Kate Reviews: Hap and Leonard

Hap and Leonard: Season One, Episode One

Found out about Hap and Leonard through a recommendation and a curious series of tweets.

Not 1800s but 1980’s this ‘darkly comic swamp noir‘, as IMDb puts it, stars James Purefoy, Michael Kenneth Williams, and Christina Hendricks. Based on the books by Joe R. Lansdale (which a number of people have recommended to me – so guess what’s near the top of my reading list?) this episode introduced all the characters nicely. Set in East Texas the two main characters try to stay out of trouble without too much luck. And then there’s the psychopaths…

Although this is not strictly a western in the traditional sense it’s still got that grittiness you’d expect from a western. And there’s gore, guns, and fighting. Perhaps this doesn’t quite fit into the horror western genre I’ve recently been looking at, but I think it will appeal to fans of that genre and of Joe R. Lansdale.

Whilst I have only watched Episode one of Hap and Leonard, I’m just finishing up this post before I go and watch the next episode (I see binge watching in my near future – and possibly Texas BBQ pizza). I’m not sure whether not having read the books will help or hinder me, but I’m sure I’ll get to them soon.

Hap and Leonard Review Conclusion

I will be watching the whole series – loved the first episode, and I think the cast is great. Can you believe I was going to review Jonah Hex this week instead of this one? I’m looking forward to getting into the dark gritty comedy and following it into the next season.

4.5 stars 

Your Suggestions Wanted: know a Weird West or Western Horror I might enjoy? Let me know in the comments or Tweet it at me. You can find me on Twitter @KateTrinity or @AuthorKTMcQueen 

This series was recommended by @DerekClark1970 

Kate Trinity

Horror and Fantasy Author – Also writing as K.T. McQueen. Love Western Horror, cowboy boots, my cactus Collin, & my Demon Cat.
Moths – I hate moths, the way they flutter at your face!