The Great Deadwood Rewatch and Discussion of 2015 !!!

[squeegee]

Hello fellow aficionados of all things TO!

A couple of days ago I made a post in another thread about Deadwood and I got really excited about the show again. I suggested to do a communal rewatch here on this board and there was quite a good response to the idea.
I came late to the party and only watched Deadwood for the first time last year. There is a bit of secondary material and discussions about it out there, but I’m really craving an in-depth discussion with like minded people. Aka TO fans.

We’ve already discussed the idea a bit and I think the following “guidelines” will suit most people well:

1. We’ll start by watching one episode a week. Many of us have other obligations and it would be a shame if this became some sort of chore. I think watching one episode a week and taking some notes about what to discuss shouldn’t take too much out of our time. There are 36 episodes, so at this rate it’ll take us 9 months to finish However, the schedule is of course always adaptable, so if we feel this is too slow, we can always go quicker.

2. I suggest we start the discussion for each episode on saturdays (whenever that starts according to your time zones), so we have a full week to post our thoughts right here in this thread until the next episode rolls around.

3. As a start date I would suggest July 11th. This will give everyone almost three weeks to decide whether to participate, to retrieve box sets or find ways to watch etc. I was going to suggest a week earlier, but I assume that a lot of people are going to be very busy on and around July 4th ;-)

4. Since all the people that have responded so far have already seen the whole show (and I’m going to assume that everyone on this board has) this is probably not going to be a spoiler free thread. Also, not an entirely profanity free one, either I suppose. Consider yourself warned!

5. Everyone is of course welcome to take breaks, rejoin, join later etc. Not even I myself can promise not to take any breaks because you never know what life throws at you. But I do hope that there will always be a good turnout.

6. This is a personal wish of mine, so please don’t consider this an actual guideline or anything: I always felt that a lot of mainstream media focused on Al Swearengen while discussing the show. I don’t mind that, but for obvious reasons I’m very interested in the character of Seth Bullock and his storyline. I loved the Seth/Alma/Martha triangle and I’m also very interested in all the female characters. I would be very happy if some of our discussion could focus on these themes! But please, do talk about all the other amazing characters as well!

If this is the way we’re going to go, the schedule for the first season would look as follows (dates are start dates by which we should have watched the episode and start discussin'):

July 11th: 1x1 Deadwood (pilot)
July 18th: 1x2 Deep Water
July 25th: 1x3 Reconnoitering the Rim
Aug. 1st: 1x4 Here Was a Man
Aug. 8th: 1x5 The Trial of Jack McCall
Aug. 15th: 1x6 Plague
Aug. 22nd: 1x7 Bullock Returns to the Camp
Aug. 29th: 1x8 Suffer the Little Children
Sept. 5th: 1x9 No Other Sons or Daughters
Sept. 12th: 1x10 Mister Wu
Sept. 19th: 1x11 Jewel’s Boot Is Made for Walking
Sept. 26th: 1x12 Sold Under Sin

I hope this will be fun and a lot of people will be able to participate. It’ll certainly help me over the long TO withdrawal ahead. Please don’t be intimidated by this chunk of text I wrote, I just like planning things. I don’t think this activity will require any kind of maintenance or anything. Let’s just go with it. I’m excited. Are you excited?

[mondayschild]

Thanks for setting this up. Should be fun and interesting. Good idea!

[mare27]

Wow, you are organized! thanks for getting this set up and putting so much thought into it!
I am looking forward to everyone's thoughts. I also thought there was a lot of focus on Al Swerengen...but Ian McShane was pretty amazing in this role...The dialog that man had to study and get just right!

Anyways, as they say...I'm in. This should be a lot of fun!

[ripetebook]

Any time with in this case the Deadwood bunch and you..count me in.

[kentuckygal]

Count me in for a weekly Deadwood rewatch, especially one that isn't just Swearengen-centric.

[mondayschild]

Kentuckygal,I agree that Swearengen got a lot of press. I think that there are so many other characters that we need to discuss. I have so many other faves!

[mare27]

Jun 23, 2015 21:21:29 GMT -6 mondayschild said:

Kentuckygal,I agree that Swearengen got a lot of press. I think that there are so many other characters that we need to discuss. I have so many other faves!

