Ep 1. The Long Bright Dark

In the first episode of True Detective's first season, titled "The Long Bright Dark," viewers are taken on a journey through the mind of Louisiana State Police homicide detective Rustin "Rust" Cohle (played by Matthew McConaughey) and his partner Martin "Marty" Hart (played by Woody Harrelson) as they investigate a gruesome murder.

The opening scene shows a desolate landscape, where a body is discovered naked and bound, with strange symbols etched into its antlers. The detectives arrive on the scene and their investigation begins. From here on, we are introduced to the two detectives--Rustin Cohle and Martin Hart.

In this episode, we get to know Rustin Cohle quite well. He is an enigma, a deeply troubled and eccentric detective who is haunted by his past. He is a man who has suffered immense loss and seems consumed by his own darkness. Rustin's demeanor is cold and distant, and he doesn't conform to societal expectations in any way. He is a deep thinker who is well-versed in philosophy, religion, and the darker aspects of the human psyche. He is simultaneously fascinating and unnerving.

Martin Hart, on the other hand, is a more relatable character. He is a family man who is trying hard to balance his personal and professional life. He's a hardworking detective who is dedicated to his job, and he takes pride in his ability to close cases. Though his personality is the polar opposite of Rustin's, the two have a good working relationship and uphold each other's approach to the case, with Hart bringing the social aspect to the duo while Rustin brings the emotionally distant and very logically inclined strategy.

Together, the two must work to solve the murder of young woman, Dora Lange. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that this case is more than just a run-of-the-mill murder; something far more sinister is at play. The detectives are introduced to a cult-like group with some very strange beliefs, and attendees that might lead to a possible break in the case. They will find themselves navigating through secret sex clubs towards the end of the episode, where they meet a familiar and unusual connection even though they do not find their man just yet.

Overall, this episode sets the tone for the rest of the season, building tension and creating a sense of unease that permeates throughout. With its complex characters, disturbing tone, and slow-burn storytelling, this season of True Detective is a must-watch for lovers of crime dramas. The mysteries surrounding the characters, their motivations, and the investigation itself, subtly hint at more complex consequences beyond the obvious crime they are trying to solve. And with a plot that is as intricate as it is disturbing, "The Long Bright Dark" is an ideal start to an incredibly gripping and memorable series.