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The Best Episodes of True Detective Season 3

Every episode of True Detective Season 3 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of True Detective Season 3!

Binge this in 7h 52m•Peaking at 8.5/10

An American anthology police detective series utilizing multiple timelines in which investigations seem to unearth personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within or outside the law.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    True Detective Season 3 Episode 1 - The Great War and Modern Memory
    8.5/10(12567 votes)

    S3:E1

    The disappearance of a young Arkansas boy and his sister in 1980 triggers vivid memories and enduring questions for retired detective Wayne Hays, who worked the case 35 years before with partner Roland West. What started as a routine case becomes a long journey to dissect and make sense of the crime.

    Director:Jeremy Saulnier
    Writer:Nic Pizzolatto

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  2. True Detective Season 3 Episode 7 - The Final Country
    8.5/10(8790 votes)

    S3:E7

    Following up on new leads, Wayne and Roland track down a man who left the police force in the midst of the Purcell investigation. Meanwhile, Amelia visits Lucy Purcell’s best friend in hopes of gaining insights into the whereabouts of the mysterious one-eyed man.

    Director:Daniel Sackheim
    Writer:Nic Pizzolatto

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  3. True Detective Season 3 Episode 5 - If You Have Ghosts
    8.3/10(8845 votes)

    S3:E5

    Wayne finds himself in a no-win situation as new clues emerge in the Purcell case. Roland wrestles with how to keep evidence secure as lawyers demand a new investigation. Amelia finds her relationship with Wayne imperiled by her writing aspirations and his jealousy.

    Director:Nic Pizzolatto
    Writer:Nic Pizzolatto

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  4. True Detective Season 3 Episode 6 - Hunters in the Dark
    8.3/10(8549 votes)

    S3:E6

    Wayne and Roland revisit discrepancies in the Purcell case that were hidden or forgotten over the years. Among those being reevaluated is Tom Purcell, as well as Lucy Purcell’s cousin, Dan O’Brien. The glitter of Amelia’s book release is tarnished by a voice from the past.

    Director:Daniel Sackheim
    Writers:Graham Gordy, Nic Pizzolatto

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  5. True Detective Season 3 Episode 2 - Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
    8.0/10(9987 votes)

    S3:E2

    Hays looks back at the aftermath of the 1980 Purcell case in West Finger, Arkansas, including possible evidence left behind at the Devil's Den. As attention focuses on two conspicuous suspects--Brett Woodard, a solitary vet and trash collector, and Ted LaGrange, an ex-con with a penchant for children--the parents of the missing kids, Tom and Lucy Purcell, receive a cryptic note.

    Director:Jeremy Saulnier
    Writer:Nic Pizzolatto

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  6. True Detective Season 3 Episode 4 - The Hour and the Day
    8.0/10(8750 votes)

    S3:E4

    Hays and West see a possible connection between the local church and the Purcell crimes. As the detectives search for one suspect and round up another for interrogation, Woodard is targeted by a vigilante group.

    Director:Nic Pizzolatto
    Writers:David Milch, Nic Pizzolatto

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  7. True Detective Season 3 Episode 8 - Now Am Found
    8.0/10(11003 votes)

    S3:E8

    Wayne struggles to hold on to his memories, and his grip on reality, as the truth behind the Purcell case is finally revealed.

    Director:Daniel Sackheim
    Writer:Nic Pizzolatto

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  8. True Detective Season 3 Episode 3 - The Big Never
    7.7/10(9011 votes)

    S3:E3

    Hays recalls his early romance with Amelia, as well as cracks in their relationship that surfaced after they married and had children. Ten years after the Purcell crimes, new evidence emerges, giving him a second chance to vindicate himself and the investigation.

    Director:Daniel Sackheim
    Writer:Nic Pizzolatto

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Season 3 Ratings Summary

"The Great War and Modern Memory" is the best rated episode of "True Detective" season 3. It scored 8.5/10 based on 12567 votes. Directed by Jeremy Saulnier and written by Nic Pizzolatto, it aired on 1/13/2019. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "The Final Country".