In a remarkable turn of events, John Hawkes has not only garnered his first-ever Emmy nomination this year but has impressively secured two—one for his compelling portrayal of the morally dubious cop Hank Prior in True Detective: Night Country, and another for his haunting original song “No Use,” which he composed and performed on the show.
The unexpected musical contribution came about after showrunner Issa López floated the idea that Hank might be musically inclined. Initially, Hawkes was hesitant. “I wasn’t sure it was the right move,” he admits, expressing concern about the idea. However, as he mulled it over, he found himself drawn to the concept of a character who harbors hidden depths. “I’ve always been intrigued by people who have these surprising, out-of-character talents,” Hawkes says. Eventually, he warmed to the idea and began to see how music could add another layer to Hank’s complex persona. When López suggested he compose an instrumental piece, a creative debate unfolded, ultimately leading to the inclusion of lyrics—a decision that would prove pivotal.
The result is a memorable scene in episode five, where the melancholic strains of “No Use” play as Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) search for an ice cave. The camera transitions to a protest scene, then to Hank strumming his guitar alone in his living room, adding a poignant, introspective moment to the episode.
For Hawkes, writing the song from Hank’s perspective was both a challenge and a blessing. “It helped narrow my focus,” he explains. “Instead of drawing from my entire range of experiences, I concentrated on what Hank would express. His personal grievances and frustrations about how his life turned out became the heart of the song. It’s funny how being specific can often make something feel more universal.”
As for playing Hank, Hawkes admits that embodying such a troubled character for an extended period wasn’t easy. “The characters in this series are dealing with a lot of pain and frustration,” he reflects. “Living in that headspace for six months takes a toll. I’m not a Method actor, but I did read the script daily, even on days when I wasn’t filming. Pretending to be in Hank’s world day in and day out starts to affect you physically and emotionally. Your mind knows it’s fiction, but your body can’t help but internalize some of that stress.”
Despite these challenges, Hawkes considers it a privilege to be part of such a powerful narrative. “It’s a small price to pay for being involved in a story as compelling and well-written as this one,” he says. His dedication has clearly paid off, as his dual Emmy nominations stand as a testament to his exceptional talent both as an actor and a musician, proving that sometimes the most unexpected elements of a performance can leave the deepest impact.
Follow https://adelaadven.net/ for more updates!
