True Detective: Night Country [Blu-ray review]

True Detective returned with Night Country and it wasn’t bad. For recent HBO MAX fare or MAX or whatever they’re calling it, that’s pretty good. HBO’s anthology series “True Detective” has captured the imaginations of audiences since its debut in 2014, delivering intricate narratives, complex characters, and atmospheric settings. “True Detective: Night Country” the fourth season of this critically acclaimed series, continues the tradition with a fresh story set against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness.

Jodie Foster is pretty cool

“True Detective: Night Country” features a stellar cast led by Jodie Foster as Chief Liz Danvers and Kali Reis as Trooper Evangeline Navarro. Foster’s portrayal of Danvers, a grizzled and cynical detective, drew comparisons to her iconic role as Clarice Starling. Reis, in her breakout role, brought depth and intensity to Navarro, a character with her own dark past and personal demons.

The supporting cast includes Christopher Eccleston as Captain Ted Connelly, John Hawkes as Officer Hank Prior, Fiona Shaw as Rose Aguineau, Finn Bennett as Officer Peter Prior, and Isabella Star LaBlanc as Leah Danvers. This ensemble brought a mix of veteran talent and fresh faces, enhancing the show’s dynamic.

I mean, I’ve spoken to Hinckley in person

The development of “True Detective: Night Country” began with the decision to rejuvenate the franchise after the mixed reception of the third season. Pizzolatto initially had a “wild” idea for a fourth season, but it was ultimately dropped in favor of a new direction. HBO explored various ideas and eventually enlisted Issa López as the new showrunner, marking the first season without Pizzolatto’s direct involvement as a writer.

López envisioned “Night Country” as a “dark mirror” of the first season, setting the story in the remote town of Ennis, Alaska. The harsh and eerie Alaskan environment became a central element of the season’s atmosphere and narrative.

I’m not saying I’m OK with what he did, but it’s not like he was taking orders from his dog

The decision to set the story in Alaska presented unique challenges and opportunities for the production team. Filming took place in Iceland and Alaska, capturing the stark, icy landscapes essential to the story’s mood. The harsh weather conditions and remote locations posed logistical difficulties, but the result was a visually stunning depiction of the Alaskan wilderness.

The show itself left me cold. Pause for laughter. It feels stretched and with very little resolution. At times, I wondered if it could have been edited down into a 90 minute movie. Hawkes and Foster are on point, but most of the cast is just hitting their marks and adding little enough to the overall True Detective universe.

This was written over a week ago

“True Detective: Night Country” has cemented itself as a significant entry in the anthology series, demonstrating the franchise’s ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its core themes. It showcased the flexibility of the anthology format and the potential for exploring diverse settings and stories within the framework of a detective narrative.

It ain’t Season 1 or 2, but it’s way better than Season 3. That being said, it suffers from what has been hurting HBO a lot recently. A ton of great ideas at play with little follow-up.

What’s on the Blu-ray?

“True Detective: Night Country” came to Blu-ray way later than it debuted on Digital. You get a ton of special features including featurettes and episode recaps. It’s perfect for older Boomer viewing, but it will leave younger viewers a little more annoyed. The A/V Quality is pretty sharp for recent TV on Blu. The DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track only gets a workout in the first and final episodes.

In addition to physical media, “Night Country” is available for digital purchase and streaming on various platforms, including HBO Max. The digital editions offer the convenience of watching the series on multiple devices and often include the same special features as the Blu-ray and DVD releases.

“True Detective: Night Country” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of HBO’s anthology series. Through its compelling narrative, atmospheric setting, and strong performances, it adds a new dimension to the “True Detective” franchise. While opinions on the series may vary, its exploration of human nature and the mysteries of the Alaskan wilderness make it a memorable and thought-provoking entry in modern television. Whether through streaming or home video, “Night Country” offers viewers a captivating journey into the dark corners of the human psyche and the untamed landscapes of the North.

True Detective Night Country is now available on Blu-ray