I am not quite sure what to think yet. It is a bit slow and disjointed. If in the final episodes everything resolves well then it will have all been worth it. If the ending is unsatisfying then Season 3 will have been another swing and a miss. I hope it is good. The last 5 minutes of this episode were very good. The ending is chilling.
16 Reviews
Just end it already
kuarinofu11 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The structure of "slight continuation on a cliffhanger -> slow dialogue from 3 timelines -> new cliffhanger to be slightly elaborated on in the next one" continues.
The story sort of moves, but if you pay closer attention, you'll see that it doesn't. What we know for sure is that the man with a scar who was meeting the kinds in the woods (not even the kidnapper) has surfaced (at the book presentation) and that he might be connected to the absence of Amelia (was surprised to see the first Mr. X from the X-files). The pink castle exists and Julie was probably held there for some time. Her father, Tom, obviously didn't see Julie in there cause she was nowhere to be found and she was clearly out of the castle for quite some time, wandering with "the group". This suggests that Julie's mother knew more than she ever told anyone before she died. Harris James was obviously bribed to plant the evidence with a job opportunity in Hoyt Foods and Gerald Kindt is also in this somehow. The kidnapping itself is either a basic "rich men fetishes" story (I seriously doubt they would go for occult stuff again) or something more, but the latter will be hard to substantiate since the story didn't move at all and there are no enough facts and clues to make such an ending believable. O'Brien as well as Tom Purcell were both probably killed by Harris James. We are still 6 episodes in and the boy's death is still not explained even by a bit.
They have now two ways they can follow, either make up something completely random to surprise everyone who thought the story was as basic as it gets (and fail, because again, we had only those little portions of actual story spoon fed to us). Or go with something basic and grounded as the things I suggested above.
I sort of got used to the structure of the series, and now I just want it deliver a somewhat of an ending, but I'm afraid we will not be getting a real "villain" at all. I think the whole addition of the third (2015) timeline is necessary only so the ending can take place there, Hays remembering what happened and finally dying in peace or something like that, cause if you backtrack the aired episodes you can see that the whole 2015 timeline is there only to provide for character interactions and dialogue.
The next episode will surely focus on 2015 timeline, bringing Becca Hays into play since we've only had a glimpse of her up to date. It will end by slightly moving the cliffhanger we had in this episode while the rest of the resolution will happen in the last episode.
The story sort of moves, but if you pay closer attention, you'll see that it doesn't. What we know for sure is that the man with a scar who was meeting the kinds in the woods (not even the kidnapper) has surfaced (at the book presentation) and that he might be connected to the absence of Amelia (was surprised to see the first Mr. X from the X-files). The pink castle exists and Julie was probably held there for some time. Her father, Tom, obviously didn't see Julie in there cause she was nowhere to be found and she was clearly out of the castle for quite some time, wandering with "the group". This suggests that Julie's mother knew more than she ever told anyone before she died. Harris James was obviously bribed to plant the evidence with a job opportunity in Hoyt Foods and Gerald Kindt is also in this somehow. The kidnapping itself is either a basic "rich men fetishes" story (I seriously doubt they would go for occult stuff again) or something more, but the latter will be hard to substantiate since the story didn't move at all and there are no enough facts and clues to make such an ending believable. O'Brien as well as Tom Purcell were both probably killed by Harris James. We are still 6 episodes in and the boy's death is still not explained even by a bit.
They have now two ways they can follow, either make up something completely random to surprise everyone who thought the story was as basic as it gets (and fail, because again, we had only those little portions of actual story spoon fed to us). Or go with something basic and grounded as the things I suggested above.
I sort of got used to the structure of the series, and now I just want it deliver a somewhat of an ending, but I'm afraid we will not be getting a real "villain" at all. I think the whole addition of the third (2015) timeline is necessary only so the ending can take place there, Hays remembering what happened and finally dying in peace or something like that, cause if you backtrack the aired episodes you can see that the whole 2015 timeline is there only to provide for character interactions and dialogue.
The next episode will surely focus on 2015 timeline, bringing Becca Hays into play since we've only had a glimpse of her up to date. It will end by slightly moving the cliffhanger we had in this episode while the rest of the resolution will happen in the last episode.
Almost fell out of my chair
jamdub-6193411 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
When Wayne asked Roland to look out the window that split second I realized, Roland may be in on the cover-up. Ingenious writing.
Let me add - I wish True Detective would tell a story in one time period, of course. Character development is amazing and the reveal next week will be great I am sure. But after such a great episode and setup, we are left with 2 episodes remaining. Seems like the viewer is a bit shorted. Would like a final 4 episodes, or so, of our heroin figuring out what happened and reaping the emotional benefits of his success. At this point his success is our success. Would be a more rewarding series. But it is good. So good, they should make two per season and not wait 1-2 years for one 8 episode series. Ouch!
