What Year is True Detective Season 2 Set?
True Detective, the critically acclaimed anthology series, has left audiences puzzled with its intricate storytelling and complex timelines. The second season of the show, which aired in 2015, has been particularly mysterious, with its setting being a subject of much debate. In this article, we will delve into the details and try to answer the question: what year is True Detective season 2 set?
The Setting of Season 2
Before diving into the specific year, let’s establish the context of the story. The second season of True Detective is set in California’s Central Valley, specifically in the fictional towns of Vinci, Caspian, and Kern. The story follows a group of corrupt detectives and detectives-turned-hitmen as they navigate the dark underbelly of organized crime.
Clues from the Show
So, what clues does the show provide to help us determine the year of its setting? Here are some significant points:
• Car Brands: In one of the episodes, Rachel McAdams’ character, Ani Bezzerides, is seen driving a 2003 Cadillac CTS. This specific car model is mentioned multiple times throughout the series, giving us a rough estimate of the timeline.
• Cell Phones: Characters often use flip phones or payphones, which suggests an earlier era. The absence of smartphones is noticeable, implying a time period before the widespread use of mobile devices.
• Landline Phones: In a pivotal scene, Detective Ray Velcoro picks up a payphone to make a call. This further solidifies the notion that cell phones were not commonly used at this time.
• Computer and Internet: Characters frequently use computers with physical keyboards and external monitors, rather than laptops or touch-sensitive interfaces. This limited technological advancement hints at a timeframe before the widespread use of the internet.
Evidence from the Cast and Crew
While the show provides subtle hints, it’s also essential to consider the statements from the cast and crew. Here are some key quotes:
• Nic Pizzolatto, the show’s creator: In an interview with The New Yorker, Pizzolatto mentioned that the setting was inspired by the 1980s, stating: "The era of corruption in California… was an important part of the narrative."
• Taylor Kitsch, who plays Detectives Tim Tuttle: In a GQ interview, Kitsch revealed that he researched California’s police departments in the 1980s to get a better understanding of the period’s law enforcement practices.
Putting the Pieces Together
Based on the show’s visual clues, dialogue, and statements from the cast and crew, it’s clear that True Detective season 2 is set in the late 1990s to early 2000s. Here’s a rough breakdown of the timeline:
| Time Period | Technology | Car Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1990s | Landline phones, flip phones | Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, Ford |
| Early 2000s | Early cell phones, but no smartphones | Toyota, Honda, Nissan |
Keep in mind that these estimates are approximate, as the show’s creators aimed to create a sense of timelessness, rather than explicitly stating a specific year. Nonetheless, the combination of visual cues, character actions, and statements from the cast and crew points toward a timeframe between the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Conclusion
While True Detective season 2’s exact setting might not be pinpointed with certainty, the cumulative evidence from the show, cast, and crew suggests a period between the late 1990s and early 2000s. This conclusion is supported by the use of flip phones, payphones, and computer technology characteristic of the late 1990s to early 2000s. The presence of older car models, such as the 2003 Cadillac CTS, further solidifies this timeframe. Whether or not you agree with our estimation, one thing is certain – True Detective’s complex storytelling and rich world-building continue to captivate audiences to this day.
