Briarpatch

Quirky it may be. Acting is fine, regardless of the obvious limited script work being put in. But this is often the result of not much real meat being given to the cast. And this adapted screenplay is reflective of this, as overall it is lacking all but the occasional witty humor Ross' original work is known for. Give me quality compressed adaptations of Leonard or McCarthy any day over this pointless drawn out for TV mini-series approach.

A meticulously-paced neo-noir straight from the pages of a pulp fiction paperback. I'll be picking up the Ross Thomas novel this is adapted from and I can't wait to watch this series again. Fantastic production-, costume-, and character-design, and pitch-perfect music score and soundtrack. Definitely going to test the patience of those who prefer more mainstream, fast-paced drama, but this limited series slows to a halt, lingering just like the 100-degree heat and sun of the Smalltown, Texas, it resides in. Do yourself a favor: Watch the trailer, and then treat yourself to one episode at a time. Really chew on it. Throwaway comments by this collected mix of characters could be important clues as you need to solve the mystery just like Rosario Dawson's sizzling, brooding Allegra Dill. Edi Gathegi, Jay R. Ferguson, Brian Geraghty, and Kim Dickens all give incredible supporting performances as well, and there's a few unexpected cameos, too. The chief villain, the elusive Clyde Brattle, is played to perfection by Alan Cumming, reuniting him with Josie and the Pussycats (2001) co-star, Rosario Dawson. As dark and gritty as the show is, there's also some fantastic moments of dark humor. Highly recommend for any fans of whodunnits and stories that force you to think as well as entertain.

As a huge fan of European Noir, I loved this show. It was noir in oppressive sunlight, cool even though the billboard registered heat. After reading others' reviews, I'm convinced all the less-than-7-Star ratings here so far are due to ADHD or a lack of patience. The shallowness of most American network TV has made us crave cheap, junk-food entertainment. This show is the opposite-complex, unfolding, and hard to figure-oozing style to spare.

Can we withhold reviews until the season has ran its course? I'm seeing 5-6 star reviews criticizing one episode; why not visit that episode specifically and rate it? We don't know how this show will unfold so there is nothing to conclude just yet. I like the show so far, it has mystery and good acting. Too soon to tell how I will rate it, but for now, it's a 10 to balance out the premature reviews toward the series as a whole.

The bar is so low that this show clears it with little effort. It has a "feel" to it that is hard to describe. Any successful production keeps you interested enough that you aren't constantly picking out flaws and plot holes. It makes you unconscious of time and actually want to see more. Will it keep up the pace and not bow to corporate meddling? See, I want to watch more ... fingers crossed.