Deadwood (2004) (TV series)

Deadwood (2004)

Boy, have you ever had Nebraska pussy?

(As a slight disclaimer, I've only watched Deadwood through once, and it was a while ago)

Deadwood is consists of three series set in the town of Deadwood during the gold-rush at the time. It's largely based on historical characters—with a certain amount of embellishment. It primarily focusses on "saloon" owner Al Swearengen, Sheriff Seth Bullock, and favourite prostitute Trixie. The first season deals with a smallpox epidemic and the preparation for annexation as a state. The second and third seasons are mostly about the arrival of the mining company run by George Hearst and his increasingly aggressive attempts to control the town.

Probably the biggest issue with Deadwood is that it is largely unfinished, since the planned fourth season was never made, meaning it stops of a cliff-hanger. I also felt that the second series seemed like it was treading water slightly and not really moving on. Some have criticised Timothy Olyphant as Seth Bullock for being a bit wooden, although personally I think it fitted the character well enough.

Ignoring that though, it's pretty much universally excellent. The character of Al Swearengen in particular is very well written and played; balancing both self-interest, ruthlessness, and an interest in the progress of the town.