Almost time to start with DEADWOOD again for this re-watch event!

[mare27]

Jun 23, 2015 3:49:15 GMT -6 squeegee said:

Hello fellow aficionados of all things TO!

A couple of days ago I made a post in another thread about Deadwood and I got really excited about the show again. I suggested to do a communal rewatch here on this board and there was quite a good response to the idea.
I came late to the party and only watched Deadwood for the first time last year. There is a bit of secondary material and discussions about it out there, but I’m really craving an in-depth discussion with like minded people. Aka TO fans.

We’ve already discussed the idea a bit and I think the following “guidelines” will suit most people well:

1. We’ll start by watching one episode a week. Many of us have other obligations and it would be a shame if this became some sort of chore. I think watching one episode a week and taking some notes about what to discuss shouldn’t take too much out of our time. There are 36 episodes, so at this rate it’ll take us 9 months to finish However, the schedule is of course always adaptable, so if we feel this is too slow, we can always go quicker.

2. I suggest we start the discussion for each episode on saturdays (whenever that starts according to your time zones), so we have a full week to post our thoughts right here in this thread until the next episode rolls around.

3. As a start date I would suggest July 11th. This will give everyone almost three weeks to decide whether to participate, to retrieve box sets or find ways to watch etc. I was going to suggest a week earlier, but I assume that a lot of people are going to be very busy on and around July 4th ;-)

4. Since all the people that have responded so far have already seen the whole show (and I’m going to assume that everyone on this board has) this is probably not going to be a spoiler free thread. Also, not an entirely profanity free one, either I suppose. Consider yourself warned!

5. Everyone is of course welcome to take breaks, rejoin, join later etc. Not even I myself can promise not to take any breaks because you never know what life throws at you. But I do hope that there will always be a good turnout.

6. This is a personal wish of mine, so please don’t consider this an actual guideline or anything: I always felt that a lot of mainstream media focused on Al Swearengen while discussing the show. I don’t mind that, but for obvious reasons I’m very interested in the character of Seth Bullock and his storyline. I loved the Seth/Alma/Martha triangle and I’m also very interested in all the female characters. I would be very happy if some of our discussion could focus on these themes! But please, do talk about all the other amazing characters as well!

If this is the way we’re going to go, the schedule for the first season would look as follows (dates are start dates by which we should have watched the episode and start discussin'):

July 11th: 1x1 Deadwood (pilot)
July 18th: 1x2 Deep Water
July 25th: 1x3 Reconnoitering the Rim
Aug. 1st: 1x4 Here Was a Man
Aug. 8th: 1x5 The Trial of Jack McCall
Aug. 15th: 1x6 Plague
Aug. 22nd: 1x7 Bullock Returns to the Camp
Aug. 29th: 1x8 Suffer the Little Children
Sept. 5th: 1x9 No Other Sons or Daughters
Sept. 12th: 1x10 Mister Wu
Sept. 19th: 1x11 Jewel’s Boot Is Made for Walking
Sept. 26th: 1x12 Sold Under Sin

I hope this will be fun and a lot of people will be able to participate. It’ll certainly help me over the long TO withdrawal ahead. Please don’t be intimidated by this chunk of text I wrote, I just like planning things. I don’t think this activity will require any kind of maintenance or anything. Let’s just go with it. I’m excited. Are you excited?

 Get Ready...Go!

 

[ripetebook]

Since this seems the place where posts are read...there is an article that claims pbs's poldark is the 18th century version of Justified?? May give Poldark look see just for argument sake?

[mondayschild]

'book, I have the original series of Poldark. I may watch the new one...not sure. I don't see a lot of similarities, except that they both have a dashing hero!

NOW...on to Deadwood. I need me some smarmy, con man Farnum. He is such a weasel! (I told you that I love the really eccentric characters.)

[squeegee]

Sooo where I am it’s now Saturday, so I’m going to officially start off the discussion!

I was going to pick a favourite scene or moment from every episode, but the pilot makes it really hard. I thought it was a really good story throughout and kept a good balance between exposition and action. We are introduced to so many wonderful characters! Bullock and Swearengen of course, but also Jane, Farnum, Sol, Wild Bill, Alma, Trixie, Doc etc.

