Waco

I read a few reviews of this series, and some people seem to say that the facts have been accurately portrayed. If so, not only were ATF and FBI irresponsible, but also erratic, spiteful, deplorable on every step and angle.

Why have a negotiator in charge if it was to systematically undermine him and renege on every deal he made?

I read that oh yeah Koresh did abuse young girls so he deserved it etc... For starters, that fact does not seem unequivocally established, looks like the ATF/FBI have tampered a tad with reality to match their best interest, and controlled the story-telling, at least partially. Needed to cover their backs. "If you want to put down your dog, blame it on rabies" says an old french adage.

Whatever the guy did, don't go all guns blazing. Catch him and try him.

I think everyone (pro or anti-Koresh) who watches the show will be appalled by the way they handled things. But then again, did the story really happen this way?

An amazing drama with great performances all around. As the title of my review implies, the tragedy comes down to stubbornness on both sides of this conflict. While the Branch Davidians are depicted more sympathetically than I expected, including David Koresh, he is still shown as uncompromising on certain issues despite the cost to his people and his followers as unable to break with him when it is in their best interest. And he is matched by those in charge of the ATF and FBI forces, who are smarting from the initial failed attempt to arrest Koresh and perhaps seeking revenge for the ATF men who died. Gary Noesner is the FBI negotiator who is trying to find a way to save lives. Even if you followed this story as it unfolded in the news, you will learn some things. And yet this dramatization does not neatly tie up all the loose ends and answer all the questions, leaving the viewer with much to ponder.

I must admit, I knew very a little about this Waco incident before seeing this. This story really points to the ATF and FBI really being the bad guys well more bullies than bad guys. I dunno how much is true but it certainly seems that way based on this portrayal. I was hooked from the start, The acting is amazing and so it the screen play. There are 6 episodes all an hour each and the felt like 5 mins each. I would recommend this mini-series to anyone.

This miniseries was done very well, giving perspective from both sides. Based on 2 books written, one by a Branch Davidian and one by the main FBI negotiator. Because the official government report that was written, I had always thought it was a mass suicide at the end of the standoff. This miniseries sure points to the government's failure as the cause of most of the deaths. Very thought provoking indeed. There are many well-known actors in this series, which elevates the quality of the accounts. This also brings great insight into the aspects of people's personalities that get caught up in the cult mentality. When you are insulated from any information outside your bubble, you lose the ability to think critically.

This mini-series is quite intriguing.

At the very beginning, the scene of the BATF raid bears a very close resemblance to video and photos of the historical incident.

Taylor Kitsch does a very good job in portrayal of Koresh, based on videos of Koresh. Much of the first episode is very well filmed. The two books it is based on, by different men with different perspectives could well be worth reading. The book The Davidian Massacre, by Carol Moore is a good source of information.

As a nitpicker, I could pick on a few issues. While the BATF originally entrapped Randy Weaver in order to blackmail him to become an informant, it was the US Marshals that killed his son, lied to cover it up. The actor that portrays Randy Weaver does not resemble Randy Weaver. Weaver's talks with Col. Bo Gritz, and Officer Jack Mc Lamb went on for quite a while, and eventually did lead to his surrender, and his vindication in court.

This mini-series would also be improved if it provided more background of the Branch Davidian, possibly in flash-backs.

Telling this story in the form of a mini-series is interesting. Viewers can watch one episode, then research the story on their own, and discuss it with others, and then watch the next episode.

I would urge viewers to do that, rather than paying attention to the politically correct trolls. Good people of all political persuasions and religious beliefs agree that law enforcement officers should be required to follow the law, and never be given a free pass if they murder citizens.