Sun Records

If the show is gonna portray people from the deep South, then it should put actors in place who don't have to fake the accents. I was born and raised during this time in the Mississippi Delta, watched these guys when I was young, and was really looking forward to this show, but I am so put off by the fake Southern drawls that I am having a hard time with it.

Loyal Elvis fans and devotees of Sam Phillips and Sun Records may find the restraints that a short mini-series (6 episodes) imposes on a big history frustrating. The condensing of the history is perhaps foregivable, although it appears remiss to have overlooked artists such as Howlin' Wolf and B. B. King, and arguably relocating some facts in the time-line creates greater dramatic impact. But in the telling of Elvis' story the writers appear to have relied more on myth and gossip rather than the known facts, and in some instances there are glaringly rewrites of history. Although some reviewers themselves appear to misinterpreted the facts: for example the relationship between Marion K and Sam Phillips was, according to Peter Guralnick, physical. However, all involved have created a series that goes some way to invoking the excitement of the times, with the cast giving credible and believable performances. If you can overcome any frustrations this is an enjoyable fun piece of television that left me wanting more when the credits had rolled on the final episode. I for one would like a season 2, but with a poor showing when aired it seems unlikely that CMT will pick-up the option.

The TV series was cancelled after only one season of 8 episodes. They wasted way too much time telling the back stories of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Never got close to the "Million Dollar Quartet" gathering of those four early rock stars that was the basis for the series and would have been the big finale of the show. Instead it ends with just the "warm up" for the main event. Disappointing! Also strays from some of the facts. For example, Marion Keisker was older and not as attractive as the actress in the seires and she never had an affair with Sam Phillips. Could have been a great series if they had moved the story along much faster and got to the Million Dollar Quartet by the 8th and final episode, but instead they tried to "milk it" for 2 or 3 seasons. BIG MISTAKE!

My husband and I loved this show. Having grown up in the South myself during the time of Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis it was especially memorable for me. Actually bought an Elvis 45 on Sun Records label in Georgia 1955. We found the background on Sam Phillips (sexiest man on TV)and his life as well as Col. Parker the most interesting part of the show. We all know how Elvis, Johnny, and the others all turned out. Who knew what a sleeze Tom Parker was, or how hard it was to get Sun Records established. Loved all the characters Couldn't wait for the next episode. The casting of these characters was brilliant to say the least. I really hope there is a next season . My family as well as many of my friends will be eagerly watching.

So what if it's not 100% correct on ages and time lines of events? (Hank Snow was older than those emerging singers in real life... does it bother me that he is portrayed younger? No.)

Billy Gardell (from the CBS sitcom "Mike and Molly") shows an impressive range of acting with his portrayal of Col. Tom Parker. The maniacal "Dewey Phillips" character as an out of control disc jockey is hilarious. There is too much good about this series to let it be outweighed by nit-picking as they call it in the south.