True Detective Season 4 is a massive letdown—easily the worst season yet. The series that once delivered powerful performances and layered storytelling has somehow spiraled into mediocrity. In the first three seasons, we had powerhouse actors like Matthew McConaughey, Colin Farrell, and Mahershala Ali delivering unforgettable, gripping performances. Season 4? It’s a parade of lackluster casting choices with unconvincing acting. The talent downgrade is shocking, and the new cast members barely register compared to the legends that made True Detective famous. The storyline feels like a half-baked fairytale with almost none of the grit or intensity that fans loved. And in an attempt to feel “modern,” the show throws in various cultural elements in a way that feels forced and insincere. The protagonist’s character comes off as overly angsty and frustrated, without much depth or reason, which makes it hard to take her seriously. Instead of adding layers to the plot, it feels like they just shoved in these aspects to tick boxes. True Detective used to be about depth, nuance, and unraveling dark mysteries; Season 4 seems more concerned with following trends, and it shows.