For what it’s worth.
I think I nailed the final episode:
granted the method of how it came about was different. But I think you deserve full credit for predicting his transformation.
I thought the transformation was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise poor ending (although it was handled clumsily see next post.)
Thanks,
I tend to agree with you about the way the ending was handled.
The main reason I came to that conclusion was the fact that the series had left way to many loose ends for them to be resolved in an hour long final show.
They easily could have added 4 or 5 more episodes to address those loose ends.
I thought part of the ending was good—
Cohle’s transformation from cynical nihilist to someone well, at least open minded to the idea that we aren’t just meatpuppets randomly sprinkled here for no reason was good (although clumsy in depiction it would have been better if cohle had died on the floor of the sacrificial chamber, but before doing so telling marty about his daughter—a dark but hopeful ending, instead we got, well, see below)
I also thought the visit from hart’s family in the hospital was good. The camera pans to a shot of hart’s ex wife wearing a wedding ring. She cares about Marty, but they’re never going to be a couple again. This is consistent with the story.
I also thought the fortress and tunnels with bodies and clothes strewn about were very creepy, and consistent with the mood of the burnt out church and the abandoned school, nicely done.
But that’s where the good stuff ends.
Okay, It’s episode 8 of a drama about a satanic cult that murders and sexually abuses women and children. Yikes, it doesn’t get any darker than that. AND the POSSIBLE perpetrators are men of very high standing-a rich patriarch and father to a senator and famous well-to-do evangelist and of course these sons along with a sheriff. Wow, sounds like the makings of an Epic mystery. I wonder who the big baddie is (or baddies are?)
Roll finale—In walks Jethro, er Errol. Erroll Clampet...uh I mean childress. He’s a big fat retarded hillbilly who throws frying pans at his poor dog (one of ellie may’s critters perhaps?) and has sex with his sister. Okay, did I just accidentally change the station to “here come honey boo boo.” Cause I thought I was watching true detective. Where’s the satanic cult, where’s the conspirators? Nope not in this episode. Epic mystery 1 thru 7—episode 8 epic fail.
Another thing about the show that was cool for episode 1 thru 6 and sort of 7, was the dynamic of the two detectives. They’re completely different in nearly every way, with no chance of every becoming friends outside of their partnership, but they seem to have a grudging respect for each other’s abilities. Here comes episode 8. That’s over now. Welcome to marty and rusts odd-couple slash buddy picture. It comes Complete with enough syrupy sentimentality to send people into an instant diabetic coma. the final scene—marty pats cohle’s shoulder, “there there little’ fella” says marty. Cohle turns to hart and says through tears “I love you man”. Hart sobs back “I love you too rust”. Aww, big hug??? No Big fail.
Also what about all those pesky unanswered questions? like audrey hart’s apparent victimization by the cult. Nope, sorry if you were looking for answers, too bad. There are none here.
conclusion-episode 1 through 7 great stuff. episode 8, except for a short list of bright spots, massively disappointing.