HBO’s Michael Lombardo defended “True Detective” Season 2 to a roomful of TV critics on Thursday afternoon, when the programming president also said he’d be open to a third season.
“I think [creator] Nic Pizzolatto is one of the best writers working in television today,” Lombardo told critics in the Beverly Hilton ballroom. “I think he takes a big swing.”
“If he wanted to do another season, I told him our door is open,” he continued. He reiterated: “I’d love to do another season with him. I think he’s a spectacular writer.”
Lombardo, who returned from vacation for the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, told reporters that he was a bit surprised to see the generally negative response to the sophomore run. What he saw on Twitter and in TV reviews were somewhat disappointing.
“I think the show works … He’s a bold storyteller,” Lombardo said. “I mean that only in the best possible ways.”
When asked, Lombardo stated that he would not place rules or restrictions on Pizzolatto for a Season 3 to make it more like the hit first season, which starred Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson and Michelle Monaghan.
Season 2 of the anthological show, which many have summed up with the adjective “weird,” stars Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams and Taylor Kitsch. Lombardo said he believes that the yet-to-air season finale will be a “satisfying” one to viewers.