I live in South Texas, where tamales are an important part of life. We know from tamales.
 
The difference between a good tamale and a bad one is like the difference between a hot, Krispy Kreme delicacy and that half doughnut you found on the floor in your car.
 
The first time I had real tamales, I ate 8 of them in 10 minutes. I only stopped because it was getting ridiculous.
 
It's the masa, or dough, that makes or breaks a tamale. Good ones are moist and savory. They melt in your mouth and make you groan with desire.