Everything the first episode did well, this episode did better. It's finally starting to find its identity as a season of True Detective vs some weird amalgamation of American Horror Story/Fargo. I don't mind some supernatural undertones, especially related to the culture of the Alaskan natives, but the first episode was way too blatant. This episode, (with the exception of one scene that was never referenced to again), played it more straight and realistic, which I think plays better with the show's tone.
The setting and set designs are fantastic. The barren Alaskan wilderness feels like it's own exterior force against the characters, that I hope plays a more important role as the show progresses.
Jodie Foster's acting is wonderful even when her character is written a little lazily. I like the trope of the rough seasoned cop who's seen it all, but the "know it all" aspect is overplayed. Kali Reis is also doing a great job, even though her character also seems a little one dimensional.
Lastly, I think the suspense of the show was done a little better this episode as well. The ending of this episode finally felt like an actual True Detective ending. Excited to see where this goes.