8 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
Detectives Rust Cohle, a philosophical and troubled investigator, and Marty Hart, a more conventional family man, are tasked with solving the brutal, ritualistic murder of Dora Lange in 1995. Their investigation uncovers a disturbing pattern of abuse and occult symbols, hinting at a larger, sinister network.
The case takes a dark turn as they explore a rural brothel and a burnt church, leading them to suspect Reggie Ledoux, a dangerous figure connected to a biker gang. After a violent raid and the discovery of abused children, Hart impulsively kills Ledoux. Years later, Cohle, pursuing his own leads, uncovers evidence of a cult and a potential cover-up involving powerful figures, including Reverend Billy Lee Tuttle. The season culminates with Cohle and Hart confronting Errol Childress in a surreal location, where Errol stabs Cohle, but Hart intervenes, and Cohle ultimately kills him.
Season 1 of True Detective covers episodes 1-8. Here's everything that happened:
Season 1, Episode 1: The Long Bright Dark - In 1995, Detectives Hart and Cohle investigate the ritualistic murder of Dora Lange, finding occult symbols at the crime scene. In 2012, they are separately interviewed about the case, as a similar murder has occurred. Cohle's dark past is revealed, and the detectives find a twig ornament linked to a missing girl. The episode ends with Cohle urging the present-day detectives to ask the right questions.
Season 1, Episode 2: Seeing Things - Cohle and Hart investigate Dora Lange's past, leading them to a rural brothel and a burnt church. Rust's past as an undercover cop is revealed, and Hart's affair with Lisa Tragnetti causes tension. They find a disturbing painting at the church. The episode concludes with the detectives finding a drawing of a woman with antlers.
Season 1, Episode 3: The Locked Room - Rust and Marty investigate a revival church connected to Dora Lange, learning she was seen with a "tall man". Rust identifies a similar cold case, linking it to Reggie Ledoux. Marty's personal life spirals as he attacks his mistress's date. The episode concludes with a chilling glimpse of a masked figure, presumably Ledoux, wielding a machete.
Season 1, Episode 4: Who Goes There - Cohle and Hart identify Reggie Ledoux as a suspect, linking him to a biker gang. Hart's personal life crumbles as Maggie leaves him. Cohle infiltrates the Iron Crusaders, leading to a chaotic stash house raid. Cohle and Hart kidnap "Ginger", a member of the Iron Crusaders. The episode concludes with them driving off to find Ledoux.
Season 1, Episode 5: The Secret Fate of All Life - In 1995, Hart and Cohle track Reggie Ledoux to a meth lab compound. Hart finds abused children and impulsively kills Ledoux. DeWall Ledoux attempts escape but dies via booby trap. In 2012, the detectives question Cohle's possible involvement and Hart defends him. The episode concludes with Cohle investigating an abandoned school, finding disturbing clues.
Season 1, Episode 6: Haunted Houses - In 2002, Cohle's independent investigation leads him to Reverend Billy Lee Tuttle. Maggie, discovering Marty's affair, sleeps with Rust to destroy her marriage. This leads to a brutal fight between Marty and Rust, resulting in Rust quitting the force. In 2012, they separately revisit the case, hinting at a future reunion. The episode concludes with Cohle and Hart meeting again, setting the stage for a renewed investigation.
Season 1, Episode 7: After You've Gone - Cohle convinces Hart to re-open the Dora Lange case, presenting evidence of a larger cult. They investigate the Tuttle family and a potential cover-up involving Sheriff Steve Geraci. The episode concludes with detectives seeking directions from a scarred man, heavily implying his involvement.
Season 1, Episode 8: Form and Void - Hart and Cohle locate Errol Childress, leading them to Carcosa. Rust hallucinates, and Errol stabs him. Marty arrives, both are wounded, but Rust kills Errol. In the hospital, Rust recounts a vision of his deceased daughter, changing his outlook. The season concludes with them reflecting on light and darkness.
