WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD. DO NOT PROCEED IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED SEASON 2 , EPISODE 3, 'NIGHT FINDS YOU'  

The biggest twist on episode three of True Detective's second season may have been one that doesn't initially appear to fit in with the overall murder investigation.

Bezzerides Puts A Target On Her Back

The episode, which began with the reveal that Detective Velcoro (Colin Farrell) was still alive after being shot twice, delved much more deeply into the psyche of war veteran and currently suspended motorcycle cop Paul Woodrugh (Taylor Kitsch)--and took great care to reveal his true secret. While initially he seemed to have a severe form of PTSD from his time in the war which was extending to his ability to perform sexually, the new episode revealed that while he was away, he wound up having an affair with another male soldier--meaning his character is a closeted gay man, which explains much more about his character's demeanor to fans.

However, what remains to be seen is just how this will play into the investigation going forward, outside of his getting information from male prostitutes about Caspere's activities. As a result, several fans have taken to Reddit to share their theories about why the reveal is actually going to be so important to the story.

The Possible Significance of Velcoro's Shooting

His Aversion To His Sexuality Ties Back To His Mother
 

One of the more popular theories has been that as a child, Paul's relationship with his mother was inappropriate in some way--and may have influenced his behavior and demeanor now. While some have pitched that she could have actually abused him as a child in a misguided attempt to try and make him straight, the more popular theory is that she may have sexually abused him herself.

"I think the flirty relationship with his mom is the most compelling evidence we have that he was abused somehow," writes user Justice-Guy on the comment thread breaking down the episode.

"It seemed like she molested him as a child? Or well, it looked like she was turned on by him in the previous episode..." adds user PrinceOfCheese. 

Paul Was Forced Into Prostitution As A Child


The other popular theory tying back to his mother could have to do with his actually trying to avoid the male prostitutes he was receiving information from. Instead of being abused by her, some have pitched the possibility that she forced him into gay prostitution.

"Or she turned him out as an underage male prostitute," theorizes user NDaveT in a discussion about Paul's mother possibly sexually abusing him.

"Forced into gay prostitution seems more likely to me," chimes in user laddal, who then hedges with "but with true detective who knows."

Paul Was Rescued From A Sex Cult, Specifically, The Same One From The Show's First Season


Another wildly popular theory has had Paul being kept in a sex cult as a kid--and that the ring that he was caught up in will somehow be exposed as a part of Caspere's murder.

"As a gay man, I agree that he's definitely got something more going on than simply being closeted," writes user BrieferMadness. "He has that scar that he says is from before "The Desert", and his relationship with his mother is down right weird. I think he was sexually abused by a man, which feeds into his homophobic self-hatred. The conspiracy theorist in me thinks he was abused by the sex cult from s1."

"I think there's some sort of f**ked up Bohemian Grove Pedophillia ring they're gonna uncover. And Paul was forced into some fucked up shit as a kid," chimes in user ChundGunderson.

What do you think about Woodrugh's big reveal? Do you think it will actually play into the mystery? Tell us in the comments below.

True Detective airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO.

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