That's the only thing that would justify the final scene. Plus, it could be Vaughn inflicting some tough love on a important asset he feels is losing his edge.
This season is a pretty big disappointment and makes it look like Pizzolatto was carried by McConaughey, Harrelson, and Fukunaga on the first season.
So, they've given us the best shootout scene since Heat. They are building four characters instead of 1 1/2 from last year. They are doing an urban setting instead of jerkwater delta. Yeah, this season is really awful.
I liked the plot and mystery aspect much more during the build last season. Its not awful, but I just don't find it as interesting. Will definitely finish the season, though.
It was entertaining, at the least. I'm not sure this is really a plus for me, seeing as the seasons are only eight episodes long. I definitely disagree that this as a plus. I think the bayou made for a very creepy, compelling setting for the murder mystery. I don't think it's awful. It does feel like a bit of a let down, although that's largely because last season was so compelling.
I am pretty sure viewing the greatness of last season from the perspective you have now (having finished it) skews your perception of how slow this season is. Last season started out very slowly as well. What episode was the project stick up? End of episode 4? It takes a while to peel back these layers.
I think the first five episodes of last season were a lot better. To be fair, that was some amazing television, and tough for any show to surpass.
Obviously with Fukunaga not being involved it was never going to be as good as last season. I still think it has been very good though. Colin Farrell has been terrific.