“True Detective Season 4”, subtitled “Night Country,” has ignited a firestorm of debate, particularly among a subset of the internet that labels the show as ‘woke.’ This latest installment of HBO’s hit anthology series marks a departure from its previous narratives, taking viewers to the frosty landscapes of Ennis, Alaska, where detectives delve into the eerie disappearance of radio tower operators.
Despite receiving near-universal acclaim from critics and boasting an impressive 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the season has polarized a segment of the fanbase, sparking intense online discussions.
The ‘Woke’ Debate in True Detective Season 4
At the heart of the controversy is the series’ shift in lead characters. Unlike its predecessors, which featured male leads such as Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, “Night Country” introduces Oscar-winner Jodie Foster and former professional boxer Kali Reis. This change, particularly the fact that both leads are members of the queer community, has been a focal point of the backlash, with some viewers quick to dismiss the show as “woke propaganda.”
Online critics like Johnny Nil have been vocal in their disdain, calling the show “uninteresting” and “visually unappealing.” Similarly, others, including Noonan Labs, have criticized the series for supposedly pushing a “woke mind virus,” illustrating the challenging landscape of modern media, where inclusion and diversity often provoke strong reactions.
Issa Lopez Responds to Critics
In the face of such criticism, series showrunner Issa Lopez has staunchly defended “True Detective Season 4.” Faced with a review bombing campaign that dragged the audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes down to 69%, Lopez urged fans to counteract this by posting their reviews. She addressed the negative feedback, labeling the critics as “bros and hardcore fanboys” of the first season, intent on lowering the show’s rating.
since we’re talking about True Detective on this app, this is top 3 shots in any tv show ever pic.twitter.com/wb9DXNeRFf
— sully ⌖ (@dkmsully) January 15, 2024
While Lopez later retracted her comments, citing overgeneralization, the review score has continued to fluctuate. It’s evident that there are legitimate criticisms amidst the audience scores, particularly concerning the show’s new supernatural twist. However, the pattern of half-a-star or one-star ratings points towards a coordinated review bombing campaign.
Breaking Down the Review Bombing Campaign
Despite the attempts to lower its score, “True Detective: Season 4″ maintains a relatively high audience rating, thanks to numerous positive reviews. Unlike typical review bombing campaigns, which often plunge ratings well below 50%, the positive feedback has kept the score at a stable 69%.
