Comedy
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ is a fitting sequel series to Disney’s ‘Wizards of Waverly Place.’ And that can be a good or a bad thing.
“If drinkin’ don’t kill me, her memory will,” laments a 1980s George Jones in song, with fans speculating that the “her” he references is none other than ex-wife Tammy Wynette.
Nicknamed the President and First Lady of Country Music, the two swept the nation—not only with their songs, but also with their tumultuous relationship.
Their romance began when Tammy was already married, to aspiring songwriter Don Chapel. Tammy and Don, only wanted to pitch one of Don’s songs to the famous George (who was also married) in hopes of gaining a little more fame themselves. But it was apparent that George couldn’t care less for Don. His sights were set on Tammy.
It wasn’t long before the two left their spouses for one another. Soon after, Tammy (somewhat ironically) released her most popular track, “Stand By Your Man.” But the advice Tammy sings in her song would prove difficult to follow, as the two’s relationship eventually ended after six years of marriage—but not before the two had a child, Georgette Jones, together.
And in George & Tammy, the couple’s relationship is retold by Georgette.
Well, “No Show Jones” (a nickname actually coined because of George’s habit of cancelling performances) finally has a show. But he may have been better off without it.
There’s a bit of a negative (at least from a Christian perspective) stereotype around musicians—that their lives are filled with indulging in all the kinds of things that might make the rest of us blush. George Jones is no exception to that rule, and George & Tammy won’t soften the blow, either.
Jones struggled with alcoholism throughout his life, and the Showtime miniseries brings the issues front and center. We’ll also see some nudity and hear some language. And with only the first of six episodes streaming at the time of this review, we wouldn’t be surprised if much more content was to come.
Tammy and Don drive to meet George Jones, hoping to find fame—but Tammy’s sudden budding relationship with George begins to crack their marriage.
A naked woman is seen laying on a bed, her rear partially visible. Another woman is seen in her underwear. Later, Tammy is seen in the shower, and her breasts are partially visible. While Tammy is showering, Don takes a photo of her, saying that he likes to look at her when she’s not home. George claims to be a Pentecostal and sensually says “best look out, we do crazy things with our tongues.” Don asks George is he plans to have sex with Tammy, and George replies that he would like to. A woman’s nipples are evident against a thin fabric. It’s also made clear that George has no objections to cheating on his wife.
George is a heavy alcoholic, and we frequently see him drinking and, occasionally, intoxicated. George’s song, “White Lightning,” is a reference to moonshine. A dozen beer bottles and cans clutter a room. George calls alcohol “the sweet nectar of the gods.” Many people are seen smoking.
An inebriated George shoots bullet holes in the roof of his bus, causing the vehicle to crash. He also flips a table and breaks a window out of anger.
George says “hallelujah” sarcastically when he hears news. Tammy discusses singing “Blessed Be Thy Name” to appeal to Christians in her audience. George urinates on the carpet and on his own boot. He also tears and throws money into a toilet, flushing the cash down.
The f-word is used twice, and the s-word is heard three times. We also hear a couple instances of “a–,” “b–ch,” “d–n,” “b–tard” and “h—.” God’s name is abused five times, and Jesus’ name is used in vain once. Don makes a sexist comment.
Kennedy Unthank studied journalism at the University of Missouri. He knew he wanted to write for a living when he won a contest for “best fantasy story” while in the 4th grade. What he didn’t know at the time, however, was that he was the only person to submit a story. Regardless, the seed was planted. Kennedy collects and plays board games in his free time, and he loves to talk about biblical apologetics. He’s also an avid cook. He thinks the ending of Lost “wasn’t that bad.”
‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ is a fitting sequel series to Disney’s ‘Wizards of Waverly Place.’ And that can be a good or a bad thing.
Shape Island may charm little viewers and won’t bend their parents out of shape. But the show can also feel surprisingly flat.
Max’s newest release, Task, takes audiences to task with a slow-burn storyline involving graphic violence, nudity and crude language.
It’s fun, but the show is guilty of lack of restraint in the second degree—a senseless crime if ever there was one.
