still kinda disappointed.
 
duckroll said:
I wonder if it'll even stop. They could get the guy, they could pin maybe a few guys with a child killing conspiracy, but can they really dismantle something which seems to have existed for decades, or maybe even longer? With so many powerful people involved? People who have basically put themselves in the positions in society to allow themselves to systematically control the situation? Maybe that's the true horror at the end of it all. That even if they can stop a murderer, the heart of the matter might never be put away. Society averts their eyes from what they don't want to believe.
Click to expand...
This is exactly where I think it's going. (And it ties in with the masculinity theme as well.) :(

EDIT: Oh I also liked the spiral's incorporation in the Light of the Way's logo, assuming it was intended to evoke it, here:
Click to expand...
The production/set/props people cannot be praised enough for just how good a job they've done getting all these details in.
 
The Artful Dodger said:
what interests me is why...

There are killings before and after the Dora Lange case that weren't noticed. So why did the killer bring attention to all of it.
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It adds to the theory that some of it is done by the cult as a group (usually those involving young children who disappear, and there are no bodies so it's missing persons and not homicide), and some of it is done by individuals who are acting out their own sick fantasies. This could well be why the overall "case" can never be solved, because there'll always be someone or some group out there continuing the "legacy".
 
NotTheGuyYouKill said:
It's gonna be a goddamn righteous bloodbath.

Love it.
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I am wondering how Cohle's gonna handle everything, considering he heavily implied he's on the verge of suicide. Is he gonna just try to kill everyone he comes across without fear of the consequences, or will he attempt to bring people in alive and expose the cult publicly in order to be more sure that it's destroyed?

Or maybe Cohle and Marty just die next week and shit keeps going.
 
Burt said:
I am wondering how Cohle's gonna handle everything, considering he heavily implied he's on the verge of suicide. Is he gonna just try to kill everyone he comes across without fear of the consequences, or will he attempt to bring people in alive and expose the cult publicly in order to be more sure that it's destroyed?

Or maybe Cohle and Marty just die next week and shit keeps going.
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Perhaps he now considers himself truly free to act as he wishes. He broke into the Tuttle's place without giving a shit.

I think he's gonna expose them... and then kill them.

The Artful Dodger said:
what interests me is why...

There are killings before and after the Dora Lange case that weren't noticed. So why did the killer bring attention to all of it.
Click to expand...

Because he is an insane person who can operate with impunity due to his perceived protection.
 
duckroll said:
It adds to the theory that some of it is done by the cult as a group (usually those involving young children who disappear, and there are no bodies so it's missing persons and not homicide), and some of it is done by individuals who are acting out their own sick fantasies. This could well be why the overall "case" can never be solved, because there'll always be someone or some group out there continuing the "legacy".
Click to expand...

Adding on to this: This "legacy" seems to center around the belief in "Carcosa" and the elusive "King in Yellow." Whether Lange's killer is the aforementioned being or not remains to be seen.
 
Random conspiracy angle that has to do with another conspiracy I read earlier.

If. Maggie were somehow involved, perhaps the Rust lust was intended to break them up and get them off the case by destroying whatever friendship they had.

I am not saying that Maggie is involved, just adding this for funsies.
 
That microwaved baby stuff was just really, really fucked up. Cant say I blame Marty for quitting. You do have to be a little crazy to survive the crazy. Although Marty did say in his earlier days he came across a tweaker that pumped crystal in his baby and killed it. I dont know whats worse. I'm sure it all snowballed in his head and he finally said "no more".
 
oatmeal said:
Random conspiracy angle that has to do with another conspiracy I read earlier.

If. Maggie were somehow involved, perhaps the Rust lust was intended to break them up and get them off the case by destroying whatever friendship they had.

I am not saying that Maggie is involved, just adding this for funsies.
Click to expand...

To add on to this theory...

If Maggie's father truly is involved with the conspiracy and Audrey's troubled history, how much does she know? Did she stand by complicitly to avoid "rocking the boat"? Was she threatened into doing so by her father?

While Errol is responsible for Lange's murder, he clearly didn't act alone.

I don't really think Maggie is involved. It's just something to mull over while we wait for the concluding episode.
 
oatmeal said:
Random conspiracy angle that has to do with another conspiracy I read earlier.

If. Maggie were somehow involved, perhaps the Rust lust was intended to break them up and get them off the case by destroying whatever friendship they had.

I am not saying that Maggie is involved, just adding this for funsies.
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Then she wouldn't have gone to the bar and contemplated fucking a stranger.
 
Right. Just finished Episode 7. Possibly the slowest episode so far, but still good. So, GAF, what did I miss? Is the lawnmower dude the one they're referring to as the man with the scars? I don't think I saw scars when he stood up, no?

How on earth will they fit everything in one episode?

Also, I always longed for a game like True Detective or something. Granted, it might not sell well to the masses but can you imagine a game where you're actively hunting down a serial killer that's done intelligently? Might be the same reason why I loved Heavy Rain...plot holes and all.
 
RustyNails said:
That microwaved baby stuff was just really, really fucked up. Cant say I blame Marty for quitting. You do have to be a little crazy to survive the crazy. Although Marty did say in his earlier days he came across a tweaker that pumped crystal in his baby and killed it. I dont know whats worse. I'm sure it all snowballed in his head and he finally said "no more".
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That was rust and he unloaded his gun on the guy for it. That's why he was forces to do his stint as a deep undercover asset.
 
Welp, I think Reddit has convinced me on who the Yellow King is:

I mentioned this theory of mine in a comment on another thread 4 days ago. It just came to me & made total sense. And after seeing the latest episode I feel confident enough to share:
The Yellow King is a boat, not a person. It's used for child trafficking & is owned by the Tuttle family/church/cult.
My theory seemed to be backed up in this episode by two things:
Cohle mentioned that he'd noticed more kids going missing along the bayous but he didn't know why. I think this is why.
The boat in the last frames of the episode coming up the bayou. I think that is The Yellow King.
A second part to this theory that I'm less certain of: Carcosa is also a boat. Both boats named by someone who liked the novel The King in Yellow.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this as I've never posted a theory here before
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