I actually read one that somehow compared this series to "The Lord of the Rings"... Lol, what dorks! It says right at the outset in plain English that the story is loosely based on historical events i.e. not a documentary; so do any of these ticked off reviewers know what a drama is... I mean besides the one they are personally having over the the production of this movie?!All the egregious inaccuracies aside that somehow defame the great state of Texas in so many ways that I'm not even seeing (but I guess you had to be there... like some of these reviewers think they were), the series was alright; a little slow at points but worth a watch. I didn't like Bill Paxton cast as Sam Houston probably because he looked nothing like the "Actual" Sam Houston who existed hundreds of years ago... also there was a bush in the town of Victoria that shouldn't have been there; seriously just enjoy the movie and don't over-think things... you'll be happier in life.

This 5-part 10-hour TV mini-series starts with the defeat at the Alamo. It follows the fight between General Sam Houston (Bill Paxton) and Santa Anna (Olivier Martinez) as well as other stories. Santa Anna would eventually lose the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836 and be captured. The last episode would see the aftermath and the rise of the Texas Rangers.There are some obvious accuracy problems even to a clueless guy like me. The question is whether it matters. The channel is called History Channel afterall. It ain't Lifetime and this is important history unlike "Hatfields & McCoys". One can play around with minor legends and folklore but if you play around with major history, it'd be nice to plaster the entire show with flashing neon signs saying THIS AIN'T TRUE.The second problem is that the opening misdirected me by pontificating that all these various groups have differing goals. One of the first scene is Indians acting and portrayed as Indians from old Hollywood movies. That includes killing them easily and then mourning over the one white guy getting killed. It's very old fashion. At least, the Indians have one early scene discussing the politics and that saved the show at that point.The first episode is very boring. Houston and his group are stuck in camp. I feel like some of his men who are itching to get moving. That idea could have been delivered in a more compelling way. It's not until the second episode that a big battle occur. This is still a show and it should try to hook the viewers right away. The obvious solution is to show some of the battle at the Alamo.Just as the show seems to be picking up steam in the second episode, it loses me for good when the Mexican commander calls Colonel James Fannin a wetback. It is problematic on so many levels and it shows me the care with which the writers take. They think they're more clever than they actually are.The actors in general are very good quality but they're not all necessarily shown in the best light. Bill Paxton is listless, I don't generally like Olivier Martinez and the years haven't been kind to Brendan Fraser. The acting is still generally good. The action scenes are also generally good for a TV miniseries. The production is relatively well made but those are not the problem.

Creating a work of fiction around historical events in inaccurately depicted locations and calling it history is laughable. Mountainous, desert-like terrain in Victoria and Harrisburg? Large rocky outcrops and caves at San Jacinto? Seriously? Both of those locations are on the Texas coastal plain, where the closest thing to a hill is a good 300- 400 miles to the west. Even the depictions of San Antonio and Goliad were grossly inaccurate. No amount of very good acting can compensate for the fabricated melodrama in this series. The representation of Emily West is 99 percent fiction; very little is actually known about her. One Texas hero, Stephen F. Austin, is barely mentioned. The role of the Commanche, among other native peoples, is glossed over.All in all, I was very disappointed with this film. While it's something I'd expect to see on the broadcast networks, it's not up to snuff for the History Channel.

I rarely leave reviews, but as I have seen some of the not so nice reviews about this epic miniseries I felt the need to come and put in my two sense. I will do my best to write this review it with limited spoilers but there may be a few so you have been warned. First off I must say that Bill Paxton, Brenden Fraiser, Christopher McDonald, Oliver Martinez and the entire cast have done a phenomenal job bringing such a historical event to life. I cannot turn away, even during the bloody parts when I wish I could, I find myself on the edge of my seat with anticipation! Jeffrey Dean Morgan though has stolen the series for me, his performance as "Deaf" Smith is one of, if not the best, of his career thus far. His loyalty and strength even while battling his own demon in the form of an illness is showcased with a preciseness that few could have pulled off. Throughout the series we see a transformation that is gut wrenching on the outside but his spirit remains so strong and beautiful that one could almost weep. I cannot praise the acting talents of Mr. Morgan enough in his portrayal and he alone is enough reason to take the epic 10 hour journey that is Texas Rising. (The farther in the series progressed the more in love I found myself falling with this this valiant character.) The conclusion of Texas Rising is just less than a week away and although I cannot wait for it to air, I am sad that it will be over. I have traveled to a place in history with this series that we only skimmed over in history class and find myself researching the actual events as each week airs, so not only is it entertaining but also educational! I highly recommend that you NOT take the negative reviews that you see about TR as final word and that you give the series a shot for yourself especially if you are into this sort of thing. Oh and check out Ray Liotta! Although you will have to look hard to recognize him he is rather shocking and brings gritty to a whole new level.