| "The Final Country" | |
|---|---|
| True Detective episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 7 |
| Directed by | Daniel Sackheim |
| Written by | Nic Pizzolatto |
| Cinematography by | Germain McMicking |
| Editing by | Leo Trombetta |
| Original air date | February 17, 2019 |
| Running time | 57 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Final Country" is the seventh episode of the third season of the American anthology crime drama television series True Detective. It is the 23rd overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Nic Pizzolatto, and directed by executive producer Daniel Sackheim. It was first broadcast on HBO in the United States on February 17, 2019.
The season takes place in the Ozarks over three separate time periods. In 1980, partner detectives Wayne Hays (Mahershala Ali) and Roland West (Stephen Dorff) as they investigate a macabre crime involving two missing children, Will and Julie Purcell. In 1990, Hays is questioned after the case is re-opened after new evidence resurfaces. In 2015, an old Hays with memory problems conducts an interview to discuss the case. In the episode, Tom's death closes the case but Hays and West decide to investigate on their own, targeting Harris James.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.32 million household viewers and gained a 0.3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the performances, writing, directing, character development and pacing.