There wasn’t one scene that stood out to me, but I found I had a lot to say about the opening scene, so here goes.
Great introduction to Bullock. Enough exposition and immediate action and suspense. The show basically starts with a showdown. I gotta say, the first time I watched it last year I was pretty shocked by how the scene progressed (the hurried execution) but thinking about it now, I see that realistically there was no other way for Bullock to solve the situation.
The first episode starts off exactly where Deadwood differs from ‘traditional’ Western hero stories: it doesn’t flinch from situations that are morally unsolvable, even or especially for the heroes. I’ve read in reviews that Bullock starts out as a clear cut good guy, but then reveals his darker sides in later episodes. I don’t really agree with that. I think he is a ‘good guy’, period. But the writing in Deadwood puts him into situation that have no possibility for a heroic outcome. And I think it starts with this scene. A more traditional Western hero would have confronted the mob and defeated them, either with authority or with violence. Maybe to top it off, the convict would have started a hostage situation somehow, just so he can be killed in a duel and the hero doesn’t have to execute anyone. But this would be a fantasy, and Bullock lives in a realistic world. No matter how good a shot he is, he cannot take on so many armed men without being killed, so his only other option would be to allow them to lynch the guy. So he does the only thing that allows the whole proceedings a tiny last shred of ‘decency’.
I don’t remember if we ever learn the details of why Bullock quit his Marshall position, but I could imagine that he wasn’t too happy about having to execute people. Sure he has a violent temper, but he’s not cruel I don’t think.

Something that made me laugh out loud was Bullock trying to sell his wares to the crowd. He's NOT a salesman. Thank God he has Sol ...


Plot question: What I don’t get is why Al needed Driscoll dead? He was his partner in the scheme of pulling Garrett over the barrel, but why does this mean he has to die? I’m going to be asking a lot of questions like this one because sometimes the plot is a bit hard to follow on this show I think.
And what kind of “accent” is Tim Driscoll supposed to have? What is that?

I already feel that I’m going to enjoy this more the second time round. I will understand more of the plot now that I know what’s coming.

Now I wanna hear your thoughts!

[mondayschild]

I have to agree with you about the opening scene. I thought Bullock handled it the only way he could. He was the law and he was faced with the lawless (the lynch mob.)He was forced to carry out the execution sooner than he had probably planned, but he did his job and saved his dignity as the man in charge, and a bit of the accused's, as well. Hanging would be no picnic, but at the hands of a vengeful mob, it would be a lot worse.

Let's face it. Al has people beaten up and even killed sometimes to protect his way of life. I think he needed Driscoll dead so that he wouldn't start talking about the con job that was pulled on Garrett. Given his penchant for drink, that could easily have happened at some point. If people found out that the price of claims was being manipulated, someone might just take a shot at Al in revenge. As far as Farnum goes, he's just as bad as Al at conning people, but he is Al's sniveling toadie. He won't talk. Al relies on certain people to do his dirty work and keep quiet about it. It's how he maintains power.

Bullock seemed to fit right in, along with Wild Bill and the others in killing the stranger who attacked the family in the wagon. There was no arrest, no trial, just Deadwood justice. It wouldn't go over too well in our day, but this was their way of doing things...Deadwood, where there are no laws.

I had forgotten that Alma was using drugs from the very beginning. (I forget. Was it laudanum? That was the common drug for ladies in "emotional distress" in those days.) I'm pretty sure that her marriage wasn't a bed of roses in Deadwood. It may not have been even before she got there. But ladies did what their husbands wanted and often paid the emotional price. I can't be too hard on her.

[mare27]

Just watched Episode one and read your posts. I was so excited to start this again and then come to this site...

The first scene was hard to watch and a good indication that this was different from any Western story I ever saw. At least Bullock got to leave Montana on his own terms...but watching him "help that man with his fall" was tough...(from the start, wasn't TO easy on the eyes!)
The language was hard to get used to...I hate hearing the c word regarding the women...According to David Milch, this is how the miners talked...taking the gold was like raping the land, according to him, they destroyed without offering anything in exchange, it was harsh and the language reflected that.

