The highly anticipated fourth season of HBO’s crime thriller, True Detective, titled ‘Night Country,’ made its debut on January 14, featuring an ensemble cast led by Jodie Foster and Kali Reis. As fans eagerly awaited the latest instalment, the series took a bold step by incorporating Billie Eilish‘s ‘Bury A Friend‘ as the opening anthem, setting the stage for a unique viewing experience. However, netizens were not very impressed by the song, resulting in a series of tweets and memes for Billie Eilish.
Cast and Crew
In this season, Jodie Foster and Kali Reis take on the roles of dedicated detectives, Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro, respectively. The star-studded cast also includes Fiona Shaw, Finn Bennett, Isabella Star LaBlanc, and John Hawkes. Helmed by Mexican filmmaker Issa López, known for Tigers Are Not Afraid, Season 4 promised a revitalisation of the neo-noir framework that has defined True Detective.
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Billie Eilish’s Bury A Friend: A Controversial Opening Anthem
Showrunner Issa López defended the unconventional choice of using Billie Eilish’s 2019 hit, Bury A Friend, in the opening sequence. López praised the song’s dark and moody nature, asserting that it perfectly complemented the sinister atmosphere of the series. However, the decision faced backlash from fans, who took to social media platforms, particularly X, to express their strong disapproval.
Fan Reactions: A Divided Audience
Following the premiere, fans swiftly shared their initial reactions, and the predominant sentiment was negative. Many users on X criticised the use of Billie Eilish’s song, creating memes to mock the decision. Despite the criticism, a faction of fans stood in support of the show, considering it a comeback for the franchise. The contrasting reviews painted a mixed picture, with the series earning a positive 92% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics but receiving a less enthusiastic 69% audience score.
Oh man that CGI on the elk and that Billie Eilish opening intro was bad…
— William Ruiz (@ChillaxedLatino) January 15, 2024
I miss Rust and Marty already.#TrueDetective pic.twitter.com/BmwSqWvYcH
that stupid billie eilish song as the true detective s4 intro pic.twitter.com/9fObrtsfP1
— alexa-pro (@sertralineque3n) January 15, 2024
Season 4 Overview
Season 4 unfolds in the fictional town of Ennis, Alaska, amid the annual polar night, exploring the mystery of eight researchers disappearing from a research station. The narrative, driven by Issa López’s storytelling, aims to breathe new life into the conventional neo-noir framework of True Detective. The show’s unique setting and narrative choices have sparked curiosity if not anything else.
TRUE DETECTIVE: NIGHT COUNTRY absolutely floored me. From the meticulous execution, through the stellar performances, to the heartbreaking narrative, season 4 of the HBO series will have your jaw on the floor while you’re glued to your tv, soaking up every word (1/3) pic.twitter.com/hvZRRMcBNO
— Zofia Wijaszka 🦇 (@thefilmnerdette) January 10, 2024
As True Detective Season 4 navigates through the frigid darkness of Ennis, Alaska, it also navigates the varied opinions of its audience. While some appreciate the innovation and revival of the franchise, others find fault in the choice of the opening anthem. The contrasting reviews highlight the challenge of meeting expectations in a series known for its gripping storytelling. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether the mixed reactions will evolve into a unified verdict on the success of Night Country or not.
