The sixth and final episode of True Detective: Night Country gives the series an almost satisfying conclusion. We finally learn what - or who - killed the Tsalal scientists. Who is that "she" who woke up, and how did Annie die? All the puzzles are solved in Episode 6, which is more atmospheric, emotional, and suspenseful than any of the other episodes of the series. However, I still wish I had gotten the chance to binge-watch this fourth season of True Detective. The week-long gap slightly weakened the mood of this show for me. For instance, when I first saw Prior cleaning the mess made by him when he shot his father, I didn't immediately feel sorry for him. Instead, I got busy admiring his sturdy physique. The very first thought that came to my mind was, "Prior regularly goes to the gym," and not, "Oh look, the poor boy is wiping the blood of his father."
The other thing that felt a bit weird to me was the display of warmth coming from Leah for Liz. All the previous episodes created such a fracture in this relationship that these gentle feelings appeared to be a result of the "this is the final episode, so let's make things tidy" kind of storytelling. Even Prior and Kayla's relationship is provided with a too-neat ending. But then, let's be happy for Prior because, given what he has been through from the beginning, he deserves a break - a nice, happy ending. This is something you feel after watching him flinch when Hank's lungs are punctured by a woman. Suddenly, all those feelings of sympathy returned inside of me.
Looking back at my reviews of True Detective: Night Country, I noticed that I never once mentioned how good Kali Reis is in this series. She expresses a plethora of strong and sharp sentiments without exaggerating her facial features. Her cold stares can kill a person or make them shiver. Reis and Jodie Foster supply vigor to the weaker aspects of True Detective: Night Country. In fact, all the actors are fine. Their performances and the show's substance exist in the same emotional spectrum.
One of the most memorable scenes from Episode 6 is the one where a man is tortured using a video and earphones. Sure, the character deserves this physical and mental torture, but the image is so intense it bruises something deep inside your body. And that scene where a group of women attacks the Tsalal scientists is rendered rousing with equally electrifying music. It's an exhilarating dance of audio and visual. Very few shows manage to be engaging from the beginning to the end. Thankfully, True Detective: Night Country is that rare series.
Final Score - [8.5/10]