True Detective proved itself to be a dramatic hit on HBO last spring, but with Season 2 casting this month and the first episode premiering in less than a year, showrunners are beginning to feel the strain.

True Detective Season 2 Spoilers

Unlike most dramas, which retain the same actors and basic narrative, True Detective is essentially starting from scratch, with a new location and new people. Even the directors will be changing, though creator and writer Nic Pizzolatto is retaining his control of the show. Pizzolatto's contract with HBO was unique because he was able to write every episode in the show's first season. This sort of creative freadom allowed for him to construct a very particular vision.

While Pizzolatto seems fairly confident in the development of Season 2, which is slowly taking shape, others involved are not so laid back.

Strong Female Lead for True Detective?

According to Indiewire, producers are a bit concerned. "We promised, in a fit of madness, that every year would be different" explained producer Scott Stephens.

"The idea," he continued, "was to fuse cinematic elements into a television program, to use the episodic format to tell finite stories every year with a beginning, middle, and end. We hoped to attract talent that would normally not do television, because there's no ongoing season-to-season commitment."

The gritty, criminal drama did succeed in telling a finite story and attracted big talent, including Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, but now the producers find themselves nearly starting from scratch to create as new, engaging narrative.

They are "digging deep," said Stephens, "and trying to develop a compelling story in a timely manner."

True Detective returns for a second season on HBO January 2015.

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