Dark Tidings

"True Detective" is not the kind of series that was meant to leave you with warm and fuzzy feelings. It's a slow burn about down and out, often desperate people, pulled together to solve a crime. And maybe gain a modicum of redemption. Maybe.

"Detective Velcoro, do you want to live?" It seemed like a simple question, but appearances can be deceiving. Colin Farrell's 1,000 mile stare in response to his doctor's query was indicative of his life hitting a crossroads.

At the end of the second episode, Velcoro took two shotgun blasts to the chest. It seemed like it might be the end of his story. He spent the episode slowly circling the drain in nearly every aspect of his life, and it seemed possible that his journey had ended.

But it didn't. Damage was done, yes, but it was reversible. At least that's the impression that Velcoro was given. He just had to decide if he wanted to reverse it. Does he? Does he want to seek redemption? Is he capable of turning it around, of letting go of anger and hate to become a better man, father, and detective.

It's not clear how he will chose to answer that question. What is clear through three episodes is that Velcoro, and his journey, is possibly the most interesting part of this second season of "True Detective." With five episodes remaining, it will be interesting to see if Velcoro wants to live, and if he can find redemption.