Keith Carradine made a wonderful Wild Bill and I loved the Charlie Utter character...Loved the set, it seemed so real and all the townspeople in the background of every scene added so much. Jane was a hoot. As for the women, we have Trixie the whore, Alma the rich drug addicted high society wife and Jane. I understand most of the women in the real world Deadwood were prostitutes...imagine their lives, how desperate and sad. I think the life expectancy must have been low. Farnum is creepy, Dan is dangerous, Al is in charge and don't get in his way...
I think Tim was Irish and had to die because he fucked up Al's plans, watch out for Al.
I didn't like Alma at all following this introduction...yes it was laudanum...according to the Doc, a little later.
I like Sol as Bullock's partner and Ray McKinnon was great as the Rev Smith in this episode...trying to make friends with the hardware boys.

Are we going to do favorite scenes, lines, characters??
My favorite scene was Seth finding and rescuing the little girl...
Favorite line was Wild Bill responding to Jack McCall saying, "how stupid do you think I am?" with "I don't know, I just met ya."
Favorite character...Bullock. How he walks and talks and enters a situation, smooth as silk...

Hope to hear from all of you with your thoughts!

[squeegee]

Jul 10, 2015 21:29:30 GMT -6 mondayschild said:

As far as Farnum goes, he's just as bad as Al at conning people, but he is Al's sniveling toadie. He won't talk. Al relies on certain people to do his dirty work and keep quiet about it. It's how he maintains power.

That makes sense. It still seems a bit random to me, because that scheme is so harmless compared to basically everything else going on with Al. But maybe even that is part of his way of power control.

Jul 10, 2015 21:29:30 GMT -6 mondayschild said:

I had forgotten that Alma was using drugs from the very beginning. (I forget. Was it laudanum? That was the common drug for ladies in "emotional distress" in those days.) I'm pretty sure that her marriage wasn't a bed of roses in Deadwood. It may not have been even before she got there. But ladies did what their husbands wanted and often paid the emotional price. I can't be too hard on her.

Jul 10, 2015 23:46:06 GMT -6 mare27 said:

I didn't like Alma at all following this introduction...yes it was laudanum...according to the Doc, a little later.

Yes, it was laudanum. I don't know, I really liked Alma from the beginning. Like everyone else she's not perfect, but she's basically kind and even though she's rich she's had a lot of troubles in her life. I can't judge her at all for resorting to drug abuse. Taking drugs didn't even have the "stigma" it does today, basically everyone was using them and the extent of the damage it could cause and the dangers of addiction weren't as prevalent on people's minds. I think it's a very postmodern thing to be outraged about drug use. I also see that I'm getting more lenient about that as I get older. I don't condone it, but I see now why and how this happens.

Jul 10, 2015 23:46:06 GMT -6 mare27 said:

The language was hard to get used to...I hate hearing the c word regarding the women...According to David Milch, this is how the miners talked...taking the gold was like raping the land, according to him, they destroyed without offering anything in exchange, it was harsh and the language reflected that.

I can imagine that, but I am still a little sceptical as to where precisely he got this information ;-) I'd like to see the sources. But as an artistic choice I can go with it. The language doesn't bother me much, but I think that is because it's a foreign language. Somehow some things don't sound as horrible if it's not "ingrained in your bones" so to speak. And I have to say that in this episode I still found the use of swearwords quite organic, while I remember that everyone's favourite swearword (you know which one) was quite overused later on. I thought it became unimaginative at some point.

On to shallower things!

Jul 10, 2015 23:46:06 GMT -6 mare27 said:

from the start, wasn't TO easy on the eyes!

Yes, he was! I hate moustaches, but he really makes it work. It doesn't look like a foreign object in his face. I'm still not a fan of it, but it doesn't bother me as much.

[weegieburd]

I remember watching the first episode of Deadwood all those years ago and being put off by the bad language (even for a weegie it was bad!) It wasn't until I developed a "thing" for Tim I decided to revisit it and loved it. I think Milch was laying down the premis that Al was a badass right from the start and Seth was the goodguy.

