True Detective's Rust Problem 

Probably my favorite moment in S1 of True Detective is when Rust and Marty have both lost everything and after seeing the horrific VHS tape their dynamic is basically: "We've screwed up our lives one too many times, so even if it kills us let's finally see this thing through and do something right for a change." It's impactful in large part because the show gave us such a raw depiction of both character's flaws, hypocrisies, and life-altering mistakes.

The fact that he ends the season saying “the light is winning” is something the nihilistic fanboys tend to overlook. He and Marty went on a journey and came out the other side as better people. That’s encouraging.

One of the things I really loved about Rust was that he was written a bit edgy, but justifiably edgy. There's an aura of lived experience and grit to him in every scene, especially in the few times we see him get physical like in episode 4. Writing characters like him without that part usually leads to ridiculous characters like Shadow the hedgehog

"I can see your soul at the edges of your eyes. It's corrosive like acid. You've got a demon little man."

I love Rust because he's a genuine dude. He tries to do the right thing, and admits when he does something wrong. Even when he and Marty fight and he says "Nice hook, Marty." He says it and means it. He doesn't sugarcoat his thoughts and opinions. And it doesn't hurt that it was just a brilliant performance from Matthew McConaughey

There are two types of nihilists: 1. Nothing matters, and that is sad 2. Nothing matters, lets party

" If you ask me the light's winning" One of the best closing lines ever .Up there with " it aint like it used to be ; but it'll do" .from the wild bunch .

Love that you recognize Carcosa as not being a physical place. Robert W. Chambers writings are very distinct and influence Chole's character deeply.

Something that gets debated a lot is Rust and Maggie's blip of an affair and if he's guilty because of it. I think people don't quite recognize that Rust, while he was in many ways interested in Maggie (mowing lawn, talking to her on the phone without Marty, helping their marriage out, etc) I don't believe he was ever interested sexually with Maggie. Maggie was someone who read Rust well, and understood him better than anyone else, which is why Rust trusted her emotionally. How this relates to the affair is that Maggie intentionally took this line that she had with Rust and twisted it to put strain on Marty in the end, but fundamentally Rust did not want to be involved in that. He doesn't initiate a longstanding relationship, and the one time he sees Maggie afterward, he kicks her out of the bar and resents her. In my analysis of the moment where Maggie and Rust hook up, Rust is extremely drunk, reeling from being suspended, and having to pause the most important investigation of his career. He is in an emotionally vulnerable state without the booze and investigation, let alone with them mixed in. He was unable to make a rational decision in the moment. Maggie used that to manipulate Rust into a position where he could hurt Marty. In general, I would go as far as to say Rust was r*ped by Maggie, because he was intoxicated and emotionally did not show consent. He was a victim in that moment, as well as the fallout thereafter. I don't think he is worthy of blame, in any case. So glad to see your take on Rust, always been a longtime fan of your channel. One day do Memento please!!

Omg I binged all of true detective for the first time about a week ago and I was trying to figure out why I was so attached to this character and I'm so happy you made this video

Cole is very inspirational imo, because I think most of us, if not all of us, went through points in our lives when everything lost its meaning, when you feel on the edge, alone and feel darkness of the world swallowing you. And despite all of that, instead of wallowing in that pain and pessimism or taking revenge on the world as so many do, Cole still does as much good as he can and is very much a proactive figure. That's why the ending of Cole's story is so bittersweet to me, this man righted the wrong he did with no expectation of a reward and yet the world reached out to him in a form of his passed daughter's love, a rare ray of light and hope to remind Cole that there's more to life than this.

Rust’s final speech still makes me cry. All of his nihilism was a defense mechanism. He solves the case and regains the hope he lost. Also Marty crying and hugging his wife and kids broke me

You can see Rust's character reflected in the last few years of media, particularly anything that involves "darker" protagonists. My favourite recent example is Alan in Alan Wake 2

Season 1 of True Detective remains on of the greatest seasons of television ever brought to the screen

Matthew McConaughey is always a win and it made me check and realize you haven't done a Cinema Wins for Interstellar yet.

