Okay, so we know all about The Yellow King and Carcosa, but it seems there’s still more reason to keep talking about “True Detective.” With the show an undeniable critical smash and audience hit, the next stop for program is on the awards trail, where it seems like a no-brainer for a slew of Emmy nominations. But in a challenge that would make Rust Cohle proud, HBO has made a decision that will add an extra obstacle to gathering up a sea of statues.
Surprising many, the network has decided to enter “True Detective” for Emmy consideration as a Drama Series, and not as a Miniseries, where it likely would’ve easily cleaned up. It’s an odd choice, especially considering the closed arc and nature of the first season would’ve made it eligible. This decision will place the show against some pretty big players including “Mad Men,” “Homeland,” “Game Of Thrones,” “Boardwalk Empire” and “Breaking Bad.” And this move by HBO also underscores how flexible Emmy rules actually are.
For example, FX‘s upcoming “Fargo” — which like “True Detective” will switch up the cast, setting and story for the second season — will enter the MIniseries race, alongside similarly structured fare like “American Horror Story.” And then there’s “Orange Is The New Black” which Netflix is moving from Drama to Comedy because it appears they don’t want to face off against themselves with “House Of Cards.” But it still doesn’t explain by HBO is making things harder for themselves.
But perhaps the network feels confident that with voters only having one bite at the apple to honor “True Detective”—Writing, Directing and Actor are the major categories the show will be in the hunt for—Emmy folks will mark their ballots accordingly. Moreover, “Breaking Bad” has been honored already with multiple awards so it may not be seen as a threat, and Emmy voters may wait to celebrate “Mad Men” when it finally ends (and it should be noted it was shut out entirely last year). But it’s a helluva gamble and one that could backfire too. Keeping the momentum of the show going, particularly now that it’s over, all the way until August will be tough. But then again, HBO are old hands at the award season and likely have a helluva strategy mapped out.
Thoughts? Should HBO have taken the easy road as Miniseries or does “True Detective” deserve Drama Series status? Let us know below. [Variety/Vulture]