Some random thoughts now that I’ve seen it:
On an unrelated note, how do you guys stick so many ad breaks?
Overall, a very solid start, and I’m already looking forward to more.
What irritated me
The music - so much music!!
All the shots of Austin - I know they got backing from the local authorities to film there, but the intermittent travelogs grated a little.
The bar scene - introduce Geri, have her look awkwardly (or longingly?) at Cordell, have the “dance” awkwardly for a few seconds, and then? For me, she maybe should have been kept back til the next episode. I hope she grows on me, cos for now she was just...meh.
I found some of the dialogue indistinct (perhaps because of the music?), particularly Emily’s last call and Micki’s formal introduction to Cordell, two pivotal points in the story. Also, what do the children call their grandmother?
Please, could we take the cheesy soft focus lighting away from Ghost!Emily, just for me?
What I liked
The strong family dynamic -
Bonham’s swift ego pricking of Cordell when they first meet again, and his plea to put a bell on Stella. Loved both!
Gen seemed totally different (granted, from Ruby) to me - softer, for want of a better word. She’s already been well portrayed as loving and very capable. I’m intrigued by the circumstances of her death - did she stumble across human traffickers, or drug dealers, out in the desert (and do both Captain James and Liam know more than they’re letting on about it, as they’re both a bit too keen to get Cordell offside - with the task force, or to stop digging into her death). Also, what’s the deal with the poker chip? Again, great potential!
Liam seems to already have resentment bubbling under the surface for his brother’s absence, but loves him on some level - it’s going to be a fascinating dynamic with these two as well.
August is so sweet, but my heart aches for him already - forced, as his father admits, to grow up too quickly, and so desperate not to be a burden.
I like Stella - she’s flawed like her father - scared, hurting, snarky, missing her mom, wishing her father would really “get” her.
Momma Abeline - the family lynchpin - perceptive, loving, cleverly corralling her brood.
Cordell himself - a very human “legend”, complicated, angry at himself for not saving Emily, but still, despite everything, (overly?) dedicated to his work. I enjoy layered, not always perfect characters.
Micki had Cordell pegged quickly. I like her strength (and that she got to deliver the kick!) She’s smart, sharp (especially her comebacks), cares about her job. In short, she’s a nicely rounded character. I want to see more of her sparky relationship with the very lovely Trey. “Partner huh? Boyfriend huh?” He’s not intimated by the “legend” at all lol