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This week has been filled with activity for those who enjoy men complaining on the internet. It seems like this is a common occurrence. However, there was one specific meltdown that caught people’s attention: Nic Pizzolatto’s outburst regarding his own show.

Nic Pizzolatto is the mastermind behind the popular television show True Detective, with its first season featuring notable actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. The show quickly gained recognition as a part of the “golden age” of TV. The fourth season, starring Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, recently concluded on HBO (Sky in the UK). Titled True Detective: Night Country, this season takes place in the Arctic Circle during winter and stays true to the series’ signature elements – mismatched detectives, a wild landscape, a hint of the supernatural, and gruesome murders. There are even nods to McConaughey’s iconic musings on the concept of time. However, did Pizzolatto enjoy this season? The answer is no.

It is uncertain how much of Pizzolatto’s dislike for Night Country stems from it being the first True Detective story that he did not write or direct. Instead, these roles were filled by Mexican director Issa López. However, Pizzolatto has consistently criticized the show since its debut, even warning fans that they cannot blame him if they do not enjoy it. Following the finale, he has continued to express his disapproval by sharing negative comments from other male internet users on his Instagram. Some of the main criticisms include the sloppy writing in the finale and the overall messy handling of character arcs. Additionally, there have been claims that the show heavily emphasizes the idea that “Man=Problem”, a statement that some may find worthy of a tattoo.

Pizzolatto has since, ostentatiously, created a space on his Insta solely for “trolling/support/infighting” around True Detective and the “absolute moral degeneracy and misogyny of anyone who did not think it was good”. Which certainly sounds as if he is over it. And while he is probably using the word “misogyny” sarcastically, it may be a good moment for him to reflect on his actions.

López, meanwhile, has responded gracefully: “I believe that every storyteller has a very specific, peculiar, and unique relation to the stories they create, and whatever his reactions are, he’s entitled to them,” she told Vulture earlier in the run. “[Night Country] is a reinvention, and it is different. And anybody that wants to join is welcome.”

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It is difficult to imagine what it would require to remain graceful in the face of consistent criticism from a colleague (López and Pizzolatto are executive producers on Night Country). López’s politeness perhaps also reflects a confidence in her work, something that has been vindicated on screen.

Although some male internet users may view the season as a disappointing failure, according to the opening paragraph of this review which includes sincere comments, it has achieved the highest popularity among the four series. The viewership has steadily increased and the finale had the largest audience compared to any other episode. It is possible that this could be attributed to the positive reception of the content on screen.

Night Country set itself apart from other True Detective shows not only by providing meaningful roles for female characters, but also by delving deeper into the lives of its main characters beyond their work. The show placed equal importance on romantic and familial relationships, adding depth to the narrative and creating more well-rounded characters. While elements from the first season, such as Wiccan crafts and spirals, made a comeback, they were accompanied by new elements like decaying ghosts and terrifying apparitions, adding a real sense of horror to the already present American gothic vibe. Additionally, unlike some of Pizzolatto’s other works, Night Country successfully tied all of its plotlines together by the end. And despite some criticism about the portrayal of men as problematic, the show featured a heroic male character and all of the female characters faced their own challenges.

The Night Country had its flaws, particularly in its dialogue. The horror aspect was also emphasized heavily, and it required a willing suspension of disbelief to fully embrace the world it presented. However, it was undeniably the strongest season of True Detective since the first one, introducing fresh opportunities for the series (including a potential return for detectives Danvers and Navarro). It also broke new ground by portraying tough female cops in a gritty manner. This may serve as inspiration for Pizzolatto in future seasons.

Source: theguardian.com