HBO's True Detective, a criminal drama centered around detectives Rust Cohle (Mathew McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson), has sparked debate over the placement of women within the show.

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The program began with the investigation of a murdered woman, stripped and posed in a field. As the show continues, a few female characters are introduced, most notably Maggie (Michelle Monaghan) but the lack of female voice within the narrative has irritated some viewers.

The Guardian noted of the show that "The female characters have a startling lack of agency." The article goes on to claim that "Maggie is frequently silenced while men argue about her."

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Series creator Nic Pizzolatto claimed in a June 9 interview that this discrepancy is a matter of perspective within the narrative. "The absence of a female voice and what that means is a key part of the show..." explained Pizzolatto, "This is a story about the damage men do, both to themselves and especially to women and children."

With the recent announcement that the program's second season will include a female lead, Pizzolatto will have the opportunity to apply his claims in a proactive way. If season one was in fact a story about he "damage men do," then how will the narrative evolve when a women is given a voice on the series? Will she be given a voice, or merely stand as a silent figure?

The second season of True Detective will air on HBO in January 2015.

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