We've been waiting for season two of True Detective [1] for over a year, and the first episode finally aired on Sunday. Rachel McAdams [2], Taylor Kitsch, and Colin Farrell [3] (all playing officers of the law in various states of deterioration) brooded everywhere before coming together thanks to the murder of a city manager. Truth be told, it isn't a particularly gripping first episode, but we were struck by a few lingering questions during the premiere. Yes, one of them involves Kitsch's bare booty, so before you go any further, be warned that there is a sexually graphic image below. If you're OK with that, proceed.

Is the city of Vinci real?

Vinci is not real, but it is based on Vernon [4], a small industrial town south of Los Angeles with a history of corruption.

What is in the passenger seat of that car?

We meet City Manager Ben Casper while he's deceased, hanging out in the backseat of a car with sunglasses on his head. The camera doesn't show the driver, but it does show what looks like a large crow's head in the passenger seat. See the eye and the beak?

Isn't that guy a vampire in something?

Yes! That's James Frain. He's been in a lot of stuff, but if you looked at him and thought "vampire," it's because he played Franklin Mott on True Blood.

Is the Panticapaeum Institute real?

No, but Panticapaeum is the name of an ancient Greek city. It was destroyed by the Huns around 370 AD. The Panticapaeum Institute may be based on a few other places in Los Angeles, but we'll need some more information to get to the bottom of it.

What's up with Paul's scars?

I don't know, but they definitely look like severe burn marks. Judging by the way he's driving like a madman in the dark, something bad must have gone down, and he blames himself.

Is that really Taylor Kitsch's booty?

Undetermined, but he did bare all for Savages in 2012, so it's quite possible. Obviously we'll update you when there's more information.

What is that horribly depressing song?

It's called "This Is My Least Favorite Life," and it's by singer-songwriter Lera Lynn, who also provided music for the haunting teaser [5].