Texas 6

Texas 6 is a riveting docuseries from CBS All Access that premiered in 2020. The show delves deep into the heart of Texan small-town life through the lens of high school football, touching upon the hopes, dreams, and stark realities of contemporary rural America. The series is named after the 6-man football league, an ultra-competitive environment where, due to considerably smaller team sizes, every player has a considerably bigger, game-changing role to play.

The 8-episode docuseries revolves around the Strawn Greyhounds, led by Coach Dewaine Lee, an inspiring figure who is as much a father figure as a mentor to his young players. The Greyhounds are steering their way towards the state championship, and the series showcases exciting clips from their thrilling matches.

However, Texas 6 isn't just about the football games. It's a show about a community and the resilience of individuals who are a part of it. Strawn is a small Texas town with a population of approximately 650 people. As the show progresses, it becomes clear that the townspeople do not just watch the football games; they live those moments with the players. The enthusiasm and commitment of the community are captured beautifully, making viewers feel like they are part of Strawn themselves.

The principal characters of Texas 6 are the players themselves, teenagers balancing their academics, family life, personal aspirations, and for some, the prospect of escaping through scholarships, all within the framework of their grueling football schedule. These young individuals are at the heart of the story, and Texas 6 does an excellent job in portraying their individual journeys, from personal hardships to triumphs on and off the football field.

The power of Texas 6 lies in the way it presents the players' challenges and struggles to keep up with the demands of football, navigating social pressures, and advancing their personal ambitions, all while living in a small rural town. It drives home the point that while the team may be made up of only six players, the dreams, hopes, and aspirations they carry are for an entire community.

The series does a commendable job of excavating the intimate lives of these young men, allowing the viewers to connect with them deeply. It shows how, for these individuals, football is not just a game but a lifeline, a vehicle of hope, and a symbol of their collective resilience. Their journey to victory isn't just about winning a championship; it's about maintaining the spirit of a community and keeping its heartbeat pulsing.

Texas 6 also paints a vivid picture of the harsh reality of small-town America that often goes unnoticed. Strawn, like many similar towns, isn't devoid of economic hardship and struggles. The series doesn't shy away from these realities, subtly weaving these narratives into the story.

Furthermore, the show plunges into this personal, sometimes painful, but ultimately uplifting narrative with respect and dignity. It doesn't attempt to exploit the vulnerabilities of its characters. Instead, it prompts viewers to celebrate their strength and resilience against the odds.

On a production level, Texas 6 is beautifully shot and edited. The director skillfully captures the true essence of Texan landscape and culture, making the land itself a character in the storytelling. The frames of the series exquisitely depict the raw beauty of rural Texas, combining rich visuals with a touching narrative. The cinematography delivers many poignant and heartfelt scenes throughout the series, designed to stay with the viewer long after they have finished watching.

Texas 6 is not just a sports documentary; it's a story of camaraderie, community spirit, and individual fortitude. It's about dreams that transcend the limited horizons of a small town. This powerful series from CBS All Access allows viewers a glimpse into an inspiring journey that spans across the football field and into the lives of the Strawn Greyhounds.