Let me add - I wish True Detective would tell a story in one time period, of course. Character development is amazing and the reveal next week will be great I am sure. But after such a great episode and setup, we are left with 2 episodes remaining. Seems like the viewer is a bit shorted. Would like a final 4 episodes, or so, of our heroin figuring out what happened and reaping the emotional benefits of his success. At this point his success is our success. Would be a more rewarding series. But it is good. So good, they should make two per season and not wait 1-2 years for one 8 episode series. Ouch!
A soft close to the 1980 timeline and an incredible development to the 1990
salle-5030811 February 2019
This episode was perhaps the most thrillingly suspenseful of the entire series thus far. After the climatic shootout of the last episode, this one began slowly tying off the 1980 timeline, yet cracked open brand new interest in the 1990 one. We gain ever increasing detail into the events and characters that have been subtly referenced over the last few episodes. The cinematography continues to mesmerize with angles and lighting that are as crucial to the storytelling as the characters. There was also a scene that seemed almost like a swan song to the ending of the sixth episode in season 1, where Rust was investigating an old worn out abandoned building armed with only his flashlight. The episode finishes with one of the most suspenseful chair gripping moments of the entire series and begs for answers we'll have to wait a painstaking week to receive. A well deserved 10/10
Most intense episode yet!!
jericw1611 February 2019
Loving this season, and by far this was the best episode yet. Every actor in this show deserves an award in my opinion, but I can't believe how damn good Scoot McNairy was in this particular episode. And the cliffhanger may have been the most chilling end of anything on TV I've ever watched. Seriously amazing, can't wait until next week!
Most Intense Episode Yet!
PREMIUM television
KahlilHerring11 February 2019
This episode made me realize why I don't mind paying for premium television. First off the episode came out online right at 9 which is a plus for people like me always on the laptop.
2nd, the acting, script, dialogue, (sorry my friend is singing in the bathroom right now and it's so bad), misdirections, puzzles, this show is GOING THERE. Just when I thought to myself, as events were unfolding on the screen, this cannot get any deeper and tenser than it already is. And it just.... blows you away.
3rd The last scene between Roland and Hays, if you paid closely attention, gave away and told SO much about both characters, their relationship, and the entire story. Good luck waiting...
2nd, the acting, script, dialogue, (sorry my friend is singing in the bathroom right now and it's so bad), misdirections, puzzles, this show is GOING THERE. Just when I thought to myself, as events were unfolding on the screen, this cannot get any deeper and tenser than it already is. And it just.... blows you away.
3rd The last scene between Roland and Hays, if you paid closely attention, gave away and told SO much about both characters, their relationship, and the entire story. Good luck waiting...
The truth is close
85122213 February 2019
Greetings from Lithuania.
With only 2 episodes left in season 3, we are getting closer and closer to the truth. "Hunters in the Dark" moved the story forward, and at the end we kinda saw glimpses of the truth.
Overall, this episode was very solid and involving. The whole season so far is more involving than previous one, but its not as great as the first one. That said. i'm enjoying this season so far and will definitely finish it.
With only 2 episodes left in season 3, we are getting closer and closer to the truth. "Hunters in the Dark" moved the story forward, and at the end we kinda saw glimpses of the truth.
Overall, this episode was very solid and involving. The whole season so far is more involving than previous one, but its not as great as the first one. That said. i'm enjoying this season so far and will definitely finish it.
3x06
formotog11 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Another good episode. I mentioned in one of my previous reviews about how I think the main thing holding this season back is that the crime itself hasn't seemed to be that gruesome (relatively speaking) but I think that aspect is getting revealed to us more and more as this whole conspiracy is uncovered. However I still wouldn't really describe this episode as any more than good, and most of the season at that. I've been trying to figure out why that is because I don't think this season has really done much wrong. I think that it all boils down to the fact that sometimes, some things just aren't standout. When I think about this season so far, I can't really think of any absolutely standout 'wow' scenes like I probably could for season one. I think comparisons with season one don't help. I, unlike a lot of people, don't mind the slow pace at all, but I think perhaps this is one reason the season isn't really any more than just 'good'. Despite this, it's still gripping and I'm very interested to know how this all pans out. It's a very convoluted story which has already teased us on various big events that are yet to happen. The ending was particularly chilling. I think the season has generally found a nice balance between giving us answers and asking more questions, and giving the viewer enough information to make our own judgements and theories. This should be a strong ending the way they've set up the story
High 7
High 7
Slow but satisfying
f-6185716 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It's slowly building to what I hope will be a thrilling conclusion.
My prediction - Roland slept with or was sleeping with Tom (Julie's "father") at some point which is why he is quick to defend him and didn't want him to be charged for the murders.
My prediction - Roland slept with or was sleeping with Tom (Julie's "father") at some point which is why he is quick to defend him and didn't want him to be charged for the murders.
