Los Angeles, CA – The highly acclaimed crime drama “True Detective” is set to kick off its fourth season this Sunday on HBO, taking viewers on a new journey with a story connected to its first season. Mexican filmmaker Issa López, the showrunner, writer, and director of the fourth chapter titled “Night Country,” aims to tap into the existing secrets of the show while creating a fresh narrative about two detectives.
In Season 4 of “True Detective,” detectives Liz Danvers, portrayed by Jodie Foster, and Evangeline Navarro, played by Kali Reis, join forces to solve a case involving the disappearance of eight male scientists from a research station in northwest Alaska. As the investigation unfolds, the detectives find themselves entangled in another unsolved case centered around a missing Indigenous woman.
While the setting and atmosphere of Season 4 differ from its predecessor, Lopez describes both seasons as having characters shrouded in darkness, doubts, and obsessions. By delving into these complex emotions, she draws striking comparisons between the two seasons.
Lopez started developing the story for “Night Country” over three years ago, incorporating elements from Western and noir genres to recreate the mesmerizing mysteries that captivated her as a child. Influenced by films like John Carpenter’s “The Thing” and detective shows she watched in Mexico, the Mexican filmmaker’s passion for uncovering the truth has shaped the essence of the show.
Unlike the first season, which was criticized for its treatment of female characters, Lopez is determined to present a female-forward narrative, paying homage to Jodie Foster’s iconic role in the psychological-horror thriller “The Silence of the Lambs.” However, when deciding on Foster’s partner, Lopez adjusted her vision to reflect the geography and culture of Alaska. Detective Navarro’s Latina heritage was preserved, with her father being Dominican and her mother belonging to the Iñupiaq Native group.
In choosing Kali Reis, a boxer-turned-actor with Black and Native American ancestry, Lopez found the perfect fit for the character. By having characters from the region themselves uncover the Indigenous problem and actively participate in solving the puzzle, the show veers away from the trope of outsiders fixing local issues.
Fans of the first season will find connections and references in “Night Country.” Lopez reveals that the characters in Season 4 are related to those in the first season, and the symbolic spiral, associated with the eerie Carcosa location, makes a reappearance. Additionally, smaller nods, such as characters drinking the same beer, create a thread that connects the seasons. The final big revelations in Episode 6 will tie the stories of Seasons 1 and 4 together.
With its anticipated debut, “True Detective” Season 4 promises to captivate viewers once again with its interwoven narratives and compelling character development.