The author believes that every season of True Detective has been disappointing, including the first season, which many consider a classic.
There is a criticism that True Detective relies heavily on high budgets, stunning visuals, and star-studded cast, but lacks in plot coherence, thematic depth, and meaningful character development.
The post points out the concept of 'Prestige Disease,' where a show's credentials and production values overshadow its actual artistic merit, leading to widely accepted but flawed acclaim.
The post shares a bank holiday bonanza of things to read, watch, and listen to, providing a variety of recommendations for entertainment and information consumption.
It features insights on effort, productivity, and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of giving it your all but also learning to tolerate unknowns and knowing when to give up on certain endeavors.
Recommendations include books read, shows watched, and podcasts listened to, offering a diverse range of content suggestions for different tastes and interests.
The Shift With Sam Baker newsletter and podcast explores moments in TV shows or movies that resonate with audiences due to their truthful impact, sparking strong emotional reactions from viewers.
The post discusses a powerful monologue from the character Rose Aguineau in True Detective, highlighting the theme of self-acceptance and finding peace with one's past and present.
There's a focus on the idea of reaching a point of 'having enough' in life, symbolizing a turning point where individuals may reassess their choices and seek a quieter, more meaningful existence.
Actors can benefit from the Double Exposure Effect when they have multiple great performances out at the same time, boosting their chances in award competitions.
Timing is crucial in the entertainment industry; a well-timed release can elevate an actor's Oscar campaign, while an ill-timed one can damage it.
The overall career and public perception of an actor can also influence their chances in award shows like the Oscars, showcasing the importance of a strong body of work.
True Detective's first season remains relevant today, exploring the exhaustion of history and society's cyclical nature.
The show delves into the themes of suicide and nihilism, reflecting on the prevalence of such ideas in contemporary culture.
Christianity, nihilism, and the notion of a 'flat circle' universe are intertwined in the philosophical discourse of the series, challenging viewers to ponder human nature and spiritual ambiguity.
The life of a screenwriter is filled with surprises, challenges, disasters, and triumphs, constantly learning new aspects of the business and ways to work and cope.
The television industry is currently facing turmoil due to various factors like Covid, WGA strike, and Wall Street, making it difficult for new projects to materialize, but classics like The West Wing, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Battlestar Galactica remain timeless.
New tools like Plottr for novelists and screenwriters or strategies like time-blocking mornings for writing and afternoons for other tasks can enhance productivity and creativity.
Telling stories with no clear resolution can keep an audience engaged, even if it lacks a traditional ending.
Modern media often presents entertaining narratives that ultimately unravel, leading to self-referential gibberish and a lack of satisfying conclusions.
Nostalgia for a past era, like the 1990s, is often rooted in a desire for the hope, community, and optimism that characterized that time.
The Swedish Academy could award the Nobel Prize in Literature to TV writers/producers Vince Gilligan and David Simon for their exceptional storytelling.
Television has evolved from a 'vast wasteland' to a medium producing significant literary works, raising questions about the enduring legacy of modern TV series.
Gilligan and Simon's works like 'Breaking Bad' and 'The Wire' have profound impact, deep ethical questions, and memorable characters that rival classic literature.
The 'Dingus of the Week' is Nic Pizzolatto for his reactions to the TV show True Detective's latest season, which featured indigenous women and received criticism from him.
Some recent positive highlights include a strippers' bill of rights, a stingray in North Carolina who reproduced without a mate, and Beyonce becoming the first Black woman to top the country charts.
Celebrating personal victories, like having a book published, can be surprisingly down-to-earth, even involving mundane tasks and moments with loved ones.