While only eight episodes may not seem like much for the average television show, HBO’s first season of “True Detective” is far from subpar or mundane and will leave viewers searching for more.

“True Detective” follows two Louisiana State Criminal Investigation Department officers, Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson) and Rustin Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) as they follow a series of bizarre and ritualistic killings throughout southern Louisiana. The underlying mystery is present throughout the season, with hints in every episode ranging from eerie lattice-works to mention of a supposed “Yellow King” connected with the killings and disappearances.

What really drives the show, besides the exciting and on-the-edge-of-your-seat plot, is the characterization of and interaction between Hart and Cohle. Like other miniseries, “True Detective” allows director Cary Joji Fukunaga to focus more on the interactions and lives of the characters than the plot as a traditional mystery-drama would. Rather than tell the story in a linear fashion, Fukunaga and creator Nic Pizzolatto uses a 2012 police interview to establish the beginning of the tale starting in 1995. This technique provides an interesting narrative, as viewers are presented with the past and present versions of the characters, with parts of their lives filled in as the series progresses.

Now retired, Hart wisely notes in the first episode during his 2012 interview with detectives Gilbough (Michael Potts) and Papania (Tory Kittles), “You don’t choose your family and you don’t choose your partner.” Hart and Cohle are nothing alike, the former, a social family-man with a traditional Louisiana upbringing, and the latter, an existentialist introvert who is willing to reject apparent social customs and norms to uphold his sense of justice. Together, these two opposing forces collide in almost every episode of the season, and while conflict between the two is definitely present throughout the series, the dialogue and eventual acceptance of friendship emerges as a major theme. The conversations in the series are often witty yet thought-provoking regarding the meaning of man and other deep questions, especially in the face of such an apparent evil.

As an expose of a different and unique culture, “True Detective” presents viewers with a first-hand look at the rural and backwoods Louisiana, a community of Americans with religious and somewhat eccentric customs compared to our own. It is in this environment that the Fukunaga best utilizes Cohle, who is willing to question and decry this society, and Hart, who is determined to maintain and protect it.

In addition to the authentic and almost haunting soundtrack, Fukunaga does wonders in portraying the geography and landscape of the rural south. Wide and long-lasting panoramic shots ranging from massive urban highways to desolate bayous display not only the division of worlds within Louisiana, but also the effects of man and imposed “order” and “beauty.” Furthermore, his use of contrasting colors and cinematography only reinforces the series’ theme of duality and conflict.

For those willing to embark on the journey and travel somewhere new, “True Detective” will leave viewers with a renewed perspective and outlook on life. Even Hart, despite his apparently founded mindset and mentality, comes around as both characters realize their internal issues and the role of choice.

One weakness of the show is as a mystery drama, viewers can become caught up in the overwhelming amount of clues and hints present throughout. While Pizzolatto has said many of these were unintended, they nonetheless detract from the overall message of the show and can confuse or confound viewers by diverting their attention.

Ultimately, both McConaghy and Harrelson, as well as Michelle Monaghan who plays Hart’s wife, display convincing and emotional acting, truly stepping into the role and perspective of their characters. It is this glaring sense of reality within the show, coupled with the capacity for ostensible evil, that make this series true at heart, and a must-watch for mystery or drama enthusiasts. It is no wonder McConaghy recently won Best Actor for his performance in Dallas Buyer’s Club and after watching “True Detective” it would be a surprise if he or his co-actors are not nominated for Emmys for what can be described as one of the darkest yet deepest shows of the year.