What happens in True Detective: Season 1, Episode 6 – ‘Haunted Houses’?
Warning: Major spoilers ahead
The episode begins in 2002 with Marty seen visiting jail to see the two men who were caught having sex with his daughter. He offers them prison time or his own version of justice – beating them up. They choose the latter.
Rust is leading his own, personal investigation into the disappearance of women and young children in the area. This leads him to Terry Guidry, a man whose son disappeared. Rust discovers that prior to his disappearance his son attended Queen of Angels – a school that was part of the Tuttle Ministries program.
Rust pays Pastor Theriot a visit, who reveals that while at the ministry he found evidence of child pornography which he raised with the deacon, Austin, but nothing was done.
While out, Marty bumps into Beth – a phone salesgirl and the young sex worker he met in 1995 during his investigation into Dora’s case. After a few drinks, Beth seduces Marty and the pair sleep together. Marty tries to leave things there, but a persistent Beth manages to sway him. Days later, Maggie finds out about Marty’s affair and instead of confronting him heads to a local bar to flirt with men.
In 2012, Marty leaves the station after refusing to believe what Detectives Papania and Gilbough are saying about Rust’s supposed involvement. Driving home, he spots someone beeping at him from behind. It’s now Maggie’s turn to be questioned, with Maggie standing up for Rust and his character.
Jumping back to 2002, Rust visits Kelly Reider – one of the two young children who were found at Reggie’s cabin back at the time of the original investigation. Kelly, now in an institution, is barely responsive but does mention a giant with a scarred face who made her “watch what he did to Billy” before she spirals into a breakdown.
Rust is reprimanded by Major Leroy Salter, who is not happy with Rust and Marty going through old cases to try and find a link. Rust tries to explain his theory, but Salter shuts him down and orders him to stop investigating.
Rust decides to ignore the order and questions Billy Lee Tuttle. When asked about Deacon Austin, Tuttle reveals he was dismissed for stealing money before he died in a car accident. Tuttle offers Rust full access to all Wellspring documents and reveals the original ministries program will reopen. Salter finds out about Rust disobeying his orders and suspends him.
Rust returns home and an upset Maggie – having discovered Marty’s affair – appears on his doorstep. The pair sleep together, with Maggie later revealing she did it to end her marriage. Rust – angry at being used and at what they’ve done – kicks her out of his home. Maggie returns home and tells Marty what she did and the next day he attacks Rust at work. As their colleagues are forced to separate them, Rust quits his job there and then.
Fast-forwarding to 2012 and Maggie’s interview, she pretends she doesn’t know why Rust and Marty fell out and claims her divorce had nothing to do with it. Marty is stopped by Rust on his drive home, asking if they can speak – and he agrees.