[mare27]

Jul 11, 2015 2:10:29 GMT -6 squeegee said:

Jul 10, 2015 21:29:30 GMT -6 mondayschild said:

As far as Farnum goes, he's just as bad as Al at conning people, but he is Al's sniveling toadie. He won't talk. Al relies on certain people to do his dirty work and keep quiet about it. It's how he maintains power.

That makes sense. It still seems a bit random to me, because that scheme is so harmless compared to basically everything else going on with Al. But maybe even that is part of his way of power control.

Jul 10, 2015 21:29:30 GMT -6 mondayschild said:

I had forgotten that Alma was using drugs from the very beginning. (I forget. Was it laudanum? That was the common drug for ladies in "emotional distress" in those days.) I'm pretty sure that her marriage wasn't a bed of roses in Deadwood. It may not have been even before she got there. But ladies did what their husbands wanted and often paid the emotional price. I can't be too hard on her.

Jul 10, 2015 23:46:06 GMT -6 mare27 said:

I didn't like Alma at all following this introduction...yes it was laudanum...according to the Doc, a little later.

Yes, it was laudanum. I don't know, I really liked Alma from the beginning. Like everyone else she's not perfect, but she's basically kind and even though she's rich she's had a lot of troubles in her life. I can't judge her at all for resorting to drug abuse. Taking drugs didn't even have the "stigma" it does today, basically everyone was using them and the extent of the damage it could cause and the dangers of addiction weren't as prevalent on people's minds. I think it's a very postmodern thing to be outraged about drug use. I also see that I'm getting more lenient about that as I get older. I don't condone it, but I see now why and how this happens.

Jul 10, 2015 23:46:06 GMT -6 mare27 said:

The language was hard to get used to...I hate hearing the c word regarding the women...According to David Milch, this is how the miners talked...taking the gold was like raping the land, according to him, they destroyed without offering anything in exchange, it was harsh and the language reflected that.

I can imagine that, but I am still a little sceptical as to where precisely he got this information ;-) I'd like to see the sources. But as an artistic choice I can go with it. The language doesn't bother me much, but I think that is because it's a foreign language. Somehow some things don't sound as horrible if it's not "ingrained in your bones" so to speak. And I have to say that in this episode I still found the use of swearwords quite organic, while I remember that everyone's favourite swearword (you know which one) was quite overused later on. I thought it became unimaginative at some point.

On to shallower things!

Jul 10, 2015 23:46:06 GMT -6 mare27 said:

from the start, wasn't TO easy on the eyes!

Yes, he was! I hate moustaches, but he really makes it work. It doesn't look like a foreign object in his face. I'm still not a fan of it, but it doesn't bother me as much.

Re: the language of Deadwood and the source material- you might want to watch on You Tube or with the Final boxed edition of Deadwood DVDs with extras, the two interviews with David Milch by Keith Carradine. One is "The imaginative Reality" can't think of the title of the other...about 25 minutes of Milch talking about creating the Deadwood series.

He does say you start with trustworthy primary research materials and move on the secondary sources that are more or less reliable...He also says "history is told by the people in power at the time, also known as "a lie agreed upon" which is the title of S2 opening episode. I like that quote.

[ripetebook]

The language takes some adjusting to...helps that Timothy is so great in this.

First episode: liked the friendship of Seth and Sol most. Two such different souls yet they balance each other. Sol is the calming influence over Seth. Agree Seth has no real business savvy but handles as best as he can. You sense his temperament yet in the start he is controlled.

The opening .. Forgot horse theft is a hanging offense....but the hanging done that way...wow! Caught me. Thought Seth would be the typical hero sheriff....set the tone for all that comes next!

Swearenger was so not to my liking..but was a defined character. The overall feel was new to me and I was put off til I focus on Seth and then it rolled. They sure must had a blast doing this one....milch is a gifted writer and visionary.

From the git knew the city guy would not last..alma and drugs fit....

On to second episode.

[mare27]

Disappointment over the emmys aside, anyone ready to tackle Episode 2 of DEADWOOD?...I will be watching it tonight...

[mondayschild]

Going to watch it tomorrow night, mare. Can't wait!

[mare27]

ok...one more about snubbing Justified...
tvline.com/2015/07/16/emmy-nominations-surprises-2015/

[squeegee]

I'll be watching it Monday night probably, I went away over the weekend and didn't manage to do it on Friday. Looking forward to reading your thoughts until then!

