The Lone Star State Gets Grittier: FX Bringing 'That Texas Blood' to Life as a New Series

Well, howdy, folks, if you're a fan of dark, atmospheric crime stories with a distinctly Texan flavor, you're in for a treat! FX, that network known for its consistently sharp and often edgy dramas, has officially put into development a new series that sounds like it's going to be right up our alley. They're bringing to life Image Comics' much-loved neo-western, 'That Texas Blood,' and honestly, it feels like a perfect fit.

Leading this exciting new venture is none other than Jim Mickle, a name you might recognize from his compelling work on Netflix's 'Sweet Tooth' or even FX's own critically acclaimed 'Hap and Leonard.' He's set to wear multiple hats here, which is fantastic – he’ll be penning the script, stepping into the director's chair, and executive producing the whole shebang. Joining him on the executive producing side is El Katz, who also collaborated with Mickle on 'Sweet Tooth,' so there's a real sense of a proven, talented team coming together to make this happen.

Now, for those who haven't had the pleasure of diving into 'That Texas Blood' on the comic book page, let me just tell you, it's something special. The series, co-created by writer Chris Condon and artist Jacob Phillips, has garnered quite a reputation for its incredibly grounded yet intensely gritty storytelling. It’s set deep in the heart of rural Ambrose County, Texas, and trust me, this isn’t your picturesque, postcard version of the state. It’s a place where secrets fester and violence often erupts, feeling very real and raw.

At its core, the story follows Sheriff Joe Bob Coates, an aging, world-weary lawman who’s seen it all – or so he thinks. He finds himself constantly grappling with a parade of truly gruesome and perplexing crimes that plague his community. Think less shiny procedural and more deeply atmospheric, character-driven mystery where the setting itself feels like a character. It’s been lauded for its distinctly neo-western vibe, pulling together classic genre elements with a decidedly modern, dark twist, making it a compelling read that's sure to translate beautifully to the screen.

The folks over at 20th Television are producing this, and given FX's fantastic track record with shows that explore the darker, more nuanced sides of humanity and regional crime (think 'Justified,' for instance), 'That Texas Blood' really does feel like it's found its perfect home. It’s going to be fascinating to see how Mickle and his team translate the comic’s unique blend of suspense, atmosphere, and sheer grit to the small screen. Keep your eyes peeled; this one promises to be a compelling watch.