Previewing Bonnie and Clyde

After the runaway success of Hatfields and McCoys, it was only a matter of time before History dug the depths of the underbelly of American history. They settled on the most infamous love story of all time: Bonnie and Clyde. Though set in the Depression era thirties, their story is as relevant today as it centers on three subjects that still fascinate Americans today: sex, violence, and celebrity. This is why their name still resonates today with even current hip-hop royalty Jay-Z and Beyoncé co-opted the duo just last decade (Eminem also had a song of the same name with his daughter playing the role of Bonnie). If Bonnie and Clyde were alive today they probably would leak a sex tape to TMZ.

But on film, it has been over a generation since the last Bonnie and Clyde movie when Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty took on the titular roles (unless you count Teenage Bonnie and Klepto Clyde starring a pre-fame Scott Wolf and a post-Out of the World Maureen Flannigan). This incarnation stars Emile Hirsch (Alpha Dog) and Holliday Grainger (The Borgias) as the lovebirds that set off on a crime spree throughout the South.

Along for the ride is Sarah Hyland (and yes, seeing Hayley Dunfey in the forties with a Texas accent is a bit distracting) as Clyde’s sister-in-law though she does not get much screen time until the second episode. Elizabeth Reaser (The Family Stone) plays the reporter who makes the duo a national headline and in a return, Bonnie sends them publicity photos. William Hurt (The Incredible Hulk) is the Texas Ranger who comes out of retirement to end the reign of terror. While Holly Hunter (Raising Arizona) pops up as Bonnie’s mother.

If you enjoyed the Hatfields and McCoys miniseries, History’s take on Bonnie and Clyde is a can’t miss television event. The theme of both miniseries are very similar though Bonnie and Clyde does sneak in some black humor, like when Bonnie sings at her father’s funeral (I would have liked more moments like this). The mini-series does take some silly liberties like how Clyde can see the future but for the most part it is as enjoyable as the channel’s last miniseries. Now the question is what miniseries will History plot next? I vote for Custer’s Last Stand.

Bonnie and Clyde premieres Sunday and concludes Monday both at 8:00 on History and will be simulcast on A&E and Lifetime.