‘True Detective’ Fans Are Already Consumed With Theories After The Season 3 Premiere

True Detective returned with a third season debut on Sunday night to reveal rock-solid performances across the newest cast. Mahershala Ali was downright majestic, and people were pleasantly surprised to see Stephen Dorff holding his own while Carmen Ejogo positioned her author character for future showdowns. Meanwhile, Mamie Gummer threw serious Meryl Streep vibes, and Scoot McNairy revved up for his compelling overall turn to come. And the general vibe on social media is that, from a storytelling standpoint, True Detective appears to be back in fine form, but folks are being understandably cautious for now.

For sure, it’s far too early to judge whether this season can reclaim first-season mojo, HBO felt confident enough in their product to debut two episodes on the premiere night. Well, the audience couldn’t help themselves — the temptation to theorize began to take over while the new mystery unfurled.

— Joey O (@joakie13) January 14, 2019

Me on Reddit reading theories about True Detective pic.twitter.com/20u1LfysDd

— Raheel Ramzanali, ESPN 97.5 FM Houston (@The_Raheel) January 14, 2019

I have so many thoughts on #TrueDetective episode 2. I already have a theory but having one so soon guarantees it’s completely wrong.

— #1LocalBadBoy (@CourtneyHosking) January 14, 2019

Can’t wait to hate this season of true detective while I spend three hours a week listening to podcasts on theories and predictions

— Jason Lawes (@Lawes_Jason) January 14, 2019

Before long, folks realized that “time is a flat circle” is an inescapable premise, and the ghost of Rust Cohle rode high over the proceedings.

— Scott Wampler™ (@ScottWamplerBMD) January 14, 2019

2014 ME: Aw man, I can't watch True Detective because HBO GO crashed

2019 ME: pic.twitter.com/awE1205vtP

— Camilo Garzón (@CamiloAGarzonC) January 14, 2019

True Detective Season 3 pic.twitter.com/qHFXmx7lrT

— Virgil van Dave (@david_oleary9) January 14, 2019

Other extremely obvious first-season vibes did not go unnoticed. The cornhusk dolls make people wonder if “more weird Carcosa sh*t” was afoot.

— David J. (@davevhal) January 14, 2019

Okay so I already hate these straw doll things.. #TrueDetective pic.twitter.com/dkUK61eKc6

— You Were Clever Really, Where (@Blacknform) January 14, 2019

Again with the stick dolls #TrueDetective pic.twitter.com/l92mlNJZCw

— Lauren Machi (@lauren_machi) January 14, 2019

More weird Carcosa shit. Uh, cornhusk dolls.#TrueDetective

— BoldChild (@BoldChild66) January 14, 2019

— I AM (@thehoodgoddess) January 14, 2019

#TrueDetective Season 2 is going to have so many twists and turns already I can feel it in my bones, and those doll things are creepy af holy crap

— Marlene Toscano (@MarBehindTheBar) January 14, 2019

Those damn handmade dolls are so creepy, and are giving major season 1 vibes #TrueDetective #notsleepingtonight

— Jenna (@ItsJennaB) January 14, 2019

Those dolls are carcosa! The Yellow King is back, baby! #TrueDetective

— jojo mcspicy (@aqtrans) January 14, 2019

I'm enjoying this new season of True Detective but uhhh wasn't S1 about children being murdered in what appeared to be a cult ritual too

— Beyonce has an uncle named Larry Beyince. Bruh…. (@DragonflyJonez) January 14, 2019

One person straight-up joked that Dorff’s character is Reggie Ledoux from the first season. (Now you can’t stop seeing it, right)

— Dan Renzetti (@DanRenzetti) January 14, 2019

Others noted the allusions to the West Memphis Three while wondering if there’s a red-herring afoot or … more

— Will “Wright’s Masterclass Haircut” Perkins (@WilliamHPerkins) January 14, 2019

Only theory I want to mention online: if #TrueDetective makes season 3 a rip off of The West Memphis 3, that’s weak ass writing. But to have the little homages to it so far: that’s golden. Let’s keep it that way.

But overall Arkansas has seen some ugly shit in its time.

— Zoë Gulliksen (@bookishbelle) January 14, 2019

Further distractions abounded, including how Dorff eerily looked like other actors — primarily Dennis Quaid but also with some Robert Redford mixed in, along with Woody Harrelson’s Martin Hart hair.

— Your Fat Friend (@yrfatfriend) January 14, 2019

Hey Stephen Dorff, Dennis Quaid called. He wants his DNA back. #truedetectiveseason3 pic.twitter.com/Iv7P37rAPe

— Bill George (@MrBillGeorge) January 14, 2019

I can't deal with Stephen Dorff pacing around looking like Columbo right now.

— Craig Bro Dude (@CraigSJ) January 14, 2019

Loving TRUE DETECTIVE season 3 so far. Stephen Dorff looking exactly like Dennis Quaid is a highlight. pic.twitter.com/w8xK47ZHQq

— Aaron Peck (@AaronPeck) January 14, 2019

Stephen Dorff looks like a young Dennis Quaid. #TrueDetective pic.twitter.com/14eqYXKaEp

— Tim Landes (@TimLandesJr) January 14, 2019

Is it me, or does Stephen Dorff look like a smaller version of Dennis Quaid #TrueDetective

— LAGurl‍♀️ (@LAQueenpen) January 14, 2019

Really not impressed with this second-rate Robert Redford impression being done by Stephen Dorff on #TrueDetective pic.twitter.com/62uRfi6dn2

— amelia (@ameliadeew) January 14, 2019

I don't know why, but there's something funny to me about Stephen Dorff wearing Woody Harrelson's wig in the new #TrueDetective.

— Marco Sparks (@marcosparks) January 14, 2019

Really though, here’s how it’s gonna all go down. Just wait!

— official pixelated boat facebook account (@pixelatedboat) January 14, 2019