Briarpatch

Wow, great premise, bunch of weird small-town characters, stellar performance by Ms. Dawson of someone waaay too good for this bunch and this town. Corruption smolders. Rosario cruises through it like a knife through butter, at least at first. They're going to try to drag her down, I can see that after one episode. But, I can't wait to see where we go from here! It's completely got my attention. "Briarpatch," great title. Also, fantastic use of animals to make some subtle points. Highly recommended, at least so far.

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.

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.

Visually interesting with moments of beauty. Intricate plotting. Rosario Dawson looks amazing and plays a character drawn in a classic male archetype. She strides in her heels as firmly as Eastwood or Olyphant.

Tidily wrapped up although they left some room for more if someone has a great idea. Excellent cast including Stan from Mad Men doing a Texan Nathan Fillion and nailing it. You'll recognize almost everyone you see.

It doesn't reach the level of Justified at its best but it's in that vein. Nothing could top Terriers for character development and heart. But if you imagine that Cusack came back in town for revenge not just a reunion....you'll see the clear parallels. And add a dash of Lonestar while you're at it.

Well worth the watch for anyone who likes beautiful ass kicking women, dark humor, noir in the sunshine or tigers.

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.