In the Line of Duty: Ambush in Waco (1993)

AMBUSH IN WACO is one in a series of American made-for-TV movies chronicling American police cases and various crimes. The series title is IN THE LINE OF DUTY, and it's not to be confused with the excellent Hong Kong action series of the same name. AMBUSH IN WACO is a straightforward account of the infamous Waco, Texas siege in which ATF agents stormed a stronghold belonging to the Branch Davidian cult.The main problem with this film is that it was made contemporaneously with the true-life events, so much so that the whole story isn't even told (except in a written coda at the climax). However, it does build to a thrilling ending of sorts, the infamous and bungled siege that saw a number of ATF agents losing their lives as they attempted to storm the complex despite knowing the cult members inside were heavily armed.The film as a whole isn't bad, although it does feel a little slow with over an hour of set-up before any kind of meaningful action begins. The story is very biased in favour of the authorities which a number of reviewers seem to take issue with. Tim Daly gives a very good performance as the deranged cult leader David Koresh, and old-timer Clu Gulager has a small role as the sheriff. Best of the lot is a youthful Neal McDonough, packing in the intensity even at this early stage of his career.

As a movie about what happened in 93 in Waco, this one is fairly well-made and entertaining enough to watch. It is one-sided in favor of the government which is fair, considering that they deserve their say also. We have a saying that " if it smells like a duck, quacks like a duck and looks like a duck, it probably is a duck ". It looks like agents meant to burn down the church and kill the occupants to punish them for the deaths of the BATF agents. I'm inclined to believe that contrary to any number of government "fact-finding" quest that seem to point to the opposite.

What a relief it was to view this movie. All I've seen and heard was about those poor branch dividians and how the arrogant, nasty government forces went in and burned everyone. Hogwash! This was a complete nut with a bunch of freaks stockpiling ammo and guns while having sex with underage girls. This was a realistic look at a bunch people whom should have been dealt with earlier. Great acting by Tim Daly, what a reach from WINGS, and Neal Mcdonough as the gun toting but emotionally neglected Jason.

This was released just 3 months after the shootout shown in the film. To make a good movie you need time and research. I don't think they gave much of either on this movie except for the shootout. I like this movie because as you can see. It makes the loony anti-government people mad. Just look at a previous comment and see. If you hate the government, this movie isn't for you. It was made by a company that has done at least 10 films that tell the story of the brave law enforcement officers/agents who have given their lives.