Reviewed by Colin Jacobson (July 18, 2024)
Back in 2014, HBO introduced True Detective, an unusual form of crime series. When it picked up with a second season in 2015, it came with all-new characters and situations, not just an extension of S1’s topics and roles.
That trend continued via True Detective Season Three in 2019 and Season Four in 2024. Formally titled True Detective: Night Country, its six episodes take us to a spot in Alaska 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
This two-disc Blu-ray set includes all of those shows. The plot synopses come from the series’ official website.
Part One: “When eight researchers at Tsalal Station vanish without a trace, police Chief Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) orders a search. After handling a workplace dispute, Trooper Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) tries to convince a skeptical Danvers that the men's disappearance is connected to the murder of local activist Annie Kowtok (Nivi Pedersen).”
While I didn’t love either Seasons One or Two of Detective, I did enjoy them. I only skipped S3 because I never received a review copy.
With Foster in tow, I go into Country with fairly high hopes. Of course, the three prior seasons came with legitimate A-list talent, but because Foster seems picky about her roles, I go into her projects with elevated expectations.
Though perhaps I shouldn’t, as Foster doesn’t always choose quality affairs. Still, she comes with a strong career so her presence in Country bodes well.
Inevitably, an episode that debuts a story leans toward exposition and character introductions, so expect that from “Part One”. Nonetheless, the show manages to create an intriguing narrative along with those basics. This makes me curious to see where Country will go from here.
Part Two: “As Danvers and Prior learn more about Tsalal -- and find an unlikely location for the physical evidence -- Captain Ted Connelly (Christopher Eccleston) threatens to move the case to Anchorage. Later, Navarro and Danvers find a connection between one of the Tsalal men and Annie.”
We get too many echoes of 1982’s The Thing for these to arise unintentionally. Not that Country directly copies that classic, but it definitely finds connections.
These give the series a creepy vibe so far. I don’t suspect an alien will pop up as part of the season, but the eerie tone permeates.
Character moments prove less compelling than the main investigation, but they also don’t bog down the show. This leads to another solid show.
Part Three: “While Captain Hank Prior (John Hawkes) leads the search for missing scientist Raymond Clark (Owen McDonnell), Officer Peter Prior (Finn Bennett) asks Danvers about the murder-suicide case that drove a wedge between her and Navarro. Navarro and Danvers seek out a local hairdresser for insight on Annie -- which leads to a tip.”
At least as depicted so far, I wish Country didn’t come with the backstory about the rift between Navarro and Danvrrs. Although a flashback here adds intrigue for a variety of reasons, I think the show would fare better if it lacked this sub-theme entirely or at least never formally explained it.
Of course, with half the season left to go, I remain open to the possibility that I’ll change that attitude. I also admit the nuggets we get in “Part Three” leave matters mysterious enough to prompt a moderate desire for more information.
Otherwise, “Part Three” pushes along the main investigation narrative pretty well. It balances the investigation with the usual interpersonal elements in a progressive manner that gets us to the season’s mid-point in a satisfying manner.
Part Four: “When Julia's (Aka Niviâna) mental health struggles resurface, Navarro brings her to a local facility, promising that this time will be better. Later, Danvers and Navarro confirm the location of Annie's murder, and Danvers levies a harsh punishment on Leah (Isabella Star LaBlanc).”
Set at Christmas, much of “Part Four” concentrates on the characters and their personal lives – or lack thereof. That makes this one less focused on the mystery than usual, but the exploration of these other domains adds richness.
Part Five: “As Prior digs into the links between Tsalal and mining company Silver Sky, Navarro rescues Leah from a local protest that has turned violent. At a meeting with Silver Sky exec Kate McKitterick (Dervla Kirwan), Danvers is warned not to pursue the case any further.”
As Country approaches its end, the plot thickens. Some of this feels a bit contrived, but “Five” nonetheless offers enough intrigue to prod us toward the finale.
Part Six: “In the midst of a bad storm, Danvers and Navarro find themselves stuck at Tsalal with no electricity or means of contact. As the truth about what happened to Annie and the Tsalal men unfolds, Navarro and Danvers each confront the demons from their past.”
Country winds up with a bang – of sorts. It doesn’t give us an action-packed finale, but it brings matters to a close with some surprises.
The season toyed with the supernatural and “Part Six” neither embraces nor negates those elements, which I like. It leaves those matters vague and up for interpretation.
All of this means Country wraps on a positive note. The six episodes tell an unusual tale and do so in a largely compelling manner.
