5 Ways True Detective Has Changed Television For The Better

By Ryan Kim /

2. Dynamic Duo

Nic Pizzolatto not only created and produced TD, he wrote it. By himself. This may not sound like a big deal to many people, but it's incredibly impressive that he was able to write an entire season and not go insane. While I believe Pizzolatto had collaborators, the fact remains that TD has a sole writing credit, and it goes to him. Also impressive is that Cary Fukunaga was the sole director for the show and like writers, most shows have a different director every episode. He did a stellar job for a guy who had never directed a TV show. This is a new way of approaching television €“ Fukunaga and Pizzolatto approached television like a long film, which allowed for fluidity and cohesiveness, but kept it tight enough for the audience to easily follow. Fukunaga is unfortunately not returning for the second season, but I can't be mad at him because this gives another promising director the chance to shine. Nic Pizzolatto may hire a staff later on since one man can only handle so much, but until then let him be. Add a new director every season and it'll allow the audience to see a new vision or aspect of the series. The advantage of having a new set of actors and directors allows Pizzolatto to expand his world and deepen his stories. TD has the potential to become a true omnibus much like the complete stories of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes.