I've been in and out of _True Detective_ over the seasons, but this season pulled me in from episode one; and it's been a stop-whatever-we're-doing-and-focus kind of show. My spouse and I also end up unpacking it for days afterward. When Rose admitted that she had been a professor, both of us (my spouse is also a former professor) gasped ... yet neither of us was surprised. That little subplot of how she's navigating life post-academia, to me at least, acts as a kind of microcosm of the larger narrative of how all of us are handling our respective "dead" and their related (or not related) ghosts. The entire "long night" frame is perfect for this as well. As an audience, we have no frame of reference for what time it actually is in the fictional town of Ennis. It's as if the entire town is being pulled along through the underworld, rather than the underworld coming to them.
Yes to all of this. I responded the same way to Rose’s disclosure about her past life in academia. And I love “the entire town is being pulled along through the underworld.” The entire show is about the way the present doesn’t actually exist in any kind of pure state. It’s always layered with pastness, whether ones own past lives (Rose) or the lives of others that are gone. Nothing is ever gone. We just learn to integrate/navigate (or not.) And whatever has “returned” (She’s alive) is a manifestation of that.
I loved the first season of True Detective, but you’ve definitely got me interested in watching this new season. If it’s a different animal, that’s ok with me.
As much as I like season one, I’m not really surprised Nic P wasn’t more gracious. I’d be very surprised if the guy that created that wasn’t wrapped too tight for grace.
I'm saving Fargo until we can binge it, but we have seen the first two episodes of Swans.
I see Babe Paley's character as tragic, humanly flawed, heroic, fascinating. To me, she's the center of the series, even more so than Truman. There's a limit to the satisfaction that the fine aesthetics of her life can offer, but that doesn't mean that her aesthetics, her taste, her beauty, the way she carries herself, are not in themselves admirable and of value.
Can I ask what the little circled check means? And as stackers who are donating our earnings, I’m thinking ahead to taxes. We get a royalty tax statement, right?
I also appreciate the deep dive. I watched one episode of this season's True Detective, and gave it up. You know how sometimes you're just not in the mood of things more on the "horror" than "thriller" end of things. But having read this description, I'm thinking about returning to it at some point.
I've been in and out of _True Detective_ over the seasons, but this season pulled me in from episode one; and it's been a stop-whatever-we're-doing-and-focus kind of show. My spouse and I also end up unpacking it for days afterward. When Rose admitted that she had been a professor, both of us (my spouse is also a former professor) gasped ... yet neither of us was surprised. That little subplot of how she's navigating life post-academia, to me at least, acts as a kind of microcosm of the larger narrative of how all of us are handling our respective "dead" and their related (or not related) ghosts. The entire "long night" frame is perfect for this as well. As an audience, we have no frame of reference for what time it actually is in the fictional town of Ennis. It's as if the entire town is being pulled along through the underworld, rather than the underworld coming to them.
Yes to all of this. I responded the same way to Rose’s disclosure about her past life in academia. And I love “the entire town is being pulled along through the underworld.” The entire show is about the way the present doesn’t actually exist in any kind of pure state. It’s always layered with pastness, whether ones own past lives (Rose) or the lives of others that are gone. Nothing is ever gone. We just learn to integrate/navigate (or not.) And whatever has “returned” (She’s alive) is a manifestation of that.
I appreciate your deep dive into both these shows. I'm loving them so much, for all the reasons you outlined. A great read, thank you.
Thank you!
I loved the first season of True Detective, but you’ve definitely got me interested in watching this new season. If it’s a different animal, that’s ok with me.
It’s definitely a different animal. Personally, love them both. And wish Nic P had been more gracious. Wonder what Woody and Matthew think?
As much as I like season one, I’m not really surprised Nic P wasn’t more gracious. I’d be very surprised if the guy that created that wasn’t wrapped too tight for grace.
I always love your analysis Susan.
I'm saving Fargo until we can binge it, but we have seen the first two episodes of Swans.
I see Babe Paley's character as tragic, humanly flawed, heroic, fascinating. To me, she's the center of the series, even more so than Truman. There's a limit to the satisfaction that the fine aesthetics of her life can offer, but that doesn't mean that her aesthetics, her taste, her beauty, the way she carries herself, are not in themselves admirable and of value.
I agree, and I thought Naomi Watts was wonderful in the role.
Fargo? Do you mean “Night Country”?
Yes, I meant True Detective!
Can I ask what the little circled check means? And as stackers who are donating our earnings, I’m thinking ahead to taxes. We get a royalty tax statement, right?
Haven't started it yet, but I appreciate your take on it. It does seem to be tragic entertainment after all.
I also appreciate the deep dive. I watched one episode of this season's True Detective, and gave it up. You know how sometimes you're just not in the mood of things more on the "horror" than "thriller" end of things. But having read this description, I'm thinking about returning to it at some point.
The circle means I've reached one hundred paids. And yes, I assume we get a tax statement.
I’ve reached 100 paids. But no circle from Substack!n
Super interesting and I was wondering about JF’s most recent work … did you review White Lotus? I’m still recovering ;)
I didn’t review it, but I loved it. But who is “JF”? Jodie?
Yes Jodie foster :) the ads for night detective kept popping up T the start of White Lotus …