Waco: American Apocalypse

... are the last words of this documentary. And I just wanted to honour that excellent statement by making it the title of my review.

Like many people, I of course had once heard of "Texas Waco". But when I now think of it, I have to admit that I actually never knew or understood what it really stood for. Yes, I had an idea that it had to do with some kind of cult where many people lost there lives. But, it was this documentary that made me aware for the first time of what actually happened there.

I think it is worth to mention that - after seeing this documentary - that I am amazed that Netflix even produced this documentary. This since it appears to be a really black page in the history of the USA.

The most impressive is to see that the team behind the documentary was able to get many important people included in the documentary. And this from all sides: ATF, FBI, media, and even more impressive, the "Davidian" people that were present in the location. So you will be able to hear the experiences from snipers, negotiators, "cult"-members, politicians, journalists ... and even one of the first ATF agents that entered the building, got shot and was brought to hospital.

This allows the viewer to at least create a "fair" opinion of whom was involved and responsible for the so-called "Waco Massacre". And mind you, even people of the FBI itself were critical of how the situation was handled with.

The documentary impressed me in such a way, that it even made me check on the internet on how the government commemorates the events that happened on that location. And it amazed me that - on a spot where over 80 people died - only one small memorial was placed: i.e. For the 4 ATF agents that died... The other 80 people that lost their lives - including 20 innocent children - seem to go lost. It in some kind of way is a continuation of denial of the ugly events that happened at the site.

And that is why I think this documentary is so important to watch. Because the government clearly doesn't come out unscathed. And the viewer is even reminded of that by showing some direct events that happened a few years later (not mentioning them to prevent spoiling it).

Concluding, I want to mention that I will not give a rating. Just out of respect of the many lives lost. Giving any rating - either high or low - will not do justice to how ugly the events are that you will learn of. I mean, how can I rate something either positive when I see so-called "hero-shots" of ATF and FBI agents poaching with their guns in front of tanks that were used in events where many people got killed. And how can I rate something negative when you see the way that many people involved - from either side - cry tears about the events that occured. And mind you, that's tears from the most hardened FBI agents... I can only say that this documentary deserves an Academy Award for how honest it is in displaying these ugly events.

As a final remark of my review, I want to say that I will not easily forget the words of an FBI person:

"I don't know what hell looks like..." (long silence) "... maybe that".

I was only a child when the OK bombing happened, on my birthday of all days. I had heard of Waco before, but didn't know the whole story or that the two were related.

This was a really tragic event, started by one side that was asking for trouble, but both sides are to blame for the outcome. The real tragedy is the kids. Everyone else had plenty of time to make their decision to stay or leave, but the kids are the real victims.

What's crazy about this doc is comparing it to society today. Thinking about how many others out there have the ability to manipulate others so much, that many of them would rather die than to look at their life choices and lack of logic, and change.

"Waco: American Apocalypse" (2023 release; 3 episodes ranging 44 to 51 minutes each) is the latest reassessment of the events that took place 30 years ago in Waco, TX, leading to 90 deaths. As Episode 1 opens, we are immediately in the thick of things as the ATP is trying to execute on a search warrant at the Mount Carmel compound, where a religious cult led by David Koresh is living. Things go wrong from the get-go, and there is an enormous shootout between dozens of ATP agents and the religious cult... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from director Tiller Russell ("Night Stalker"). What could've been a thorough review of these tragic events, instead are brought with a shocking lack of details and context. We literally are given very few details as to the religious cult itself, why ATP decided to get a search warrant, and how exactly things went wrong. What we do get are talking heads who were there: several survivors from the cult, ATP and FBI agents, local TV reporters, lawyers, etc. The lack of coordination and communication within the FBI (the negotiators vs. The Hostage Rescue Team) is shocking. Not that the Branch Davidian folks are much better. Or as one talking head puts it: "Everybody in this touched the ball and fumbled." There are no winners. Back to the lack of details: at the end of the day that April 19, 1993, the mini-series concludes just like that. Not a single word about the YEARS of subsequent legal cases, all the way up to the Supreme Court. Also no information as to what became of the survivors that participated in this documentary. Wow, just wow. This documentary should be titled "Waco: American Tragedy", both as to the events that happened there and as to this mini-series.

"Waco: American Apocalypse" recently premiered on Netflix, and I watched all 3 episodes in a single setting last night. The mini-series isn't completely horrible, but it should have been so much better than this. Of course don't take my word for it so check it out and draw your own conclusion.

The 3-part documentary ultimately ends up being one more instance of religious extremism, juxtaposed with the failings of the FBI in handling such a situation. There are interviews with some of the survivors from the incident, but to listen to them (except one, who completely breaks down) justify it all in the name of religion makes me sick to my stomach. Is it so hard for those people to acknowledge that David Koresh was a monster? The law enforcement also messed up big time by conveying one thing over negotation-talks and the guys on the field doing the exact opposite. The eventual outcome? 80-something deaths. It'll always remain a dirty little stain in USA's history, especially for the state of Texas. For what it's worth, I'd have liked to know more about Koresh and his doings at the compound, which are only fleetingly mentioned.

Cult leader, David Koresh refused to vacate his property when The Authorities learned that hus commune contained a huge armoury. When The FBI decide they want to enter the property, a 51 day, bloody siege begins.

It's a thought provoking documentary, it really does move the dial of your opinion from one way to the other, early on I considered that The Authorities tried to sort the situation whilst considering the people and CHILDREN involved, by the end, I can't say I thought that was the case.

Very well made, with some fascinating first hand insight, everyone truly did bring something to the table, so often documentaries present us with an echo chamber of opinions, here we get several contrasting and conflicting views.

Some fascinating footage, considering it dated back to 1993, that was some clear camera work, again though you have to question who's holding the camera.

The third episode, personally I found it sickening, I condemn the behaviours and actions of Koresh, but that building had children inside, the assault that followed was disgraceful. I wonder if this particular cased is used in training, what happens when things are badly planned, badly handled, and brawn takes over from brains.

8/10.