JANUARY 2023:
A PRESIDENTIAL RETELLING…
George & Tammy is a Showtime limited series from 2022 that chronicles the tumultuous and passionate love story of country music legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Starring Michael Shannon as George Jones and Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette, the series provides a captivating and emotional portrayal of the iconic couple’s lives and careers.
The performances in George & Tammy are nothing short of remarkable. Michael Shannon flawlessly captures George Jones‘ unique voice and mannerisms, bringing an authenticity to the portrayal that is both captivating and haunting. He skillfully portrays the complex layers of Jones‘ personality, from his undeniable talent to his inner demons, creating a three-dimensional character that feels genuine and relatable.
Jessica Chastain‘s portrayal of Tammy Wynette is equally impressive. She effortlessly embodies the strength and vulnerability that defined Tammy‘s persona, both on and off the stage. Chastain‘s performance showcases the depth of Wynette‘s emotions, and her rendition of Tammy’s iconic songs is both powerful and moving.
The series does an exceptional job of exploring the passionate and tumultuous relationship between George and Tammy. It delves into their initial meeting, their love at first sight, their rollercoaster romance, and the challenges they faced both as artists and as a couple. The chemistry between Shannon and Chastain on-screen is palpable, making their love story all the more captivating.
George & Tammy also offers a captivating look into the world of country music during the height of its popularity. The attention to detail in recreating the music scene of the era, along with the inclusion of iconic performances and hit songs, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the series.
Furthermore, the show explores the complexities of fame and the toll it takes on artists and their personal lives. It doesn’t shy away from depicting the darker aspects of George and Tammy’s relationship, providing a well-rounded portrayal that humanizes these legendary figures.
While George & Tammy does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the legendary couple, some viewers may find the pacing a bit uneven at times. Certain plot lines and character arcs could have been given more time to develop fully, but this minor flaw doesn’t detract significantly from the overall impact of the series.
In conclusion, George & Tammy is a must-watch for fans of country music and anyone interested in compelling love stories. With outstanding performances from Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain, the series successfully brings the tumultuous romance of George Jones and Tammy Wynette to life. It is a poignant and emotional journey that pays homage to the enduring legacy of these two iconic artists and the indelible mark they left on the world of country music.
THE CAST AND CHARACTERS…
JESSICA CHASTAIN AS TAMMY WYNETTE…
Michael Shannon as George Jones…
Steve Zahn as George Richey…
Walton Goggins as Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery…
David Wilson Barnes as Billy Sherrill…
Kelly McCormack as Sheila Richey…
Katy Mixon as Jan Smith…
Robert Morgan as Pappy Daily…
John Teer as Harold Bradley…
Tim Blake Nelson as Roy Acuff…
Pat Healy as Don Chapel…
Kate Arrington as Charlene Montgomery…
Abby Glover as Georgette Jones…
EPISODES…
EPISODE TITLE: “The Race Is On”
DIRECTOR: John Hillcoat
WRITTEN BY: Abe Sylvia
AIRDATE: December 4, 2022
In 1967, George Jones has become infamous for missing shows due to his alcoholism. Virginia Pugh, having experienced some success on the country charts as Tammy Wynette, rushes to see him perform at the Grand Ole Opry with her husband, Don Chapel. Tammy‘s producer Billy Sherrill introduces Tammy to George, who agrees to have her open for him on tour, causing conflict between Tammy and Don, who pushes her to pitch his song “When the Grass Grows Over Me“ for Jones to record. George watches Tammy perform “Apartment No. 9“ during a soundcheck and connects to her emotional lyrics and vocal delivery.
EPISODE TITLE: “Stand By Your Man”
DIRECTOR: John Hillcoat
WRITTEN BY: Abe Sylvia
AIRDATE: December 11, 2022
In a flashback to 1965, Tammy receives electric shock treatment after being committed to a psychiatric hospital by her mother for trying to leave her first husband. As word spreads around Nashville that George and Tammy are together, Billy Sherrill convinces George to leave his producer Pappy Daily so that he and Tammy can both be on Epic Records and they subsequently record their first duet: “Take Me“. George confesses that he is afraid people will not accept their relationship but Tammy promises him they will be together forever and they marry. Their relationship gains significant media attention and causes a resurgence in George‘s career. George Richey reveals that Tammy‘s divorce from Don wasn’t legal so Billy hires a lawyer to take care of it. Tammy and Billy subsequently write “Stand by Your Man“.
EPISODE TITLE: “We’re Gonna Hold On”
DIRECTOR: John Hillcoat
WRITTEN BY: Sheri Holman and Bryan Goluboff
AIRDATE: December 18, 2022
Tammy Wynette and George Jones are on top of the world, the President & First Lady of country music: hit after hit, award after award, and a new baby, named Georgette to boot. When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents itself in Las Vegas, Tammy is forced to question whether George can handle the pressures of superstardom.
EPISODE TITLE: “The Grand Tour”
DIRECTOR: John Hillcoat
WRITTEN BY: Becky Mode
AIRDATE: December 25, 2022
George and Tammy’s relationship hits a crisis point during the Christmas holiday. The only Christmas present Tammy wants is George’s sobriety. When he cannot deliver, their relationship hits a crisis point, forcing Tammy to make a drastic threat. As both spiral and Tammy presents a bluff, the end of their married life unexpectedly inspires some of the greatest country hits of all time. When George calls her bluff, however, the two legends find themselves singing much sadder songs.
EPISODE TITLE: “Two Story House”
DIRECTOR: John Hillcoat
WRITTEN BY: Lindsey Villarreal and Sheri Holman & Abe Sylvia
AIRDATE: December 25, 2022
Post-divorce, Tammy finds herself at the top of the charts, while George finds himself at the bottom of a glass. By pouring his sorrow into song, however, George finds career resurrection, just in time for Tammy to orchestrate a reunion tour… and make a major decision that will change her life, as well as everybody else’s.
EPISODE TITLE: “Justified & Ancient”
DIRECTOR: John Hillcoat
WRITTEN BY: Abe Sylvia & Sheri Holman
AIRDATE: December 25, 2022
Now leading separate lives, the former President & First Lady of country music reunite once more after a devastating event. Their final tour hopes to bring moments of clarity and moments of grace to both George and Tammy.
George & Tammy is available now to stream on Showtime…
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