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Director, Writer, Actor, Producer Kevin Costner unfortunately falls into the trap of wearing too many hats in this long (3 hr. & 1 min.) Chapter 1 of 4 Chapters epic western.

Yes, almost everyone loves a good western, but when multiple characters and character storylines are introduced within one major storyline and jumbled around, it leaves the viewer wondering which story to follow and with very little commitment to any of them.

Cinematography by J. Michael Muro is impressive, but so much of it is pushed along by a predictable music score and Costner's staged camera work that the visuals becomes a wash in effects. While a slur of established actors will grace the screen in this epic tale, this first Chapter featured many miss-casted actors (Casting by April Webster and Angela Young), excessive make-up, lots of actors standing around and unnecessary plots that one can only hold ones breathe on what's to come.

Chapter 1 of 4 Chapters may have been a good idea in Costner's head, but he should have seen the issues once pen was put to paper. This is what happens when one person runs the entire ship. Costner is a skill entertainer, and should be able to fix the next Chapters.

HBO has gone out on the limb recently introducing several "unique" shows: Painting with John, The Rehearsal and now Jerrod Carmichael's Reality Show. Of the three, Carmichael's 2024 Gotham TV Award for Breakthrough Nonfiction Series deserves some attention.

Comedian Jerrod Carmichael (2022 Emmy-wining comedy special "Rothaniel") was given an eight-episode series from HBO following his coming out and desire to speak personally about his family relations. Why an individual needs/desires a public format in which to throw their family/friends/lovers under the bus, and why HBO was willing to green light the idea, is baffling.

I don't know Carmichael's comedy, so maybe his self-deprecating, Me, Me, Me style is his thing? If it is, I don't find it funny or interesting.

Throughout the series, he uses the camera to hide behind how poorly he treats himself, his family and his boyfriend. So embarrassed to be part of Carmichael's series, a "friend" will only appear in a mask and altered voice.

Trying to wrap his comedy into the series, he occasionally drops in and out of his stand-up (sit-down) comedy routine. Why his audience would sit through his self-absorbed rambling doesn't make sense. If he wants a therapy session, why invite an audience. Get a therapist and get a room! Supporting his lack of self-respect for himself and his audience, he appears on stage wearing crocks and socks and demonstrates a total lack in taste for his appearance.

Carmichael managed to get his 15-minutes of fame and some. Unfortunately, he took many people down with him.

This Peacock Original TV Limited Series has all the makings of a terrific "White Louts" type series, with its interesting and intertwining storyline and a cast of high profile actors. Unfortunately, that's were it stops.

Based on Liane Moriarty's book of the same name, Melanie Marnich, brings the story to the streaming world. Sharing writing duties with Moriarty and other writers, the series falls short with its predictable writing, staging and directing (Chris Sweeney and Dawn Shadforth).

Annette Benning, Sam Neill play distant parents and are at the heart of the series mystery. Jake Lacy (Season 2 - "White Lotus") is one of the several adult children (none who resemble each other of their parents) trying to figure out the "who did it". Through it all, all are left trying hard to make something out of nothing.

While it's easy to stay with the seven episode story, it's equally easy to wonder way you're sticking around.