Another one bites the dust! The second episode of HBO’s True Detective Season 2 ended explosively thanks to one of the leading characters getting pumped full of bullets in the closing scene. Read on to find out whether Taylor Kitsch, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, or Vince Vaughn was potentially killed off –– plus find out what’s going on in Ben Casper’s murder investigation.
Psst: spoilers below. Duh.
Paul Woodrugh Continues To Be Damaged/Hunky
Let’s talk about Paul Woodrugh (Taylor Kitsch), a man with so many emotional problems it’s a miracle his best friend isn’t a tub of ice cream. Our favorite brooding highway patrolman teamed up with Detective Ani Bezzerides (Rachel McAdams) and Detective Ray Velcoro (Colin Farrell) to solve Casper’s gruesome murder this week, but he was also on a mission to secretly gather intel on Vinci’s police department. This was good news for Paul’s career, but his personal life is a mess. Not only did the poor dude break up with his girlfriend, he outed himself as homophobic by claiming that he almost “clocked” a guy for hitting on him. Yikes, friend. And during pride week, no less.
Frank Semyon Has Unfinished Business (Get It?)
So, what’s Frank Semyon (Vince Vaughn) up to –– other than telling a really terrifying story about this one time a rat tried to eat him? You know, just being depressed like everyone else on this show. For starters, Frank found out that Casper had played “fast and loose” with his capital, and now he’s broke. Oh, and he also incurred the wrath of Vinci’s corrupt mayor when he couldn’t pony up $10k. Remember Wedding Crashers and The Internship? Happier times.
Dorothy, We’re Not In A Romantic Comedy Anymore
Wherefore art thou, Ryan Gosling? Because Ani Bezzerides needs something to get her trough these dark times other than her e-cigarette. This week, Ani and Ray teamed up to visit Casper’s psychiatrist, who revealed that their victim used escort services and was addicted to sex (because of course). And speaking of sex, the only good part of Ani’s day was watching some casual porn in her hotel room. Praying for her.
Uhm…Ray Velcoro Might Be Dead
Time to check in with The World’s Most Depressed Man, Ray Velcoro, who spent most of this episode sad-facing, whipping his middle-parted bangs back and forth, and making puppy-eyes at Ani, whom he totally has a crush on. There’s nothing like a murder investigation to stimulate a romantic bond –– though little does Ray know that Ani’s been tasked with watching him for the state.
Of course, #Rani might be a pipe dream, because Ray was shot full of bullets at the end of this episode. Here’s what happened: after learning that his wife was petitioning for full custody of their son, Ray decided it was a good idea to wander over to Hollywood and explore Casper’s secret home (which he knew about thanks to a tip from Frank). While there, he discovered a video camera and a bunch of taxidermied animal heads (totally normal) –– but before watching any footage he was shot point-blank by a masked man. Is Ray dead? We’ll have to wait until next week’s episode to find out!
True Detective airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
