Where in Alaska is True Detective?
True Detective, a critically acclaimed HBO anthology series, has captured the hearts of millions with its thought-provoking storyline and breathtaking cinematography. Set against the backdrop of the American South, the show’s first season took audiences on a thrilling ride through the dark and atmospheric world of Louisiana. But, did you know that the second season, released in 2015, took a drastic turn, transporting viewers to the frozen tundras of Alaska? Yes, Alaska! But where in Alaska, exactly, is True Detective?
Alaska: The Unconventional Setting
In a bold move, showrunners Nic Pizzolatto and Cary Joji Fukunaga opted for an unconventional setting, moving away from the traditional Louisiana bayou to the rugged wilderness of Alaska. The decision was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism from fans and critics alike. However, as we’ll soon discover, the vast and unforgiving landscape of Alaska proved to be the perfect canvas for the show’s complex and twisted narrative.
Cantonese and the Taos Pueblo
Episode 1: "The Western Book of the Dead"
The second season begins with Detective Wayne Hays, played by Ralph Fiennes, returning to his hometown of Cantonese, Alaska after 30 years. The sleepy town, nestled in the heart of the Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park, is surrounded by the Coast Mountains and Kluane National Park and Reserve. Cantonese, with its eerie, isolated atmosphere, serves as the perfect setting for the show’s first few episodes.
Seasonal Timeline
As the season progresses, we see flashbacks of Wayne’s past, which take us to Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, a 1,000-year-old Native American settlement. Taos Pueblo, with its ancient adobe architecture and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, plays a significant role in Wayne’s backstory.
Casper Creek and the Inside Passage
Episode 5: "Black Maps and Motel Rooms"
In episode 5, Wayne and his partner, Detective Roland West, travel to Casper Creek, Alaska, a remote location on the Inside Passage, a 500-mile-long waterway that connects the Pacific Ocean to the Inland Passage. Casper Creek, with its stunning fjords and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, provides a breathtaking backdrop for the detectives’ investigation.
Dillingham and the Bering Sea
Episode 7: "The Sound of Distant Thunder"
In the season finale, Wayne’s investigation takes him to Dillingham, Alaska, a small fishing village on the Bering Sea. Dillingham, with its rugged coastline and stunning Cape Newenham scenery, is a stark contrast to the eerie, isolated atmosphere of Cantonese. The Bering Sea, which separates Asia from North America, adds to the sense of vastness and isolation.
Table: Key Locations in True Detective’s Second Season
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Cantonese, Alaska | Hometown of Detective Wayne Hays |
| Taos Pueblo, New Mexico | Wayne’s childhood home |
| Casper Creek, Alaska | Remote location on the Inside Passage |
| Dillingham, Alaska | Fishing village on the Bering Sea |
| Coast Mountains | Surrounds Cantonese and Casper Creek |
| Kluane National Park and Reserve | Surrounds Cantonese |
| Rocky Mountains | Surrounds Taos Pueblo |
| Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve | Surrounds Casper Creek |
Conclusion
True Detective’s second season took viewers on a thrilling journey across Alaska, from the frozen tundras to the rugged coastline of the Bering Sea. With its stunning cinematography and complex narrative, the show’s use of Alaska as a setting proved to be a masterstroke. So, where in Alaska is True Detective? It’s wherever the journey takes you!
