IR TV Review: TRUE DETECTIVE - NIGHT COUNTRY - EPISODE 2 [HBO/Max]
The basis of "True Detective: Night Country" is based in the idea of what people don't see versus what is possible right in front of them. Ultimately the context of what happens and how circumstances come down has to do with power moves and politics. The town of Ennis is no different. As Episode 2 unfolds, we understand that Chief Danvers [Jodie Foster] has had some struggles that have seemingly plagued her past which have left her in what she considers a dead-end town. However, she is going to protect it especially with one of the biggest mysteries it has seen. After the discovery of the bodies in the ice at the end of Episode 1, Episode 2 is about deconstructing what happened while revealing new clues. The players aren't any closer to revelation but there is also a lack of cooperation by other officials who simply might want to push whatever this might be under the rug Danvers though has a leg up on the proceeding but one wonders what situation and/or case got her demoted to where she is despite her knowledge and smarts.
Her young deputy Peter [Finn Bennett] really wants to help but runs the risk of angering his father [John Hawkes] also with the department who might be hiding some form of corruption. The context here is that everyone is involved with everyone else in close quarters. The main aspect is that everyone seems to hate Danvers (which ironic since it is hard to hate Foster usually within a character). As far as Peter, he has a kid with a local Native girl who seems part of Danvers' family.Danvers daughter (it is not clear where she is adopted or biological] is also trying to connect with her heritage though Danvers seemingly has a reason to disengage her from it. Add to this, the daughter exploring her sexuality in what is likely a very conservative town whichdoesn't help matters.
On the other end Alaska Trooper Navarro [Kari Reis] also has beef with Danvers because of what seems like a thwarted investigation. The interesting thing about the series in "Night Country" is that it blends claustrophobia, spiritualism and environment, which "True Detective" has done in the past, but here it is fully bathed in darkness. Foster is quite good at playing characters where you see her strategy coming together in their minds where others are behind the ball. But because this is "True Detective", her character is bound to make mistakes against her better judgment becaue that is where the drama and the conflict lies. A symbol speaks to this but like many series of this ilk, it is about how the details are revealed. B+
By Tim Wassberg
