Self-aware, hazy ‘True Detective’

MATTHEW McConaughey (left) and Woody Harrelson play uneasy partners in “True Detective.”

“True Detective,” the much-discussed new HBO Original series, recently wrapped up, concluding creator-writer Nico Pizzolatto’s first gritty and alluring crime baffler. (A “True Detective” marathon will air on HBO Signature on March 30, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.)

In the series, Louisiana detectives investigate a bizarre murder, uncovering many long-hidden and disturbing truths about its underbelly. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as uneasy partners Rust Cohle and Martin Hart, respectively, it also wisely zeroes in on these protagonists’ toxic frailties.

Swirling with smoky visuals and a perpetually foreboding atmosphere, the series routinely flashes back to the puzzle-solving scenes from 1995, when Detectives Cohle and Hart started working together on the case. The scenes are narrated over by their older (2012) selves during separate police interviews; the ex-cops are called in to elaborate on the closed case, as a possible copycat has surfaced with a penchant for similarly styled atrocities.

The eight-episode series inveigles from the outset with its tight melding of indelible visuals and strong characterization. Cohle is immediately introduced as a disarming enigma: His younger and older versions are seemingly at odds at first, but once the old stories fill the gap (and there are details that flesh him out exceedingly), it’s easy to reconcile the calm, self-aware pessimist with his more haggard, world-weary self.

McConaughey is remarkable as Rust Cohle from the get-go; the character is an obsessive investigator who occasionally unleashes thought-provoking critiques on religion, and even roughs up lowlifes behind his partner’s back to get answers. Cohle’s unrestrained snark and hazy dealings with shady figures keep him unpredictable, and McConaughey is fully committed to bringing him to life.

Harrelson as the “simpler” cop understandably has less bombastic scenarios, but the actor is no pushover. He gets to shine—a lot!—as Martin Hart, who blames his work for “changing” him, claiming that it has led to unavoidable indiscretions. The flawed family man character is the perfect foil to the quirky Cohle, their love-hate relationship a solid and appealing dynamic.

As for the murder mystery itself, it is sturdily executed, but it comes off as hodgepodge and too contrived at times—perhaps the much-missed “Dexter” spoiled us with snappier crime-solving techniques and myriad jaunts to the psyches of serial killers that the “True Detective” mystery seems a tad simple and considerably less-immersing now. Still, most of the answers make sense, if less grand than expected.

The series will have a second season, according to reports, but will introduce a new crime mystery and will not feature the same characters and actors. It has big shoes to fill; the initial season of “True Detective,” while it has uneven pacing and has its share of storytelling flaws, massively explores its characters while inquisitively raising existential points. It is supported immensely by fine acting and fantastic imagery, a winning combination that makes it hauntingly memorable.

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Anne Curtis a Kids’ Choice Awards nominee

The 27th Annual Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards will be hosted by actor Mark Wahlberg and will premiere on April 2 at 4 p.m. Nickelodeon’s 27th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards will be a global event with localized international categories. Fans across Asia can vote in the exclusive Favorite Asian Act category. Joining the list of nominees are four Asian acts and first time nominees: China’s G.E.M., Indonesia’s Coboy Junior, Malaysia’s Lisa Surihani and the Philippines’ very own Anne Curtis.

Watch short-form videos, take quizzes, browse through photo galleries, engage in weekly polls and get the latest news on this year’s show and nominees by heading to www.nick.com/kca14.

‘The Boy Who Smells Like Fish’

In the Mexican film “The Boy Who Smells Like Fish,” Mica (Douglas Smith) deals with a rare disease called Trimethylaminuria, which makes him smell like fish. The film also stars Ariadna Gil and Zoe Kravitz, and premieres on March 23, 9 p.m. on CinemaWorld.

‘Jeni and Olly’s West Coast Wine Adventures’

Foodies Jeni Barnett and Olly Smith travel from Portland to San Francisco, stopping at landmark destinations along the way to sample wine and meet beverage makers. The show airs Mondays, 8 p.m. on Travel Channel Asia.

‘Guy’s Family Cruise’

Guy Fieri trades the highways for the open sea, treating his wife and three sons to a six-day Caribbean cruise to the Jamaican island Ocho Rio. The show airs Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Food Network Asia.

‘Raising Hope’

The fourth season of “Raising Hope” brings back the lovingly dysfunctional Chance family, who are raising the toddler Hope, now a preschooler. The sitcom airs Wednesdays, 7:10 p.m. starting March 19 on Jack TV.