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!
