TV: True Detective

[Munsu]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXwCoNwBSkQ

New HBO show starts tonight starring movie stars Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, and also Michelle Monaghan.

Looking forward to see if the star power from the leads makes this show a good one. I'll say this much, but I don't see how wise it is to call a show True Detective with True Blood on the same channel.

In any case, hope it's worth watching.


In 2012, Louisiana State Police Detectives Rust Cohle and Martin Hart are brought in to revisit a homicide case they worked in 1995. As the inquiry unfolds in present day through separate interrogations, the two former detectives narrate the story of their investigation, reopening unhealed wounds, and drawing into question their supposed solving of a bizarre ritualistic murder in 1995. The timelines braid and converge in 2012 as each man is pulled back into a world they believed they'd left behind. In learning about each other and their killer, it becomes clear that darkness lives on both sides of the law.

Written and created by Nic Pizzolatto ('The Killing') and directed by Cary Fukunaga ('Sin Nombre,' 'Jane Eyre'), 'True Detective' stars Woody Harrelson as Martin Hart and Matthew McConaughey as Rust Cohle. The series also stars Michelle Monaghan (‘Mission: Impossible III') as Maggie, Hart's wife; Kevin Dunn ('Veep') as Major Quesada, the supervising officer in 1995; and Tory Kittles ('Sons of Anarchy') and Michael Potts ('The Wire') as Dets. Papania and Gilbough, the investigators now probing Hart and Cohle for answers.

http://www.hbo.com/true-detective#/true-detective/about/

[Sapphire]

MAN! These established movie stars are really rocking it on TV these days. We've got Kevin Spacey on House of Cards, Kevin Bacon on The Following, Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey (oh god so sexy) here and whatever else I missed.


I'll say this much, but I don't see how wise it is to call a show True Detective with True Blood on the same channel.

Sounds like a good way to bank on what's already successful!

Just like Desperate Housewives -> Real housewives of orange county/atlanta/bronx/atlanta/potato
walking dead -> talking dead
breaking bad -> talking bad
pacific rim -> atlantic rim
50 shades of grey -> 50 shades of gay
etc etc.

[Penner]

the fuck? "50 shades of gay" is an actual thing?

[Munsu]

Just watched the first episode, it's slow, boring, well acted, and awesome... hope that makes sense.

[Uchiha Barles]

That description made my mind's eye see the anime "Monster".

[Munsu]

That description made my mind's eye see the anime "Monster".

Speaking of Monster, what's the latest on the potential adaptation on HBO? Haven't heard anything in a while.

[Uchiha Barles]

This is the first I'm hearing of it. Googling it gives the results you're probably already familiar with. Nothing more than del Torro being in talks with HBO for the adaptation. Hopefully that's not going the way of Sam Raimi and Noir.

[Munsu]

Watched the second episode, a bit more of the same than the first, still getting its feet wet. In other news, we got to see Alexandra Daddario from Percy Jackson movies fame (and also played Kate in White Collar) nude... and she has an awesome body. Also was pleased to see Lili Simmons on the show, who also plays one of my favorite characters in the show Banshee (http://forums.gotwoot.net/showthread.php/22808-TV-Banshee) on Cinemax.

In any case, still nothing much to say about the series... well acted certainly, but still needs a bit to get itself going. Matthew McConaughey's character is extremely interesting though in my opinion.

[Animeniax]

I know I'll sound like a prude and it does actually work to increase viewership (I'll probably start watching this series now), but I think it's a shame that some of these hot young actresses have to get naked in order to get roles in quality shows. Some recent examples are Emmy Rossum and Laura Slade Wiggins in Shameless, the chicks in Game of Thrones, and Alexandra Daddario in this series.

[Munsu]

I know I'll sound like a prude and it does actually work to increase viewership (I'll probably start watching this series now), but I think it's a shame that some of these hot young actresses have to get naked in order to get roles in quality shows. Some recent examples are Emmy Rossum and Laura Slade Wiggins in Shameless, the chicks in Game of Thrones, and Alexandra Daddario in this series.

I think that's a bit off in the context you're putting it, you're quoting great opportunities in premium channels that promote nudity as it is. She could've easily had roles in normal tv broadcast and didn't have to get naked. But you're in a premium channel show, chances are you'll be nude at some point. So it's not about the ability of young actresses needing to get naked in order to get roles in quality shows, but nudity is part of the job description when you're auditioning for a role in a premium channel show.

I mean, if the role calls for nudity, it's calls for nudity... it doesn't mean they HAVE to get naked, but it'll certainly be an advantage if you're willing. Now, was that willingness what managed to land her the role? I'd say probably given the role her character plays.

For example Odette Yustman (now Odette Annabele) is on the aforementioned Banshee and that show has a ton of nudity, and even though her character has had sex scenes, she hasn't been nude in them. At least not yet from what I've seen.

I could also quote Kate Mara who is in House of Cards and has a ton of sex scenes, but I don't recall her showing any nudity... and that's certainly a role that is tailored made for an actress willing to get nude.

So, is willingness to get nude land you roles in quality shows that have nudity in them? Of course, but that's really not the deciding factor, but it does help. It's not like there are a lot of opportunities, there are very limited shows in premium channels... though that's expanding. But what separates premium channels from the rest is their ability to be R rated or above, so it is what it is.

That said, go enjoy the glory that is Alexandra Daddario ;)

[Animeniax]

I guess it depends on their goal in taking such roles. Are they looking for more risky roles and to use their sexuality to advance their careers (like Pam Anderson or Kim Kardashian but with actual talent) or are these the only roles they can get, since they are primarily "B-list" actresses? I'd think a good broadcast role would give greater exposure for an actress than a premium cable tv show, but because broadcast tv is so tame, maybe it's not enough meaningful and quick exposure that doesn't do enough for their career.

Look at Daenerys from GoT, early on she had to get naked a lot. Once she was a central character, her actress had the clout to refuse nude scenes. I think Morena Baccarin sorta had the same situation in Homeland... she showed plenty of boob in the first season, then almost zilch since then.

I admit I wouldn't give a lot of series a chance if not for some hot actress baring all. I do feel like it's a rotten business, so women like Shiri Appleby have to get naked to get a role on a popular show like Girls. But they chose to play the game, so it's on them.

[Munsu]

Personally just not going to over-think it. It's a career choice and they're well compensated for it, so not going to lose sleep over it... in fact, might sleep a bit better with their boobs in mind.

Anyways, let's get back on-topic. No one checked the series yet?

[Penner]

Is this show really as good as it seems? Because i went to imdb.com, and even with 11.000 user votes, the show still has a whopping 9.4 rating, which is pretty fucking impressive.

[Munsu]

Is this show really as good as it seems? Because i went to imdb.com, and even with 11.000 user votes, the show still has a whopping 9.4 rating, which is pretty fucking impressive.

Hard to tell as of yet... most of those ratings are surely for potential rather than how good the previous 2 episodes have been. If you can appreciate good acting and good atmosphere, even though the show has been slow going, then sure, but I think it still needs to take the next step... it's missing a bit of tension at the moment, which I'm sure we'll arrive soon enough when we least expect it.

So the rating is not really warranted so far, more curious about anything where we're going rather than impressed with what we've been shown so far.