Night Country star condemns True Detective creator for questionable remarks regarding finale: 'It's truly disappointing

By M Muzamil Shami

Series creator and executive producer Nic Pizzolatto is facing backlash for reposting critical fan rants on social media.

Following weeks of relentless questioning, speculation, and rampant theories about polar bears, True Detective: Night Country ultimately unveiled its long-awaited answers in a season finale that left audiences devastated. However, not everyone is pleased with the resolution of the mystery.

True Detective's creator, Nic Pizzolatto, appears to be among the critics of this season, expressing his discontent through a series of now-deleted social media posts.

Screenshots circulating on X (formerly Twitter) suggest that Pizzolatto shared various fan criticisms on his Instagram Stories, labeling the fourth season as a "hot mess" that "butchered and misappropriated" the iconic dialogue from the first season, considered an all-time classic. This backlash follows Pizzolatto's earlier deleted post where he distanced himself from the creative direction, stating, "I certainly did not have any input on this story or anything else. Can't blame me."

       Kali Reis and Jodie Foster star in "True Detective: Night Country" alongside Nic Pizzolatto. [Image Credit: Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images (Kali Reis and Jodie             Foster); Michele K. Short/HBO]

"True Detective: Night Country, conceived by Issa López and featuring two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster alongside boxer-turned-actor Kali Reis, delves into the enigmatic murder of an Indigenous Alaskan woman. This installment marks the fourth chapter in the anthology series, notably absent of any contributions from Pizzolatto in the writing department.

Pizzolatto's recent activity on social media hasn't escaped the notice of the show's devoted fanbase, many of whom have criticized the series creator for his perceived pettiness and embarrassing remarks. These posts also caught the attention of Reis, who didn't hold back in expressing her thoughts.

"Quite disappointing," remarked Reis, sharing a retweet echoing criticism towards Pizzolatto's online behavior. "But I suppose 'if you can't contribute anything positive, resorting to criticism' is the latest trend."

Pizzolatto and López's representatives did not promptly respond to EW's request for comment.

In a January interview with Vulture, López addressed Pizzolatto's critique.

"I believe every storyteller has a unique relationship with their stories, and whatever his reactions are, he's entitled to them," López stated. "That's his prerogative."

She elaborated, "I wrote this with deep affection for his previous work and for those who appreciated it. It's a reinvention, it's different, and it's meant to evoke a sense of gathering around the fire, having fun, feeling, and pondering. Anyone who wishes to join is welcome."

       Jodie Foster and Kali Reis star in 'True Detective: Night Country'. (Photo Credit: Michele K. Short/HBO)

The season incorporates numerous hidden nods connecting it to the first season, including a reference to the iconic "time is a flat circle" line uttered by Matthew McConaughey's Rust Cohle. López explained to EW that this wasn't merely to please devoted fans with a familiar touchstone, but rather because it was integral to the narrative.

"I understand that die-hard Pizzolatto Forever fans might assume it was included just for their satisfaction, but that's not the case," López remarked in a January interview. "That particular phrase wasn't something I intended to incorporate into the series at all. I find it contrived to force such elements in. It arose organically from the script."