Deadwood is a western. It’s based on historical facts, with historical figures like Wild Bill Hickock, Seth Bullock, Calamity Jane and others.
What I like about this show is its dialogues. The first thing you notice is the foul language, every other word if an f-bomb. But that’s the way they talked back then and there. But what intrigues me is the subtlety of their words, which sometimes eludes me, but it always entertains me.
The relationship between the many characters, as well as their plotting against each other, and their alliances, is what makes this show great. There are a lot of killing, and whoring and gambling in this environment, but what matters is what the characters do to achieve what they want, and their relationship.
My favorite character is Al Swearengen, who owns the local saloon/brothel, and basically is the boss in town. On the surface he’s a tough guy, who seemingly treats everybody badly. But then you realize why the people closer to him follow him and trust him: he has a good heart, and cares for his people. That’s not to say that he’s kind. You can only guess his kindness, every once in a while he would should just a tiny bit of his heart. Otherwise he’s just the bossy pimp of the town.
There are so many characters, and all the actors are doing a fantastic job with them. It’s definitely a series for people who don’t care about strong language, and are smart and pay attention to characters and dialogues.
Rating: 5 Stars
Did you know that “Deadwood” has been cancelled? The third season premiering next month is going to be its last, despite the fact that David Milch planned — and wrote — for a fourth and final season.
Why did the suits kill the story before David Milch could finish it? It’s the second-highest-rated of all HBO’s “Quality Programming” hour-long dramas, and does very well in DVD sales. I myself have bought several DVD sets to give to friends and family who don’t subscribe to HBO. And I ain’t rich!
But I am like most of this show’s fans — rabidly passionate about it, and grateful for every word, every scene, every episode we’ve been blessed with so far. “Deadwood” is delicious and disturbing, the way great art always is, and we all hoped it would go on forever. So, of course, we were disappointed when HBO and Mr. Milch — as long ago as January — discussed ending the series after only four seasons.
But, hey, it was creator Milch’s choice, and absolutely his decision to make, so we settled down and settled in to enjoy Season Three.
Then, suddenly last week, without notice, the actors were let go. In a recent interview, Mr. Milch himself told them not to turn down other jobs. And now there are reports that the Deadwood set is being dismantled.
So WHAT HAPPENED? Why isn’t Mr. Milch going to be allowed to finish his masterpiece, despite the fact that he had storylines enough for a final, fourth season?
Many of us fans are so angry and disgusted that we have decided to cancel our HBO subscriptions after the third season. This is what you do when you feel personally betrayed by a long-trusted resource. There are also plans to organize a “National Cancel HBO Day” to be held at the end of Season Three.
A little over a week ago, people at the HBO Community Board (http://boards.hbo.com/forum.jspa?forumID=30047&start=0) established a website as a clearinghouse for ideas on how to fight the Yankton “Seer”(cough)suckers at HBO and Time Warner.
This website, http://savedeadwood.net/index.htm, is for folks who want to help in a grass-roots effort to bring HBO back to its senses, back to its long-held mission of high-quality programming, and back to its loyal — and often long-patient — fan base.
And, you know, there’s something else going on here. People are becoming fed up with the rapacious corporate greed that puts profits before customers and corrodes every area of our lives, including the accessible art that brings relief from the drek of everyday inanity. Maybe we have lost our sense that we can make a difference as citizens, but maybe — just maybe — we still have power as consumers. And maybe a success as consumers will breed the confidence we need to take something back of our citizenship. Who knows?
By: bbshenry on May 23, 2006
at 1:43 am
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By: stefan on October 15, 2008
at 7:19 am