Carl Deuker -- Books, Movies, TV

Quite a change from True Detective.  Straight-forward narrative. Walt diagnosed with lung cancer. No money for family. A chemistry teacher, he falls into cooking meth. His goal is to "just be the cook and collect the money."  Not going to work out. Wife:  pregnant, wants him to undergo all treatment to live. Son: cerebral palsy, but teenage hormones also make him snippy. Good character Brother-in-law: DEA agent.  Robert Duvall type.  Sister-in-law: (wife's sister) shoplifting! Very good so far

Lots of sound and fury not signifying much.  The church maintenance man is the villain. He has a crazy place full of strange sculptures where he has killed and buried people from all the parishes of the church.  Matthew Mc. continues to babble on philosophically while Woody Harrelson runs his tongue over his teeth.  Okay, but not as good as what we've seen--Sopranos, Wire, Narcos all much better

Mary Alice and Ezra continue their May/September romance. Ezra pays for her school loans, a winter coat, etc.  Not quite a kept woman, but $ plays a part. E asks her repeatedly if the relationship is "good" for her.  Reader asks the same question!  Phillip Roth model for Ezra. A little affected for me.  Reminds me a bit of Bright Lights, Big City.  Lots of brain, less heart in the writing.