Long-time subscriber, first time commenter here - I really enjoyed this in-depth character analysis, it offers a lot more to ponder than the usual "why is this movie good" motif (which I've also enjoyed over the years). I hope to see more of these if your schedule allows. Thank you for the contribution to general philosophical conversation.

I was kind of expecting a colab with PhilosophyTube with all this talk about Nihilism and pessimism

The idea that a lot of things point to Rust being the killer behind everything is something I've never considered and I've rewatched this season several times. No, I don't believe it's true. But the sheer fact that the killers he apprehends are deeply familiar with him, and deeply feel he is more veil then them speaks mountains. Such a beautiful written season where you learn something new every time you rewatch it, and yet noting his truly absolute.

God, I can't WAIT for Dune part 2 on this channel. There's gonna be so much incredulous awe

Rust reminded me so overwhelmingly of my father it was fucking eerie. Everything from his appearance to his personality and mannerisms. Like if my father had come back to life and become a detective.

Walter White is NOT an anti hero. Anyone who thinks so missed the entire point of the show.

What a bit of synchronicity! I rewatched the series last week and I've watched a ton of YT vids on season once in the last 4 days and here comes one of my favorite creators with a vid on one of my favorite characters.

I would argue that characters like Tony Soprano, Walter White, and "all the adults on Ozark" are actually protagonist villains. They are central characters, but they are not "heroes" in any sense. All things being equal they serve their own interests, willing harm the innocent, and generally rationalize it all away feeling little or no remorse. An antihero, on the other hand, generally does the right thing (in the wrong way), breaks the rules (usually for the greater good), and when they hurt an innocent they are sorry. Some great antiheroes are V(For Vendetta), Billy Butcher, Riddick, and Dexter Morgan.

Loved the video! It's great to see you branching out into straight-up video essays more. You're very good at them.

I feel pretty safe in saying this is the greatest single season of tv ever created. I've never seen a show so completely come together in such a perfect way, from the plot, the cast, the acting and of course, as (correctly) said by many, the writing, which wipes the floor of even some of the most famous and popular shows. Nothing comes close to how incredible this show is. I like to think of It as it's own show and ignore the following seasons, but I am loving the love this season is getting now due to those seasons. I wish nothing more than if I could watch this again for the first time.

Thanks! I still have those suggestions for the coming months or whenever you can: 1. Request #28 for Jurassic Park 2-3. 2. Request #17 for Shrek 1-4, at least the first one. 3. Request #18 for Indiana Jones 1-4, at least Raiders of the Lost Ark. I also understand how you might be busy with those Planet of the Apes films, The Marvels, and possibly Oppenheimer. But still take your time. Love you, CinemaWins!!! ❤

Awesome analysis. Rust is one of my favorite characters, just so tightly written and sincere in his beliefs the entire time. Also, you had fantastic editing on this one. All your vids are great, but this one was top shelf stuff.

Honey wake up new cinemawins just dropped and it's about our husband

really enjoy the editing around the word hero at the end there, great stuff

I rewatched S1 after the disaster that was Night Country. So good to watch the detectives actually do detective work.

Another attempt to get him to review The Road to Eldorado

Man, i LOVE this style of video essay type content from you, such unique takes and you make it so entertaining

"I’m a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will." Antonio Gramsci in a Letter from Prison (December 1929) I love this was of looking at both the concepts. Sure, life is full of pain, but good actions can be done none the less.

This is one of my new favorite videos of yours, I really hope it does well enough that you can make more

I love that you brought up Chambers. The entire collection is decent, but there are certainly a few that heavily influenced a lot of different things going forward, especially in this show, of course. The King in Yellow is a wonderful addition to pop culture.

The conversation where marty asks if hes a bad man and rust says the world needs bad men sums up the world...

Yes! I've been waiting for this. Thank you!

Will you do the Planet of the Apes trilogy? Rise, Dawn and War?

