When HBO dropped the first season of True Detective, many were immediately enamored with Nic Pizzolatto's blend of Crime and Southern Gothic, complete with mild Lovecraftian elements. Unfortunately, the second season failed to capitalize on the foundation laid by the first, despite an impressive cast of Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, and Vince Vaughn; perhaps the departure of Cary Fukunaga took a lofty toll indeed. While some were quick to write off the series for good, it would appear that the Mahershala Ali-led third season may very well mark a return to form for the once-acclaimed series.
Today marks the arrival of the official second trailer, which once again answers little questions about the overarching plot. Still, the elements look to be in place; a return of Gothic flair, a tortured lead character, an inevitable existential crisis. Obviously, it's difficult to predict whether the third season will pick up where the first left off, but having such a capable leading man as Ali bodes well. Luckily, we won't have to wait much longer -True Detective's third season premieres on January 13th.
