Ren Faire, a new three-part docuseries premiering on HBO, delves into the captivating realm of the Texas Renaissance Festival, an extravagant event that takes place annually in Todd Mission, Texas during October and November. Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the series provides an intimate glimpse into the festival's larger-than-life creator, George Coulam, affectionately known as King George.

At 86 years old, King George is a formidable figure who rules over his festival kingdom with an iron fist. Unapologetically eccentric, he seeks a worthy successor and a much younger wife without any artificial enhancements. As the series unfolds, King George's character becomes both fascinating and detestable, serving as the central axis around which this vibrant tale revolves.

Ren Faire chronicles the Texas Renaissance Festival's 2021 and 2022 seasons, with King George overseeing the grand spectacle from his opulent rococo-decorated house. Despite his authoritative nature, King George's loneliness is palpable, prompting him to search for love through multiple dating sites. He navigates encounters with women, inquiring about their natural attributes and abruptly ending dates when cosmetic surgery is revealed.

The series paints a character study of King George, revealing his authoritarian tendencies and self-imposed isolation. Commentary from his ex-wife, former best friends, and coworkers highlight his selfishness and callousness, leading to his current solitary existence. King George's treatment of employees underscores his autocratic rule, with subordinates complying with his demands, and his quest to sell the festival and retire in luxury adds to the drama.

The race for King George's throne introduces two main contenders: Jeff Baldwin, the affable general manager and former entertainment director, and Louie Migliaccio, an ambitious entrepreneur with his own successful kettle corn business within the festival. The tension intensifies as both vie for control, each believing the other is unfit to assume the crown. Darla Smith, the vendor coordinator turned co-general manager, adds another layer of intrigue to the power dynamics at play.

Director Oppenheim expertly captures the intertwined psychodramas of these individuals, mixing verité footage with scripted scenes and imaginative interactions with fantastical characters. However, the series somewhat neglects to fully immerse viewers in the festival itself, focusing primarily on the personal stories of its main subjects. While snapshots of the games, booths, and costumed visitors provide a partial sense of the event, its true essence as a beloved attraction for millions of attendees remains somewhat distant.

Ren Faire concludes with King George's attempts to capitalize on his creation and subsequently sabotaging potential deals. The festival, he acknowledges, is his true kingdom, and his desperation to maintain control becomes palpable. While the series primarily spotlights King George and his quest, it does not fully capture the rich tapestry of the festival's history, inhabitants, and enchanting ambiance.

In the end, Ren Faire offers a captivating look into the eccentric subculture of the Texas Renaissance Festival and its enigmatic ruler, King George. While it may fall short of providing a fully immersive experience of the festival itself, it succeeds in highlighting the captivating and often tumultuous journey of its fascinating cast of characters.