George & Tammy

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.

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!

The music was not right....it was dragging at times. The voices are not as strong as the real George and Tammy. George's voice was one of a kind. I saw him in person a few times. Maybe they should have lip synched instead. Jessica does look a little like Tammy. The action was true according to accounts I had heard before. I think this mini series could have been better. Now I'll have to get my George and Tammy albums out and give them another listen. Tim Blake Nelson was Roy Acuff who also had a big voice but not in this show. Above all, the music has to be right for a music bio to succeed. Wish this one had.

I've been captivated from start to end! The casting is amazing. Both actors have understood the assignment. Jessica is stunning and her voice OMG it's perfect.

The flipping table scene is insanely good. They better not ruin the rest of the show and this iconic love story that gave us some iconic songs although we all know it's not gonna end well, i'm still here for it😂

Jessica Chastain singing Stand by your man is candy for the ears but i really do believe i've just unlocked a new obsession for Michael Shannon! Once again an actor who does no social media so i'll have to dig for crumbles on the internet 😂

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.