Rust Cohle, a pessimistic and nihilistic detective, serves as the show's philosophical anchor. His worldview is rooted in existentialism, which posits that human existence is inherently meaningless. Cohle's bleak outlook on life is reflected in his statement, "Time is a flat circle," suggesting that events are interconnected and recurring, rendering human existence futile. This perspective is contrasted with Martin Hart's more optimistic and traditional worldview, creating a dichotomy that underscores the series' exploration of human nature.