Nic Pizzolatto, the original creator of HBO's 'True Detective' franchise, recently stirred controversy with a peculiar Instagram post following the conclusion of the show's fourth season, titled 'True Detective: Night Country.' The six-episode season, starring Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, wrapped up on Feb. 18.
Pizzolatto faced backlash after reposting critical comments on his Instagram story that labeled the season as 'disrespectful and insulting' and a 'hot mess.' Notably, 'Night Country' marked the first installment of 'True Detective' not penned by Pizzolatto, although he retained an executive producer credit.
In response to fans expressing discontent with 'True Detective: Night Country,' Pizzolatto created a designated post on Instagram for followers to channel their criticisms, urging them to refrain from inundating his other posts with negative feedback. The post, titled 'TRUE DETECTIVE AGGREGATE POST,' aimed to consolidate all discussions related to the show.
Pizzolatto's involvement in controversy during Season 4 began when he amplified social media comments from fans who were dissatisfied with the latest season. In deleted Instagram remarks, he criticized the ties between Season 4 and the show's inaugural season as 'stupid' and distanced himself from the storyline, stating, 'Can't blame me.'
Further controversy ensued post-finale, as Pizzolatto reposted comments from disgruntled fans who deemed the finale's resolutions as 'lazy' and 'nonsensical.' One fan suggested that the show's creator, Issa López, had 'butchered' Pizzolatto's original writing by connecting 'Night Country' to the first season of 'True Detective.'
Actress Kali Reis, who starred in 'Night Country' alongside Foster, expressed disappointment in Pizzolatto's decision to amplify negative reactions to the finale, highlighting a trend of negativity in online discourse. López, when asked about Pizzolatto's criticisms, emphasized the unique relationship each storyteller has with their work and respected his perspective while affirming her love for the project.
All episodes of 'True Detective: Night Country' are now available for streaming on HBO Max, offering viewers a chance to experience the reinvented narrative crafted by López and the cast.
