HBO's "True Detective" continues to make the news, and this time it is not for another award nomination. The hit show has made the news this week for all the wrong reasons with show runner and creator Nic Pizzolatto at the center of the problem.
There is a report out there that the show, which is up for several Emmys, borrowed key elements from the work of horror author Thomas Ligotti. It seems like the psychological drama is in hot water after similarities in the works became apparent. Pizzolatto has adamantly denied the rumors and released a statement saying, "Nothing in the television show 'True Detective' was plagiarized."
The show, which focuses on the bleak outlook of Detective Rust Cohle played by Matthew McConaughey, is again at the center of controversy after the original rumor from earlier in the year died down. With the new plagiarism accusations threatening the show's credibility again, it can't be that good for the highly touted drama.
"The philosophical thoughts expressed by Rust Cohle do not represent any thought or idea unique to any one author. Rather, these are the philosophical tenets of a pessimistic, anti-natalist philosophy with an historic tradition including Arthur Schopenhauer, Friedrich Nietzsche, E.M. Cioran and various other philosophers, all of whom express these ideas. As an autodidact pessimist, Cohle speaks toward that philosophy with erudition and in his own words. The ideas within this philosophy are certainly not exclusive to any writer," according to Pizzolatto when speaking to Deadline.
It is unclear as to why the plagiarism rumors have started again, but it seems like the claims are gaining steam. HBO has issued a statement defending its new show and Pizzolatto's credibility.
"True Detective is a work of exceptional originality, and the story, plot, characters and dialogue are that of Nic Pizzolatto. Philosophical concepts are free for anyone to use, including writers of fiction, and there have been many such examples in the past. Exploring and engaging with ideas and themes that philosophers and novelists have wrestled with over time is one of the show's many strengths - we stand by the show, its writing and Nic Pizzolatto entirely," says the network.
Pizzolatto has already finished half of the scripts for the show's sophomore season. This time around, the series will center around four roles set in California. It should be interesting to see just how these rumors will hurt "True Detective" and its award chances.
