"True Detective" season 2 is reportedly not up to snuff, at least when compared to its predecessor. According to People Magazine, the season will have to dazzle in the finale, which airs today, so as to save it one last time. If it doesn't, it is highly unlikely that season 3 is happening.

It looks like a shot at a renewal now depends solely on the success of the finale as reports say that all previous episodes are lackluster. According to the aforementioned publication, there should at least be a long, massive shootout, or an all-star team up in the season closer to redeem itself.

Vanity Fair, on the other hand, thinks that a successful ender for "True Detective" season 2 must involve a closure for Paul, who shockingly met his demise in the penultimate episode, and a well-deserved success for Ani, who has been throwing herself in all sorts of dangers just to get to Ben Caspere's killer.

However, as for HBO programming president Michael Lombardo, the possibility of having "True Detective" season 3 hinges solely on one thing – one person to be precise – and that is Nic Pizzolatto, the writer and creator of the anthology.

"If he wants to do another season, I said the door is open," Lombardo said during the Television Critics Association summer press tour as quoted by Deadline. "We'd like to do another season of it," he went on to say. Lombardo had nothing but words of admiration for Pizzolatto, whom he called "one of the best writers working in film or television right now."

People Magazine adds that "True Detective" can always start with a blank canvas, which will allow it stand up from what is currently being deemed as a disappointing season owing to the fact that a brand new story and a whole new set of characters will be gracing the third season, if there will be one.

If the show is renewed for a new season, it is likely to air next year or even in 2017. The first season aired Jan. 12, 2014. Season 2 aired Jun. 21, 2015, 18 months after the first season premiere.