 | | 01-18-2018, 08:53 AM |
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#10
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Elite Fan
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 40,153
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Thanks for that, I'll have to try and listen to it this afternoon.
Opening scene:
Quote:
Powerful performances add compelling layers to 'Waco'
Tonight, Spike officially becomes the Paramount Network.
And the new network has found the perfect project to be its first original scripted show - "Waco," a six-part series based on the true story of the 1993 standoff between the FBI, ATF and the religious sect The Branch Davidians. Even though we already know the tragic ending that is coming, "Waco" still manages to keep us in suspense by presenting not only the conflict between the religious group and the authorities, but also the conflicts going on within each side.
Based on books by a Branch Davidian survivor and an FBI negotiator, "Waco" introduces us to David Koresh (Taylor Kitsch), the leader of The Branch Davidians. Koresh believes he is the Lamb of God as detailed in the Book of Revelation and has taken several wives in order to father those he believes will be part of the judgement also referred to in the book. His true wife, Rachel (Melissa Benoist), follows his teachings implicitly, even allowing her 14-year-old sister Michelle (Julia Garner) to become one of his wives. Steve Schneider (Paul Sparks) is Koresh's righthand man, even though he has doubts after his wife, Judy (Andrea Riseborough), also becomes one of Koresh's wives.
Meanwhile, the ATF is looking for redemption after a botched standoff at Ruby Ridge, Idaho. So when ATF agents get a tip that a large amount of firearms is being transported to the Branch Davidian compound, and that children there are being physically abused, they see an opportunity to put the bureau in a positive light - even hiring a public relations person to help them capture images of ATF agents bringing the children and the guns out of the compound.
But as we remember, the ATF's strategy doesn't go as planned. And the ATF's PR opportunity turns into a 51-day standoff nightmare.
When I reached the end of the three episodes of "Waco" Paramount provided, I was disappointed because I really wanted to know what happened next - even though I already do. That's how well the show delves into the human stories behind the standoff. The characters are so well drawn you can't help but feel sorry at times for Koresh and his followers and feel anger toward the ATF and FBI, who are not cast in a very positive light by the series.
Kitsch is outstanding as he plays Koresh with considerable magnetism and charisma, making it easy to understand how the real-life Koresh could have recruited so many followers. Benoist is also excellent, taking a character most of us could never relate to and actually making her relatable. And Rory Culkin is solid as David Thibodeau, a young man Koresh recruits at the club where Koresh and his band play music.
I genuinely can't tell you whether "Waco" is completely the truth, but I can truthfully tell you it's exactly the kind of compelling television needed to launch a new network. I look forward to seeing what Paramount comes up with next.
"Waco" premieres at 10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, on the Paramount Network.
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Angela Henderson-Bentley: Powerful performances add compelling layers to 'Waco' | Features/Entertainment | herald-dispatch.com
Last edited by worthyoflove; 01-18-2018 at 11:02 AM
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