True Detective (2014)

The critic hails the magnetic performances by McConaughey and Harrelson, the assured writing and direction, and the beautiful sprawling sense of place, calling it a magnificent and magnetic series destined for year-end best lists.

The critic finds the series a rich and absorbing eight-part drama that vaults into elite company with its multi-layered mystery, unconventional protagonist and singular voice unlike almost anything else on TV.

Sam Wollaston finds True Detective a cracking, smartly written and performed murder mystery that is far more than the sum of its parts thanks to its complex structure and character study. He singles out the jaw-droppingly beautiful depiction of Louisiana as the real star alongside the lead performances.

The critic finds the series unsettling and intellectually engaging as a pretext for philosophical inquiry rather than a straightforward murder mystery. They single out the strong performances by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson along with the novelistic structure and direction for praise.

Chris Harvey calls True Detective the most ambitious TV drama for a long time, praising its writerly depth, cinematic flair from director Cary Fukunaga and brilliant acting from McConaughey and Harrelson. He highlights the luscious visuals and philosophical weight that set it apart from standard serial-killer procedurals.

The review praises the superb performances, sharp writing and eerie Southern atmosphere while noting the story is far-fetched and questioning the portrayal of female characters.

The pilot succeeds as a gripping, atmospheric series premiere that exceeds expectations through its strong writing and performances. The critic singles out the lead actors' portrayals of the mismatched detectives for particular praise.

The critic calls True Detective a success and the first major new drama of 2014, praising its character-driven approach and strong writing and performances. They highlight the focus on the detectives' relationship and the novelistic structure as standout elements.