| "The Long Bright Dark" | |
|---|---|
| True Detective episode | |
 Martin and Rustin examine the murder scene of Dora Lange. | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | Cary Joji Fukunaga |
| Written by | Nic Pizzolatto |
| Original air date | January 12, 2014 |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Long Bright Dark" is the series premiere of the anthology crime drama True Detective, which initially aired on HBO in the United States on January 12, 2014. It was directed by executive producer Cary Joji Fukunaga and written by series creator Nic Pizzolatto. The episode introduces a pair of Louisiana State Police homicide detectives, Rustin "Rust" Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Martin "Marty" Hart (Woody Harrelson), as well as series regulars played by Michelle Monaghan, Michael Potts, and Tory Kittles. In the episode, Martin and Rustin are forced to recount the history of the Dora Lange murder investigation as new evidence suggests the perpetrator remains at large.
Pizzolatto began writing True Detective as a novel, but, as the project began taking definite form, felt it was more suitable for television. Principal photography was initially scheduled to take place in Arkansas; however, Louisiana was ultimately preferred for its generous statewide tax incentives and unique landscape. "The Long Bright Dark" was shot entirely in 35 mm film and filming for the season lasted for 100 consecutive days.
Most press reviews for "The Long Bright Dark" were very positive, although some reviewers criticized the dialogue and other aspects of the program. Critics that held the episode in high regard applauded its complex narrative and sleek production, and there was a surfeit of praise for the performances of McConaughey and Harrelson. The initial broadcast of "The Long Bright Dark" drew 2.3 million viewers, becoming HBO's highest rated series premiere since the pilot episode of Boardwalk Empire.