I've been thinking about True Detective season 1 alot lately so it's nice to see this video and a different one from you

i’m really liking these other video types! always a love a cinemawins but it’s great to see you guys branching out

Rango! Rango! Rango *whip cracks*

I was not prepared for the Rollercoaster of this video. Now I have a new show to explore thanks to you. Also what an amazing video - you've always written things that captivate. I know when click on a video - I won't be able to stop til I get to the end. Speaking of endings - the final scene (bar the skills hare spot) was superb! Love that creative touch. ❤❤❤

Greatest season in the history of television history. I’m dying on this hill!

Never clicked on a notification so fast! Such good stuff!

Call me simple but I like to think that Rust didn't exactly stop being a nihilist but he came to believe there's a light at the end of the tunnel, maybe life is pointless and it all fades away but just for a moment he'll see his daughter again at the end and that brought him peace. Beautiful stuff.

Carcosa is a state of mind that each Cult member and the ones they've touched live in. See it on any of those that have mentioned it, they don't live by our rules. It's also more defined in Lovecraft's works.

You should definitely do more of these, the ending reflections are usually my favorite part of this channel and I’d love to see more general discussion and reflection type video essays from you. Even if you do a more casual, lightly scripted brain vomit style video I’m sure we would all be down for it. If it’s feasible for you to fit into your schedule you should really consider it. I think it would add some variety to your content, offer you a break from the more structured and focused work of the normal videos and it would be fun for us viewers to hear some of your more personal thoughts on movies and TV outside of the normal wins, like hearing some of the negative stuff too. I know you try to keep the wins videos more positive and objective and not push your own opinions too much, so that’s where these “Cinema Reflections” or whatever could come in and let you just speak your mind. Great video as always and I can’t wait for the rest of the Apes videos!

Great video, would really love to see more of this format on the channel!

I finished watching the first season for the first time yesterday. Really creepy that this video came out at the same time. CINEMAWINS IS LISTENING!

Rustin Cohle is actually an absurdist (Camus). He recognizes that meaninglessness is inherent, but we can never stop looking for it. The peephole he used for reflection (you're welcome for that one) is perfectly representative of that idea. Rust is trying to look through the one corner where the world looks back, and the meaning reifies itself.

He is not a hero. He is a silent guardian, a watchful protector A True Detective!

Liked this change in format, hope you do more like this.

you sir, are a murderer, because I died at that hot fuzz edit

Rust could not consent at that point. He was taken advantage off

It also helps that the lead actor is giving the best performance of his life.

I am totally here for these character breakdowns. If this is the direction he’s taking the channel I’m super excited

we need everything great about heat 1995

When I first watched True Detective season 1, Rust and Marty's dynamic reminded me of Rorschach and Nite Owl's dynamic from Watchmen. Marty felt like the more optimistic and just but flawed man who wanted to see the good in the world and do things by the book but was quickly beaten down by all the horrors he witnessed, while Rust started out as the pessimist who had already seen the worst of humanity and was fighting an uphill battle while willing to sink to any depths to seek justice. Even Rust's lines after watching the snuff film in episode 7 reminded me of how Rorschach talked during his prison psychiatry sessions. How after seeing all the depraved evils of man, he could never look away and pretend they could be ignored any longer. Or maybe everything I just typed is overanalytical bullshit. IDK, I'm really high right now......

Outstanding analysis of an amazing character and show. I appreciate your acknowledgment of Chambers and Ligotti, and would just like to point out for those who don’t know that the whole “light vs dark” conversation was lifted almost verbatim from the comic book Top Ten by the supremely talented Alan Moore.

I think what scares me about nihilism and antinatalism is that those ideas almost killed me… that’s how my brain reacted to them. My brain also used them as an excuse to do nothing, it justified my indifference and inaction. So for me, those are some horrifying ideas, and more than that, I see them as antithetical to existence itself. It’s hard to really take Rust at his own word when his actions don’t really line up with what he’s saying. I get that on a personal level, my actions don’t always line up with what I say I believe, so I have no problem with characters who are technically hypocrites. But I do have a problem with the attitude. I’d rather aspire to live a life I want to live and make better for myself and others, and sometimes fail to do that, than aspire to help humanity and all conscious experience end and sometimes fail to do that. So to me, nihilism and pessimism was a path towards maturity, but it isn’t a destination. At least in my case, those attitudes were really a sign that I had further to go on my journey.

