Waco

In 1993, the ATF and the FBI cop attempt to arrest members of the Branch Davidians. A religious cult operated in Waco, Texas lead by David Koresh. The feds surround the cult’s compound Mount Caramel Center. An FBI hostage negotiator named, Gary Noesner attempts to calmly resolve the situation without violent consequences. Suddenly, all heck breaks loose when the cult claim the feds shot first or the cult themselves shot first. A 51-day standoff ensues. The last day ended with Koresh getting his brains shot and the people including children who were dragged into his cult died from the burning compound. In the aftermath, surviving members of Branch Davidians were sentenced to prison for 40 years.

One of the Branch Davidian survivors, David Thibodeau wasn’t sentenced to 40 years. He was bailed out. In 1999, he published a memoir titled, “A Place Called Waco: A Survivor’s Story.” He wrote about his experience on his interactions with Koresh, the people he met and his near-death experience. In 2016, Paramount Network obtained television rights to produce a mini-series on the memoir. Michael Shannon, Taylor Kitsch & Rory Culkin (Macaulay & Kieran’s real-life brother) signed on for main roles.

“Waco” officially aired in 2018 (same year HBO’s Sharp Objects aired) on Paramount Network. It received divisive reactions from critics and viewers alike. Five Years Later, a follow-up known as, “Waco: The Aftermath” aired on Showtime focusing on trials of the surviving members of the cult. By the way, Julia Garner’s latest movie, “Weapons” is already out. Don’t forget to see her as Shalla-Bal in “The Fantastic Four: The First Steps.”

It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are present. The Siege of Waco has already been covered in various news sources.

True & False Aspects

True: Michael Shannon, Taylor Kitsch, Rory Culkin, Shea Whigman, Julia Garner and Hollywood dumbass, John Leguizamo all did an excellent job for their respective performances.

John Erick Dowdle developed the mini-series and co-wrote episodes with television writer, Salvatore Stabile.

Jeff Russo (FX’s Fargo, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Netflix’s Ripley) orchestrated the soundtrack.

Cinematography was shot normally without any technical issues.

Misinformation plays a key part in the both the mini-series and real life. ATF claim the Branch Davidians shot first. The latter didn’t fire a single shot at ’em. It’s shockingly relevant various news sources spread misinformation manipulating public opinion.

Besides Misinformation, Religion plays a key role. Koresh immorally uses the subject to manipulate people.

Random Thought: My mom was pregnant when she was watching the Waco Siege on live TV. It ended on April 19th which is approximately three months before I was born on July 23rd.

First episode builds up the siege getting to know various individuals.

Last episode ends on what happened after the siege ended.

False: The mini-series left out Koresh’s troubled childhood.

Koresh’s sympathetic portrayal didn’t make me care about him. He’s done a lot of atrocious acts including sexual assault on multiple women. That’s effed up.

Pacing can be a drab at times.

The Final Verdict: B-

Waco’s a mediocre mini-series. It would’ve been effective if Koresh wasn’t portrayed as a sympathetic individual. I’m not saying Waco’s bad, it has some good parts like the performances. Which mini-series should I review next? Please leave a comment.

In memory of the innocent victims and children. They don’t deserve to be a part of a violent siege.