So this is sort of like a "Big Lebowski" for tv...

It tries too hard to be "The Big Lebowski", and I think that's what sold AMC on it as Fx is having great success with Noah Hawley's take on the Coen Bros "universe". They figure that there's a big enough audience that's into meta-story telling that draws from established sources.

I don't see it that way. If I recall Lebowski was far more resourceful and resilient. These are characters who are recovering from multiple tragedies or still laboring under ongoing ones and not all that good at negotiating life challenges. I like the way that even though they have their own troubles they are genuinely concerned for one another and try to give help to the extent that they can, most of them at least. Watched all three of the first episodes now and surreal things are starting to happen such as visions and visible auras. I think it will end up being quite a surrealistic tale. Still has our interest.