Written by Nic Pizzolatto, Real detective is an anthology crime drama TV series that has three seasons so far, the fourth of which has been released for production. Each season of the series has a self-contained story and uses a cast. From an occult serial killer to a criminal turned businessman, Real detective explores different scenarios. With the upcoming release of season four, here are the best episodes of it Real detective:
10 The Big Never (Season 3, Episode 3)
In “The Big Never,” Detective Wayne Hays (Mahershala Ali) and Roland West (Stephen Dorff) continue their ongoing investigation into the 1980 disappearance of two children. During their investigation, the two discover that Will Purcell, one of the children, went to a youth group at the church led by Freddy Burns. They interview the latter and find out some more information about the case.
The episode also hints at a larger conspiracy that may involve powerful political forces. Aside from the case, the episode also shows Hays struggling with amnesia and the growing tension between him and his wife Amelia.
9 Black Maps and Motel Rooms (Season 2, Episode 8)
The season two finale interweaves several storylines from the season as Ani Bezzerides (Rachel Adams), Ray Velcoro (Colin Farrell), and Paul Woodrugh (Taylor Kitsch) team up to take down corrupt Vinvi city officials and their criminal associates. By the end of the episode, the trio are able to take down the corrupt officials, but at a great cost.
A series of flash-forwards reveals Ray dies in a shootout and Paul is killed during a confrontation with the criminals. Ani, the only survivor of the trio, goes into hiding in the ensuing aftermath of violence and corruption.
8 Church in Ruins (Season 2, Episode 6)
“Church in Ruins” Brings Detective Ani Bezzerides’ investigation takes a dramatic turn. Ani along with her colleagues discover that Ben Caspere, the murdered city governor, was involved in the sexual exploitation of young women. As Ani and her colleagues dig deeper into Ben Caspere’s secrets, Frank Semyon (Vince Vaughn) leads his own investigation to track down a missing associate. The episode ends on quite a cliffhanger as Ani and the team find themselves in a very dangerous situation, while Frank is betrayed by one of his own.
7 The Long Bright Dark (Season 1, Episode 1)
The very first episode of the TV show introduces the audience to the two lead detectives, Rust Cohle (Mathew McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson), who are investigating the brutal murder of Dora Lange. The episode really sets the stage for what’s to come, helping the audience become familiar with the characters before they’re thrown deep into the show’s main story. The episode ends with the two discovering that the first crime is related to a series of murders and that there may be some dark secrets surrounding them.
6 The Locked Room (Season 1, Episode 3)
In “The Locked Room”, Detectives Cohle and Hart are in the middle of their investigation when they discover that a leading the murder of Dora through an ex of hers. Unfortunately, their victory is short-lived, as they discover that the current case is part of a much larger conspiracy that may involve powerful people and an underground cult. In addition to the broader plot, the episode also gives audiences a glimpse into the personal lives of the characters. For example, Cohle struggles with his addiction to alcohol and drugs, while Hart struggles to balance his family and work.
5 Haunted Houses (Season 1, Episode 6)
In “Haunted Houses”, Cohle and Hart follow a lead that takes them to a brothel called The Chicken Ranch. Further investigation leads the two to believe that wealthy businessman, Billy Lee Tuttle, may be involved in the murders. A link between a sect called Carcosa is also discovered. Tension is at its highest towards the end of the episode as Cohle and Hart finally go their separate ways, with Cohle becoming increasingly obsessed with the case, while Hart finally decides to prioritize his personal life.
4 After You’re Gone (Season 1, Episode 7)
“After You’ve Gone” is set in 2012, with Cohle and Hart being questioned separately about their work on the case in 1995. Cohle reveals that he became obsessed with the case and continued the investigation using unorthodox methods. The episode reunites the two after years of estrangement, as the two team up once again to pursue a new lead on the case. The episode is quite emotionally intense as it delves into both the personal and professional issues the two detectives face. You can’t help but jump for joy as Cohle and Hart once again join forces to tackle the unsolved case.
3 The Secret Destiny of All Life (Season 1, Episode 5)
Cohle discovers a disturbing videotape showing ritual sacrifices, which convinces him that the murders are connected to an underground cult. As the two follow the trail of hints, it leads them to some of the darkest aspects of human nature as they witness horrific violence. The episode also gives audiences another glimpse into Cohle’s personal life as he reflects on his daughter’s death and the reason why his marriage crumbled. Meanwhile, Hart can barely handle the demands of his work life with his private life.
2 Who Goes There (Season 1, Episode 4)
Perhaps one of the best opening scenes of the season comes from Episode 4, titled “Who Goes There”. The single-take tracking shot follows Cohle as he infiltrates a drug den to track down a lead pertaining to Reggie Ledoux, a suspect in Dora Lange’s murder.
The episode is quite intense and drops one bombshell after another on the audience. Once the two track down Ledoux, they discover that he is heavily armed and quite dangerous. An intense standoff forces Hart to kill Ledoux, leaving them with no further leads. To add to the intensity, the episode ends with Cohle confessing to Hart that after working undercover in the drug business for so long, he has developed a drug addiction.
1 From the Void (Season 1, Episode 8)
In the season one finale, Cohle and Hart finally come face to face with the cult responsible for the murders of multiple women, including Dora Lange. The episode switches between the past and present, revealing that the cult was also responsible for the murder of one of Cohle and Hart’s colleagues. The episode comes to an end and both detectives go their separate ways. However, there is hope that the two will still find justice for those who fell victim to the cult’s violence.