retjud

I'm still loving this. Yes, an Ackles fan, but the show itself draws me on by its different takes on a procedural. It uses those LA locations for maximum cinematic effect. Meachum's countdown is gripping and well acted. The mole in the hole a twisty subplot with all its misdirections. I love the fast cuts and the juxtapositions of Team Borys and Team Task Force - it adds to the pace. The endings of a lot of the episodes (especially #7 so far), leave me with my heart rate up so Mission Accomplished, Countdown. More please.

Your first sentence in the overview is wrong. Not just Texas's greatest but probably tied with Dylan for America's greatest. They have vastly different styles - Dylan is a moveable feast, Guy hews songs seemingly from time itself, polishes them into gems that only he can truly perform although great singers have done great covers. I have read the book almost to shreds because this life is so compelling and though I could do without the conceit of someone voicing excerpts from Susannah's diary, the story speaks for itself as you follow the pillar in the heart of the storm. And the performances shine. If you don't cry at Randall Knife or the awards performance of Dublin Blues, you have no heart. Greatly missed.

Pluses:

• a tale demanding to be told and a people willing to share it
• standout performances from native actresses and actors and by Jesse Plemons
• outstanding costuming
• beautiful cinematography and sets
• lovely score, never overpowering

Minuses:

• DiCaprio and DeNiro are caricatures, faces frozen in a grimace or sneer
• gratuitous casting choices: Nashville musicians distract from the film
• cameos from Hollywood venerables shoehorned into tiny roles
• Scorsese self indulgence - cameo roles from Hollywood venerables, closing gratuitous monologue
• needed native directors, writer's room presence not just consultants

Would I recommend? On the fence. I found the book absorbing and compelling but some folks need the visuals.l, so maybe with caveats.