| "Part 1" | |
|---|---|
| True Detective episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | Issa López |
| Written by | Issa López |
| Featured music | Vince Pope |
| Cinematography by | Florian Hoffmeister |
| Editing by | Matt Chessé |
| Original air date | January 14, 2024 |
| Running time | 58 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Part 1", also known as "Night Country, Part 1", is the first episode of the fourth season of the American anthology crime drama television series True Detective. It is the 25th overall episode of the series and was written and directed by executive producer Issa López. It was first broadcast on HBO in the United States on January 14, 2024, and also was available on Max on the same date. It was the first episode of the series to not be written by series creator Nic Pizzolatto.
The season takes place in Ennis, Alaska, and follows detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro as they investigate the disappearance of eight men who operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station and vanish without a trace. While occasionally working together, Danvers and Navarro are not on good terms after an unresolved case, which was very personal for Navarro.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.565 million household viewers and gained a 0.08 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the performances (particularly Foster and Reis), new setting, atmosphere and directing.