IR TV Review: TRUE DETECTIVE - NIGHT COUNTRY - EPISODE 6 [HBO/Max]
The context of closure with a series relies in its ability to show the path of the characters while not allowing a finite nature of existence to overcome them. With the final episode of "True Detective: Night Country", it is about explanation but also granular detail. The story seemed to point to something supernatural but also keyed in some misdirects. In the end there were questions unanswered, especially in the way many people had been acting. That said, it does boast some of the best acting of the series with Jodie Foster playing all in through many scenes towards end. Granted though the eventual resolution has substance, it also does not deliver in that basis as much as it should. Characterwise, especially for Danvers and Peter, it is about moving on, understanding the area, and meeting the status quo, especially when the light returns. The essence of physics and Clark is interesting but the reality does make a lot more sense.
The series does not end on a gotcha moment but more on a "See?". Navarro's path is one that is much different and metaphorical through its intent is a little more esoteric than maybe it should be. The overall texture, especially in the deep cold, is about loss that almost cannot be expressed. Foster finds a way to show that hurt while trying not to show it melodramatically and that is what makes it powerful. It is the same kind of internalization that made her work as Ellie in "Contact" work (though granted on a much bigger scale). Danvers has the strength but the need to be held for a least a moment is a powerful one (though she does keep it brief and keyed into a very specific point). Peter [Finn Bennett] also has a very interesting parallel path which of course has everything to do with the story but not with the structure as much. His moment on the ice and Fiona Shaw's perspective on it, give it impact as well. The final coda of course speaks to a bigger idea but not a new one. It still creates impact but not a sense of awe or bigger consequence as one would hope. It simply is what it is. B
By Tim Wassberg
