I finally finished season 1.
Show was beautiful and engaging, but the point of the whole show is really the relationship between the two leads, not the mystery. That's kind of a shame considering how much visually intriguing shit was happening with the accoutrements surrounding the murders, as well as the conspiracies and odd red herrings.
Caught real feels at the end though, during Cohle's final monologue. Also liked the synesthesia being kept low-key, references to feelings becoming a taste in Cohle's mouth, and his replication of visual cues on his own evidence board.
Good show. I'll try to finish s2 faster than I managed here.