Perfectly blending the noir, thriller, and Southern Gothic genres, the acclaimed mystery TV show True Detective remains one of the best crime dramas of the 21st century. However, in the years since the series premiered, many great follow-up projects have premiered across the world, garnering attention after being added to Netflix. This introduces a wide array of audiences to series that are similar to True Detective.
Most of True Detective‘s best episodes are in season 1, as Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson have fantastic onscreen chemistry that uplifts the thrilling central mystery. However, part of the fun of the project is the fact that it’s an anthology series, tackling a new case and a new cast of characters every season. Some of the best-received crime dramas use this format to keep the audience interested.
True Detective Fans Should Check Out Deadwind While It’s On Netflix
Deadwind is a dark, atmospheric Finnish crime drama that ran for three seasons, premiering in 2018. Starring Pihla Viitala as Sofia Karppi, Deadwind is comparable to True Detective and will scratch a similar itch for fans of the show. It’s surprising that the series is still as underrated as it is, since Deadwind follows a similar formula to True Detective, which instantly made waves.
Though it isn’t set against the backdrop of decaying towns in the Southern U.S., there’s still a clear sense of style and purpose, and the backdrop of Deadwind is just as influential to the story. Deeply grim and gritty, Deadwind begins with the death of Sofia’s husband, which forces the protagonist to return to her life as a detective while attempting to balance her personal life.
Like True Detective, Deadwind Features A New Case For Every Season
While Deadwind keeps Sofia on as the lead detective throughout its seasons, each installment of the show takes the characters in exciting new directions. Like the best crime drama TV shows, Deadwind draws from contemporary issues and social circumstances to make the cases connect back to the deeper themes of the story. However, Deadwind remains much more consistent throughout its run, whereas True Detective struggled to match the success of its first season.
It would be easy for the seasons of Deadwind to grow repetitive, as the audience knows that it will be up to Sofia to unravel the threads of the shocking murders that take place. However, Deadwind consistently subverts the audience’s expectations and finds a way to make the stakes even higher, forcing Sofia and her allies to confront themselves and their own preconceived notions.
How Deadwind Differs From The Hit HBO Series
There are some obvious differences between Deadwind and True Detective, as the shows have completely different sensibilities and cultural contexts, taking place in two different countries. Comparing how the investigators in True Detective operate both within and outside the law to the way the detectives in Deadwind examine evidence is interesting, especially within the larger context of the genre.
It’s fair to say that there will never be another True Detective, but Deadwind isn’t a pale imitation; it’s a must-watch, underrated crime drama. Deadwind feels wholly original from the beginning, and understands that the more anthology-style format can become even more gripping when audiences get to follow more long-term character arcs, as seen through Sofia’s growth on the show.
True Detective
8/10
- Release Date
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January 12, 2014
- Network
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HBO Max
- Showrunner
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Nic Pizzolatto
