George & Tammy

An interesting series with excellent acting performances.

The show deals with the lives of two country stars, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, their successes and failures. The series is actually a good old-fashioned drama, where the characters are the most important, and the series depends on how good the acting will be. And the acting here is very good.

Jessica Chastain is convincing in the role of Tammy Wynette and has managed to portray a fragile person who is both inspiring and tragic at the same time. The relationship between George and her is particularly well portrayed, and Michael Shannon is interesting in the role of George Jones.

George Jones is portrayed here as a conflicted person, complex, and in the end he is shown to be someone who is ready to face his mistakes, albeit a little late. Walton Goggins is great as Earl "Peanutt" Montgomery, the man who ends up helping George Jones.

Walton Goggins plays a minor but crucial role in this story. Somehow, I was left with the impression that it would have been even better if this story had been made into a movie, and not into a TV series, because then the story would be more dynamic and would leave an even greater impression on the viewer. This way, sometimes it seemed that some parts were stretched and acted as filler.

The last episode is definitely the best. But, even with these small flaws, the series is definitely worth watching, because of the interesting story and even more interesting characters.

It shows us a glimpse of a different time, which was certainly interesting.

Definitely worth watching.

As Episode 1 of "George & Tammy" (2022 release; 6 episodes of about 50 min. Each) opens, the King of Country is barely holding it together at the Grand Ole Opry. Soon after, Tammy is introduced to George at a seedy motel where he is staying with 2 women (neither being his wife), and she convinces him to let her open some of his shows. It's not long before George takes a serious interest in Tammy, who is married herself... At this pint we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is the long-delayed mini series, helmed by Australian director John Hillcoat ("The Road", countless music videos). It brings the story of George Jones, then in his late 30s and already on the decline, and Tammy Wynette, more than a decade his junior and just about to rise like a meteor. In that this reminded me immediately of "A Star Is Born", rather than, say, "Walk The Line" as one of the other reviews states. The central question is: why would Tammy Wynette chose a life with a guy who is an alcoholic, a serial cheater (if not worse) and basically an overall loser? We get snippets of an explanation in Episode 1. I was quite impressed with Episode 1, from the production sets to the music, etc., but let's state the obvious: the lead performances by Jessica Chastain (as Tammy) and Michael Shannon (as George) are simply outstanding. Chastain IS Wynette, period. (Chastain also performs the songs, check out "Apartment No. 9" and "D. I. V. O. R. C. E." in Episode 1, and you'll see what I mean.

Episode 1 of "George & Tammy" premiered on Showtime last night and is now available on SHO on Demand and the streaming all. The remainder 5 episodes will be released on Sunday evening at 9 pm Eastern over the next 5 weeks. Can't wait to see the remainder episodes. If you have any interest in Tammy Wynette (or George Jones), or simply are in the mood for a mini-series with great lead performances, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

UPDATE Just saw Episode 2 and it reinforces all I saw before. Must see!

I finished watching the last episode last night. It's just an amazing story of what love is or could be.

It will be shameful if Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon don't win the highest awards. Everyone needs to see this. It is a timeless story of a particular time.

The movie epitomizes the glimpse of real life story that is imbedded in the fabric of American life, with the good and the bad. Human weaknesses and inspiration take center stage.

Music, sets, make-up, direction, writing, is all a standout compared to the meaningless rubbish, being thrown at viewers.

The fact they sing it themselves is incredible and awe inspiring.

It seems to be a trend right now to have shows about true life stories or loosely based stories. From start to finish it really kept my attention their love and struggles while hearing music I enjoy. I see people posting the singing was terrible, but I do not think so. Shannon especially sounded good. I think people get in their head the real singers and will not have it in their heads someone else singing some of the songs. Sometimes we do not see past the true performances on stage and tv. The characters we derive in our heads may be completely different than their true personalities so you got to go into it open minded. Unlike some of the other stories I have watched recently that the captivating parts were in the first 2-3 episodes this was different it kept my attention start to finish. I am sure that everything is not completely accurate, but I found it well put together and interesting.

This review is written to those who were never brought up listening to "country" music. I'm one who wasn't. I watched this series because I like the main actors. Man, I blown away by the lyrics of these songs and the way they were sung! I didn't care if George and Tammy's life was accurately portrayed. I cared more about how the actors and the series itself made the words to these songs so vivid to me. I congratulate everyone who made this emotional story possible... which included their youngest daughter. It made me appreciate this music so much more. I'm impressed how how these simple songs can be packed with so much emotion. I'm convinced that anyone who isn't familiar with this genre will develop a special liking for it. I sure as hell did.