‘True Detective’ season 2, episode 3 preview: Is everyone still on board to solve Colin Farrell mystery?

HBO logoIf you are to read around the internet right now, then you will see a variety of different stories all questioning the validity and the potential of “True Detective” season 2 as a hit. The critical reception has been lukewarm, and there is a feeling for many that we have seen this series before.

However, at the same time the ratings for HBO so far have not necessarily reflected the lukewarm reception that the series has from critics. For its second episode, the show generated more than three million viewers and over a 1.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic. While these are declines from the premiere, we’re talking less than 7% drops in both measures from the premiere. That is an incredible retention rate for something so controversial! Maybe some genuinely do love this season in contrast to some reviewers, or they just feel like it is worthy of more of a show given that they are paying for HBO and this story may take time to build.

Another thing to remember here is that these ratings are still not necessarily completely representative of how many people are actually watching this show at the moment. You also have HBO NOW and HBO GO streams, on-demand, and repeat viewings to consider. These are all measures that we will get some more information about a little bit later in the month presumably.

We actually feel like ratings are going to stay very steady for “True Detective” at least one more week, based mostly on the insane Colin Farrell cliffhanger to this past episode. If they kill off his character of Ray Velcoro, it will be a huge gamble but potentially a worthy one. However, if this guy lives without consequence, we could see viewers bailing, thinking that this show is diving into some unrealistic territory.

For some more information regarding Sunday night’s new episode, be sure to head over to this link! Also, you can sign up here if you are curious in getting some more TV updates on everything we cover, sent right to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: HBO.)

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