I studied existential philosophy, so I've read everything from Kierkegaard to Schopenhauer to Fanon, but one of my favorite criticisms of nihilism comes from Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths. In the final battle between Batman and Owlman, with Owlman having been such a strong proponent of nihilism throughout the entire movie that he is willing to destroy the multiverse just to prove that nothing actually matters, Batman tells him that "We both looked into the abyss, but when it looked back at us, you blinked." Nihilism, to say that nothing actually matters, is a coward's philosophy. Dare to care and say something true and sincere or I will start throwing rocks.

Rust was an amazing character but upon multiple rewatches he’s borderline a superhero on multiple levels.

I love how you make Danvers a Debby Downer instead of giving her credit for also having a philosophy of life. Wrong.

I have watched this video 9 times since it came out, no hyperbole. Just a sign of how much I love this new video format!

“ those files are still sealed?” “Sheeeiiiiit.”

Wow, more videos like this please. Dissections of characters we love both good and bad. I’d like to see you take on Norman Stansfield in “Leon”

Loved this style of video. Would be really interesting to hear a similar comparison to Danvers in season 4!

Appreciate this different type of CinemaWins video. Look forward to more.

absolutely love that this show and specifically this character keeps getting love and attention.

For me Marty is us, simple people trying our best. Failing most of the time, and going wrong way, and making mistakes but moving on our path, whatever it is. Rust is a man we need but we don't want to be, effective, coldheaded but empathetic, balancing on the thin edge of sanity. That's why this duo works for me

Love your content! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

I love Rust because he knows who he is and will not give that up for anyone. He seeks for the good and is willing to give up his reputation and image to get rid of evil. He is what a "man" should strive to be.

i love you i love you i love you i just finished this season and was looking for a video about it!

Thanks for reminding how much the first season HIT....time for a rewatch!

Damn Night Country really messed up that strong start 😢

So I know this is a long shot and you mostly cover movies, but gosh you covering season one of true detective would be amazing.

When You Gonna Cover Minus One?

Episode 137 of requesting The Princess Bride!!!

Yes! We love this! ❤

Wooo that cut to black to emphasize the text was a good touch

I really love these character dives, specifically in TV series. I’d love if you did Marvels Daredevil, specifically season 3.

you are amazing at this!

I like this new format. Deep dives into characters is a wicked idea and I hope you do more of them! Bojack horseman or Walter white could make awesome ones

You said much about Rust! But you forgot to mention how handsome he is 😔

you had me at "Emil Cioran" --

Rust is not an anti-hero at all, in my opinion. Even though he would SAY thinks that would make it seem like humanity is pointless, but in his ACTIONS, he devoted himself to being a good cop (not necessarily a good friend or a good person).

Liking these breakdowns of TV shows. If you do Shogun 2024, might be worth doing the 1980 series as well.

Brilliant Video and exploration of what might be one of the best TV protagonists ever, Love from India...🎉❤

I can identify much more with Marty. Probably means I suck.

"The world needs bad men. We keep other bad men from the door." Enough said

I was just thinking about finally watching this series.

I know this is about cole but lets not forget Marty's intolerance to child harm every time he encounters it in this show

finally a big yt channel recognizing one of the greatest fictional characters of all time

Good luck! Let's soon do Everything Great About Morbius before Kraven the Hunter came out!

Even through life is pain, it's not painful everyday and those days are worth the suffering to see.

Also, Rust was beyond drunk when Maggie threw herself at him. He didn't even really know what happened until it was over. She took advantage of him to fuck over Marty.

Kicka$$ character analysis. Thank you for making it. I enjoyed the watch a lot.

Time is a flat circle = the love of his daughter will come back around.

True Detective season 1 was some of the greatest television I’ve ever watched

Walter White and Tony Soprano aren't anti-heroes. They're villain protagonists.