A semmingly tiring plot with that cliffhanger
botrytis11 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It always make me think anytime I think about True Detective is why Season 1 was a masterpiece and something of a milestone non of the later episodes, seasons achieved neither to overcome nor to approach; the storytelling was gripping even if it was complex at places, but every detail was revealed in a healthy way, not to mention the chemistry between the two protagonist was a top-notch satire towards all the buddy-cop movies out there in hollywood. Simply there was many refreshments with the Season 1, and mostly because it finally did something many other similar detective series couldn't do by a mile away before that.
Now I do know that every season has its own concept it tries to fill in, with every corner as it can. S3 has the concept of having sharpcut parralel storytellings in 3 timeline as the main protagonist has amnesia (or somekind of a dementia) and with revising this old case his mind is just more responsive, and his True Detective mind finds its only purpose: to solve a 3 decade old case finally, in his old age. This is a gripping and well realised plot element, but the rest of this season is like lost the fuel of being interesting. I honestly hope it won't get into the same ol' BS about church being a haven for child molesters and such. I mean, come on, we get it. Can we move on now? That ending just wasn't that powerfull to me, because I was like "Oh, okey, this again... cool... how original". (S1 had similar topic, now they coming up with this again. I don't remember S2 having this though, there were stories about a place run by hippies, so, that's something different.)
So, to be honest, we are 6 episodes in, and besides the "Puzzling works of an amnesia-like mind of the protagonist" theme there is no other element of the Season that could grab my "True Detective fan" enthusiasm. I hope that more complex things lie there to which this 6 episode build up leads. S1 build up was well crafted, through 8 episodes we had several occasions we have reached somekind of an emotional milestone. With this season.... well... I hope this wasn't the biggest milestone it could give. I expect more of this Series.
Now I do know that every season has its own concept it tries to fill in, with every corner as it can. S3 has the concept of having sharpcut parralel storytellings in 3 timeline as the main protagonist has amnesia (or somekind of a dementia) and with revising this old case his mind is just more responsive, and his True Detective mind finds its only purpose: to solve a 3 decade old case finally, in his old age. This is a gripping and well realised plot element, but the rest of this season is like lost the fuel of being interesting. I honestly hope it won't get into the same ol' BS about church being a haven for child molesters and such. I mean, come on, we get it. Can we move on now? That ending just wasn't that powerfull to me, because I was like "Oh, okey, this again... cool... how original". (S1 had similar topic, now they coming up with this again. I don't remember S2 having this though, there were stories about a place run by hippies, so, that's something different.)
So, to be honest, we are 6 episodes in, and besides the "Puzzling works of an amnesia-like mind of the protagonist" theme there is no other element of the Season that could grab my "True Detective fan" enthusiasm. I hope that more complex things lie there to which this 6 episode build up leads. S1 build up was well crafted, through 8 episodes we had several occasions we have reached somekind of an emotional milestone. With this season.... well... I hope this wasn't the biggest milestone it could give. I expect more of this Series.
The pink room
panos000011 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Yep nothing happens in this episode either just a lot of overlong boring dialogues same uninteresting characters and mystery. I hoped it will be at least a little better than season 2 but right now im pretty sure that true detective season 3 is a big yawn. Im gonna watch season 1 again to cleanse myself.
Hunters in the Dark
bobcobb30112 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Not a bad episode, but the pace is just not doing it for me. In Season 1 there appeared to be a method behind the madness, but here it just seems like there is not enough content, even for 8 episodes, and they are stretching every single thing they have out.
And this is where I started to lose interest
pkpera25 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Season 3 started really well, and I enjoyed first 4 episodes. And then, that cliffhanger ending of e4 - that was actually ending of consistency. I had bad feeling that it will be not so good after it. And sadly, I was in right. It just became repetative, and too much of time frame changing just made it worse.
I understand that it's not easy to make another season as good as first, but forced way of trying it is surely not right one.
Another problem could be too big time between initial crime and latest investigation - some 35 years, combined with broken marriage and career, dementia.
All in all, as biggest flaw I see that there is too much of it involved. And in bad way - I missed some better presentation of Carmen's writing motives, background - that was mostly used for conflict in marriage, what is rather soapy. They should stick to detective work at good detail level - what was actually done well. To keep it at high level should perform side stories at such level too.
I understand that it's not easy to make another season as good as first, but forced way of trying it is surely not right one.
Another problem could be too big time between initial crime and latest investigation - some 35 years, combined with broken marriage and career, dementia.
All in all, as biggest flaw I see that there is too much of it involved. And in bad way - I missed some better presentation of Carmen's writing motives, background - that was mostly used for conflict in marriage, what is rather soapy. They should stick to detective work at good detail level - what was actually done well. To keep it at high level should perform side stories at such level too.
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