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True Detective - S01E01 - The Long Bright Dark
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True Detective S01E01 Screenshot
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True Detective S01E01 Screenshot
True Detective S01E01 Screenshot
True Detective S01E01 Screenshot
True Detective S01E01 Screenshot
True Detective S01E01 Screenshot
True Detective S01E01 Screenshot
True Detective S01E01 Screenshot
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True Detective S01E01 Screenshot
True Detective S01E01 Screenshot
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True Detective season 1 episode 1

The Long Bright Dark

 
Former Louisiana State CID partners Martin Hart and Rustin Cohle give separate statements to a pair of investigators about the murder of a prostitute, Dora Lange, 17 years earlier. As they look back, details of the crime, replete with occult overtones, are accompanied by insights into the detectives’ volatile partnership and personal lives.
 
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True Detective / S01E01 : The Long Bright Dark
Season 1, Episode 1 | Aired on January 12, 2014 | TV-MA | 59 min. | HBO
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EPISODES
Season 1
Season 1
Season 1
Season 4
Season 3
Season 2
Season 1
Specials
 
 
  • True Detective - Episode 1 - The Long Bright Dark
    Episode 1
    The Long Bright Dark
  • True Detective - Episode 2 - Seeing Things
    Episode 2
    Seeing Things
  • True Detective - Episode 3 - The Locked Room
    Episode 3
    The Locked Room
  • True Detective - Episode 4 - Who Goes There
    Episode 4
    Who Goes There
  • True Detective - Episode 5 - The Secret Fate of All Life
    Episode 5
    The Secret Fate of All Life
  • True Detective - Episode 6 - Haunted Houses
    Episode 6
    Haunted Houses
  • True Detective - Episode 7 - After You've Gone
    Episode 7
    After You've Gone
  • True Detective - Episode 8 - Form and Void
    Episode 8
    Form and Void

True Detective season 1 episode 1 Recap and FAQ

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Episode Summary

Detectives Hart and Cohle recount their early days as partners, delving into the occult murder of Dora Lange. Cohle, nicknamed "The Tax Man" for his meticulous notes, displays a nihilistic worldview, clashing with Hart's more conventional outlook. Their investigation uncovers ritualistic elements and hints at a pattern of similar crimes. Cohle's solitary life and Hart's family dynamics are explored, revealing contrasting personal backgrounds. The episode intertwines interviews and flashbacks, deepening the mystery surrounding the case and the detectives themselves.

Full Episode S01E01 Recap

### Introduction - **Setting:** The episode unfolds through a series of interviews and flashbacks, weaving between past and present as detectives Hart and Cohle recount their experiences. ### The Opening Scene - **Characters:** Detectives Hart and Cohle - **Location:** Interview room - **Events:** - Hart reflects on his initial partnership with Cohle, mentioning Cohle's nickname "The Tax Man." - Hart recalls inviting Cohle to his house for dinner after three months of working together, coinciding with their major case, the Dora Lange murder. ### The Dora Lange Case Begins - **Characters:** Hart, Cohle, other police officers - **Location:** Cane fields outside of Erath - **Events:** - A farmer and his son discover Dora Lange's body. - Hart and Cohle arrive at the scene, noting the ritualistic nature of the murder, including satanic symbols. - Cohle's meticulous nature is highlighted as he takes detailed notes in his ledger. ### Cohle's Background and Personal Life - **Characters:** Hart, Cohle - **Location:** Various, including Cohle's sparse apartment - **Events:** - Hart reflects on Cohle's past and personality, describing him as intelligent but socially awkward. - Cohle's living conditions reveal his minimalist and troubled lifestyle. ### Investigation Progress and Theories - **Characters:** Hart, Cohle, other detectives - **Location:** Police department, various investigation sites - **Events:** - The detectives analyze the murder scene, discussing the ritualistic elements and possible motives. - Cohle theorizes the killer has done this before, indicating a pattern. ### Cohle's Philosophy and Dinner with Hart's Family - **Characters:** Hart, Cohle, Hart's family - **Location:** Hart's home - **Events:** - Cohle shares his nihilistic worldview with Hart. - Cohle attends dinner at Hart's house, an awkward affair revealing more about his character and his relationship with Hart. ### Deepening Investigation - **Characters:** Hart, Cohle, other detectives - **Location:** Various investigation sites - **Events:** - Hart and Cohle follow up on leads, including interviewing acquaintances of Dora Lange. - They explore connections to other missing persons and unusual occurrences in the area. ### Cohle's Nighttime Activities and Personal Struggles - **Characters:** Cohle, various others - **Location:** Bars, streets - **Events:** - Cohle's nighttime activities, including visiting bars and interacting with locals, are shown. - His struggles with sleep and past traumas are hinted at. ### The Press Conference and Continuation of the Investigation - **Characters:** Hart, Cohle, police department - **Location:** Police department, press conference - **Events:** - A press conference is held, announcing the investigation into Dora Lange's murder. - Hart and Cohle continue their investigation, facing bureaucratic and political pressures. ### Closing Scenes - **Characters:** Hart, Cohle, interviewers - **Location:** Interview room, various flashbacks - **Events:** - Hart and Cohle's interviews continue, revealing more about their past experiences and the complexities of the case. - The episode ends with further hints about the dark nature of the investigation and Cohle's enigmatic character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the main characters in this episode?

Detectives Hart and Cohle.

What case are Hart and Cohle investigating?

The occult ritual murder of Dora Lange.

How did Hart and Cohle first become partners?

They were assigned as partners; Hart compares it to not being able to pick your parents or partner.

What nickname was given to Cohle and why?

"The Tax Man," due to his meticulous note-taking with a large ledger.

What personal philosophy does Cohle express?

Cohle reveals a nihilistic worldview, believing human consciousness is a tragic misstep in evolution.

How does Cohle's lifestyle appear?

Minimalist and troubled, indicating a solitary and possibly tormented life.

What unusual aspect did the detectives notice about Dora Lange's murder?

The ritualistic and satanic symbols associated with her body.

What does Cohle theorize about the murderer?

That this isn't the killer's first crime due to the specific nature of the murder.

How does Cohle get along with Hart's family?

The dinner is awkward, highlighting Cohle's social discomfort and different worldview.

What challenges do Hart and Cohle face during their investigation?

They deal with bureaucratic pressures, media attention, and the complex nature of the case.

What is Hart's view of Cohle?

Hart sees Cohle as a good detective but socially awkward and difficult to understand.

How does the episode portray the investigation's impact on Cohle and Hart?

It shows their personal and professional challenges, including Cohle's nighttime activities and Hart's family life.

What hints are given about the investigation's direction?

Connections to other missing persons and unusual events in the area are explored.

What is the setting of the episode?

Primarily in and around a rural Louisiana police department and various investigation sites.

Does the episode provide clear answers about the murder?

No, it deepens the mystery and complexity of the case.

 
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