This show came to my attention after I was made aware that many cultist leaders in fiction were based on a real person called David Koresh. Right away the cast and crew grab your attention. Well-known actors and the production team powered the show and elevated it right from Episode 1. So what holds this show back from being great?
This show is plagued with misinformation and fails to paint an accurate picture of David Koresh. A good example is the lack of light on the survivor Heather Jones, who was physically assaulted by David Koresh multiple times, months in a row, and confirmed that David Koresh would have sex with children as young as ten years old and completely brainwash them.
Clive Doyle, a follower of David Koresh also confirmed many of the same facts, not to mention the lack of credit given to the other negotiators not named Gary Noesner. It is also rather pathetic how many of the more radical recordings of David Koresh, where he claims to be the lord himself, weren't included in this series. This biased point of view for a TV series based on real events is disturbing when you realize how it can plant a false idea in the heads of other fanatics. Additionally, the character of Katherine Schroeder required a far greater spotlight. She is a perfect example of someone who was a brainwashed individual at a tier above other women. If you look at her modern interviews, she is clearly still enamored with the idea of being in bed with GOD and bringing his seed to life.
Regardless, the show is an entertaining watch due to its good pacing, production, and superb acting. Especially Taylor Kitsch, who went through an impressive physical transformation to closely resemble David Koresh, and Michael Shannon, who acts as this truly neutral character that is both relatable and exciting to watch. Paul Sparks also deserves credit for the role of Steve Schneider, probably the second most impactful character from the other side. Despite the skewed storytelling, the show manages to get some things right, which deserves praise.
It is a good show that loses its chance of being great.
