8 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
This season of "True Detective" centers on the murder of Ben Caspere, a corrupt city manager. The investigation brings together three law enforcement officers: Ray Velcoro, a troubled detective indebted to a crime boss; Ani Bezzerides, a determined detective; and Paul Woodrugh, a haunted officer.
The core conflict emerges as the detectives uncover a vast conspiracy involving land deals and corruption reaching high into Vinci's power structure. Key turning points include the discovery of Caspere's body, Ray being shot, and a massive shootout that leaves many dead. The investigation reveals a blackmail scheme and leads to the murders of several key figures, including Paul Woodrugh.
Ultimately, the season concludes with Ray dying in a shootout while protecting Ani, and Frank succumbing to his wounds in the desert. Ani escapes with Ray's son, exposing the corruption to the press.
Season 2 of True Detective covers episodes 1-8. Here's everything that happened:
Season 2, Episode 1: The Western Book of the Dead - The episode introduces detectives Ray Velcoro, Ani Bezzerides, and officer Paul Woodrugh, each grappling with personal demons. Ray, a dirty cop, is indebted to Frank Semyon. Ani investigates a missing woman, and Paul struggles with his sexuality and past. The plot thickens with the discovery of Ben Caspere's corpse, a corrupt city manager. The episode concludes with the three law enforcement officers converging at the crime scene, setting the stage for a complex investigation.
Season 2, Episode 2: Night Finds You - The detectives investigate Caspere's murder, with Frank facing financial ruin due to Caspere's embezzlement. Ray visits Caspere's Hollywood house, finding a sex room and a masked man who shoots him. Ani and Ray discuss their pasts, and Frank recounts a traumatic childhood event. The episode concludes with Ray's fate uncertain.
Season 2, Episode 3: Maybe Tomorrow - Ray survives the shotgun attack, discovering riot-control rounds were used. Frank learns one of his associates has been murdered. Bezzerides and Velcoro chase a masked arsonist who torches Caspere's car. Frank, after losing a deal, violently extracts teeth from a club owner. The episode concludes with Frank dismissing Jordan's attempt to reconcile, saying, "Maybe tomorrow".
Season 2, Episode 4: Down Will Come - Detectives Velcoro and Bezzerides investigate land Caspere visited, uncovering contamination. Woodrugh and Dixon trace Caspere's watch to Ledo Amarilla. A planned apprehension turns into a massive shootout, resulting in numerous casualties, including Detective Dixon and suspect Ledo Amarilla. Ani is suspended due to a sexual misconduct complaint. The episode concludes with the detectives amidst the carnage.
Season 2, Episode 5: Other Lives - Following the Vinci massacre, Ray works security for Frank, Ani's demoted, and Paul investigates insurance fraud. Davis reopens the Caspere case, recruiting the trio. Ray learns Frank set him up to kill the wrong man. Ray assaults Pitlor, uncovering a blackmail scheme. Frank aims to regain his land deal. The episode concludes with the team reuniting to investigate corruption.
Season 2, Episode 6: Church in Ruins - Ray and Frank negotiate, with Ray agreeing to find Caspere's hard drive. Ani goes undercover at an elite orgy, experiencing drug-induced flashbacks of childhood abuse. Ani finds Vera, and stabs a security guard to death during her escape. Frank learns Irina is murdered before he can meet her. The episode concludes with Ani, Ray, and Paul fleeing the orgy with incriminating contracts.
Season 2, Episode 7: Black Maps and Motel Rooms - Ani and Ray hole up in a motel, fugitives connecting Caspere's murder to a 1992 diamond heist. Frank learns of Blake's betrayal and murders him. Paul is ambushed and killed by Burris after escaping the tunnels. The episode concludes with Ray and Ani realizing Caspere's secretary is connected to the heist.
Season 2, Episode 8: Omega Station - Ray and Ani uncover the truth, while Frank seeks revenge. Ray and Frank eliminate Osip and others, stealing millions. Ray dies in a shootout, preventing Ani's capture. Frank, stabbed by Mexicans, hallucinates and dies in the desert. Ani escapes to Venezuela with Ray's son, exposing Vinci's corruption to a reporter.
