I haven't read the books, but I'm glad they aren't following them exactly. Apparently in the books they killed off Lafayette in the first book, but in the TV series they kept him around because he was a popular character...which is great because I think his character is hilarious.
And yes, I've become more and more annoyed with Tara's character. I was kind of excited when they didn't even have her in town in the main storyline. I was sad when they brought her back
rofl (although her gf is hot!)