While True Detective season 1 had a lot going in its favor, one of the primary reasons it succeeded was Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson’s portrayal of their respective characters, Rust and Marty. Owing to this, viewers cannot help but hope the two characters will return to the series in a future installment. However, as exciting as their return may seem, there are many reasons why the show’s next installment should not have them.
McConaughey & Harrelson’s Advert Shows A Problem For True Detective Bringing Them Back
The Advert Proves Their Return Would Feel Forced

McConaughey and Harrelson revisited their True Detective characters in a new True to Texas ad. Although they do not address each other as Marty and Rust in the advert, they pick their respective character’s mannerisms as they drive around while creating a humorous homage to their iconic roles. Since it is an advert, it heavily relies on drawing references to their True Detective characters, prompting viewers to not take their shtick too seriously and rather focus on the message behind their act.
Rust Cohle & Marty Hart’s Perfect True Detective Ending Shouldn’t Be Touched
The Show’s Season 1 Gave Them The Perfect Conclusion





True Detective season 4 tried to riff on season 1’s success by dropping many nods to Rust and Cohle’s quotes and investigation. However, these references fell flat because they felt forced and did not serve the season’s overarching story in any way. Callbacks to Rust and Cohle also did not fit too well into True Detective season 4’s story because season 1 had already given them and their narrative a well-rounded conclusion. Owing to this, it would not make a lot of sense for another season to bring them back in any capacity.
Marking their return in another True Detective installment would mean dragging them back to a darker, unresolved place that would undermine the sense of growth and closure they experience in season 1’s ending moments.
How Likely Are McConaughey & Harrelson To Return For True Detective Season 5?
Their Return Seems Unlikely, But The Franchise Might Reference Them Again

Since True Detective season 4 did not shy away from referencing Rust and Cohle and even used them as devices to draw viewers in during its initial episodes, it would not be surprising if season 5 treads a similar path. However, when it comes to their return, it seems unlikely that they will be a part of the show’s future seasons. True Detective seems to benefit from its anthology format, which does not allow it to feature the same main characters every season.