"True Detective": A Battle of Light and Darkness

"True Detective" unveils a horrifying case involving a cult responsible for years of ritualistic murders, sexual assaults, and child abuse. This cult's background is rooted in the Santeria and Vodun beliefs prevalent around Louisiana, with some victims even brainwashed into willingly becoming sacrifices for their deities.

The series is rich with references to American weird and horror literature, incorporating elements like Ambrose Bierce's ghostly city of Carcosa and Robert W. Chambers' "The King in Yellow." These are crucial clues in the narrative, intertwining with Cthulhu Mythos and Nietzschean philosophy to create a profoundly dark worldview.

Long-form storytelling in American television, focusing on a single case, was masterfully explored over two decades ago by David Lynch in "Twin Peaks," which captivated North America and set a benchmark in TV history. Subsequent series like the American remake of "The Killing" and "True Detective" have elevated this genre to new heights.

Though "True Detective" may not match the cultural impact of "Twin Peaks," it stands out in HBO's recent streak of successful miniseries. Featuring Woody Harrelson and Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey as both lead actors and executive producers, the show also boldly introduces new talent.

Young director Cary Fukunaga, of mixed Japanese heritage, lends the series a unique aesthetic. Known for his work on the film adaptation of "Jane Eyre," Fukunaga combines classical aesthetics with a nuanced humanism, giving "True Detective" its haunting, intricate feel. This complements the show's suspenseful genre, particularly highlighted in the much-discussed long take at the end of episode four.

Fans often dissect "True Detective's" intricate plot, which unfolds a murder case through dual timelines—1995 and 2012—via the recollections of two detectives. The series weaves symbolic, metaphorical, and ambiguous narrative threads, prompting a surge in fan theories and analysis.

In essence, "True Detective" reveals the horrifying actions of a cult over many years. Set in Louisiana, the show's writer, Nic Pizzolatto, hails from this region, which in 2005 saw a notorious church sex abuse scandal. This real-life event's influence on Pizzolatto's creation of "True Detective" remains speculative. Yet, the show's crimes resonate with the area's dark realities.

The cultural backdrop of "True Detective" includes Louisiana's blend of Santeria and Vodun beliefs. Santeria merges Catholicism with African Yoruba mythology, and its ties with Vodun, known for its association with witchcraft and zombies, are complex. The series implies the cult's heinous acts subtly rather than explicitly.

The cult's influence in the area is longstanding, with the detectives facing substantial resistance due to the cult's entanglements with local institutions. As their investigation deepens, it becomes evident that similar crimes have occurred. Key evidence indicates a profound impact of Santeria and Vodun on local victims, some of whom willingly became sacrifices.

The series also draws heavily from American weird and horror literature, referencing Ambrose Bierce's Carcosa and Robert W. Chambers' "The King in Yellow." The final confrontation occurs in Carcosa, depicted as the cult's ritual site. "The King in Yellow" appears throughout the investigation, suggesting a cult leader figure. Sadly, many of the original perpetrators have died by the time of the series.

Pizzolatto's nods to Bierce and Chambers, who bridge Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos, enrich "True Detective" with a Lovecraftian aura. This is especially evident in McConaughey's character, Rust Cohle, who embodies a nihilistic worldview akin to Nietzsche's philosophy.

Through Cohle's dialogue, Pizzolatto explores metaphysical concepts like "fourth-dimensional space," portraying Cohle as a Nietzschean who believes in the inevitability of fate. Cohle's view mirrors Nietzsche's idea of eternal recurrence, suggesting a cyclical nightmare of existence.

Cthulhu Mythos' influence is seen in Cohle's experiences of cosmic visions, paralleling Lovecraftian protagonists' descent into madness. Cohle's final monologue reflects his emotional journey and philosophical awakening:

"There was a moment I knew I was sinking into something dark... All of us, three of us, were fading. All I had to do was let go... And I did. But I could still feel her love, even more than before. There was nothing but that love... and then I woke up."

This speech mirrors a character escaping the grip of Lovecraftian madness, returning to clarity and love, albeit temporarily.

Alongside the cult investigation, "True Detective" offers a critical portrayal of Louisiana's socio-economic realities, highlighting the cultural nuances of the region. Known for its strong Christian fundamentalism, Louisiana also bears African-Latin-Caribbean influences, with traditions like Mardi Gras intertwined with Santeria and Vodun (not all cult-related).

Geographically, Louisiana's wilderness provides a refuge for cult activities. The Ledoux family's jungle hideout and Carcosa's remote locations illustrate this. The 2005 Hurricane Katrina aftermath, which left parts of Louisiana in chaos, further enabled cult activities, as depicted in the series.

"True Detective" also delves into the personal lives of its detectives. Rust Cohle, a nihilist with a tragic past, contrasts sharply with Marty Hart, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, who outwardly embodies the excellent father, husband, and cop archetype. Cohle's bleak outlook stems from personal loss and undercover work, leading a monastic life post-police work, driven by his obsession with solving the case.

Hart, despite his middle-class veneer, is plagued by infidelity, ultimately leading to personal isolation. After a brief affair with Cohle, Hart's ex-wife, the two detectives initially fall out but later reconcile to solve the case.

The battle against the cult symbolizes the struggle between light and darkness, mirrored in Rust and Marty's journeys. As true detectives, their fight against evil embodies a cosmic battle between good and evil.