True Detective Season Three Won’t Change the Fundamentals

Next to nothing is known about the next season of True Detective, but the basics are likely to stay the same.

True Detective has two seasons under its belt and that means there is no longer the same amount of guesswork going forward. True Detective and Nic Pizzolatto have established a pattern, and while certain things will change for season three and beyond, the basics of what True Detective actually is and what makes it tick will likely remain the same.

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In other words, if you don’t like True Detective now, you won’t in the future.

Nic Pizzolatto’s place in True Detective’s world is uncertain. He will remain an integral piece of the puzzle, but it’s unknown in what exact capacity. Until we get closer to season three’s production there is no reason to believe that will change.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – JANUARY 11: Writer/Producer Nic Pizzolatto, CEO of Anonymous Content Steve Golin, HBO programming president Michael Lombardo and producer Scott Stevens attend the Anonymous Content

Even if more writers are hired, True Detective will always be Pizzolatto’s grand work. The tone of the series isn’t expected to change, though it could be a bit lighter than season two. T. Bone Burnett will also stick around for the foreseeable future. Although we have no concrete evidence to go off of, his involvement in season two was kept under wraps until the last-minute.

The noir tinge will also hang around, giving True Detective much of its grit. The psychological bent may be dialed back, or maybe retooled to have more depth. It’s not something that always came off flawless in season two.

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HBO wants True Detective to be a success, both critically and rating wise. To do that changes have to be made, and the series needs to distance itself from the second season. Still, season three will remain very much True Detective. HBO and Nic Pizzolatto understand what worked in the first season and what didn’t work in the second. Fans fearing some sort of upset can relax and just enjoy the ride.

Not that it won’t be a bumpy one.