True Detective season 3 video: Mahershala Ali on playing Wayne Hays

HBO logo

True Detective season 3 will be premiering on HBO come January 13, so as you await the show’s big return, why not check out the video below?

In this behind-the-scenes peek, you can see star Mahershala Ali, executive producer Nic Pizzolatto, and more discuss some of what went into this particular story. Like with the first season, we are seeing a story play out across several decades, revolving primarily around a case that has defined and haunted a specific character. Here, that character is Wayne Hays, who experiences this story through several different lenses.

Ali discusses in this video one of the original touchstones for the role in his grandfather, who had a history in law enforcement. This gave him a connection to the part, and we do feel like there’s something else about the show, this world, and the essence of it all that probably helps to further create a connection here. Think in this sense — we’ve got a show here that is set off the beaten path in the Ozarks, and we think that the producers helped the series out tremendously by actually setting it there. Because of that decision, you’re allowing Ali and the rest of the cast a chance to get to know the people in the area and connect to their stories. You’re making the show authentic in a way that you may not have been able to otherwise.

There are a lot of reasons to be excited for season 3, but Ali’s performance has to be one of the bigger ones. We’ve been a fan of his ever since The 4400 and one of the reasons why is just his natural ability to be able to feel things and bring a relatibility to viewers at home. He’s someone who feels real, and not just like another performer in the crowd. He can channel pain, but also offer healing and a different understanding that you may not have been able to find elsewhere. There’s so much to like about him as an actor and this may be the first step towards True Detective finding some redemption for itself. Critics were less than kind to season 2 and understandably so — it was over-wrought and at times, it got too obsessed with its own mythology and weighty dialogue. Season 3 needs to just be as opposed to constantly telling itself how it is supposed to be. If it can figure that out, it has a better chance of being successful down the line.

Related News Be sure to get some other information and news when it comes to the series!

What do you think about this True Detective season 3 video and what do you want to see over the course of the year? Be sure to share some of your thoughts in the attached comments. (Photo: HBO.)

Love TV? Be sure to like Matt & Jess on Facebook for more updates!