[mondayschild]

Finally got to watch episode 2 and am again amazed at what I have forgotten. I think what I have remembered most is the morals of the characters. Some have none. And some who seem hopeless are really very loyal and have good hearts. The exact plot elements have slipped my memory in quite a few cases, but I sure remember when characters stand up for each other or do the right thing. One of my favorites has always been Calamity Jane. She is a total drunk and has a garbage can for a mouth, but as we will see going forward, she is loyal to a fault. There was a funny exchange between her and Charlie as she is keeping an eye out in case Al comes back for the little girl. Charlie notices that she is squinting and says, "You're half f-ing blind, ain'tcha?" And Calamity replies, "I found it's a f-ing blessing." They're close as two peas in a pod and they are very loyal to Wild Bill. (Plus Calamity loves him.)

In one scene, Wild Bill is concerned that the two remaining road agents (who actually killed the family) are out to do him harm. He enlists Seth to keep an eye on them. When one one them approaches Wild Bill with possibly evil intentions, Seth shoots him. A witness swears that Seth did not draw first. The man was going for his gun. In retrospect, this was a totally unknowing (at the time) tip of the hat to Timothy's future role as Raylan who says he never shot first, or without being "justified.". When I first watched Deadwood, Justified wasn't even on anyone's radar. Now watching that scene, I had to smile.

The scene is being set for trouble in the Garrett household (hotel suite.) Garret is starting to question the buying of his claim and Alma is talking more laudanum. I DO remember what is coming for them because of the connection that will form between Alma and Seth. I loved the scene in this episode where Alma comes into the hotel dining room for coffee and all the men, including Seth, jump to their feet out of respect. Some of the men in the town are addicted to the whores, but others know a "lady of quality" when they see one. She stands out in a town full of dirt, greed and corruption. Even though she becomes involved in an illicit affair, she will do some good things for the town before she leaves. I like her for that. And it's more than can be said for many of Deadwood's inhabitants. Lots more evil and dirty deeds are coming from that bunch.

When someone tells me that they would love to live in the 1800's, I remind them of a few things. Modern dentistry. Indoor plumbing. I would add to that: a legal system. Deadwood had none.

[squeegee]

I thought episode two was even better than the pilot. I think it was after this episode that I was hooked rather than after the pilot when I first watched Deadwood. You really have to see the first two episode to understand what the show is about. The story with the little girl and the Doc, Jane and Charlie taking care of her is so moving in so many different ways. And such amazing characters!

I love how much Bullock already loathes Swearengen and for such good reasons. And I have to say that I missed that in series 3 later on with Al's toned down villainy. There's already enough shades of grey in these characters without making the bad guy an ally. Anyway, I'm going to far ahead.

Something that made me laugh was Alma's slight sass in answering Farnum's enquiry how she slept. "As it happens, I did not (sleep well)". Well, duh! I can't help it I just like her so much!

There are so many little themes and hints I can't list them all, and I was really happy with this episode. At this point there is really a lot of suspense in the air for this story and you can't help but wanting to know what happens next. Something I realise now, not only do I understand more of the plot because I've already seen it, but it is now easier for me to identify minor characters as for example Al's minions and henchmen, whereas before they were just "guy in hat #3" to me. That helps understanding the plot as well.

Jul 19, 2015 21:48:22 GMT -6 mondayschild said:

In one scene, Wild Bill is concerned that the two remaining road agents (who actually killed the family) are out to do him harm. He enlists Seth to keep an eye on them. When one one them approaches Wild Bill with possibly evil intentions, Seth shoots him. A witness swears that Seth did not draw first. The man was going for his gun. In retrospect, this was a totally unknowing (at the time) tip of the hat to Timothy's future role as Raylan who says he never shot first, or without being "justified.". When I first watched Deadwood, Justified wasn't even on anyone's radar. Now watching that scene, I had to smile.

Hehe, yes of course, this is something that is special to us, but we shouldn't forget that neither Justified nor Deadwood invented this idea. It's actually a VERY frequently used trope in Westerns used to distinguish the "good guys" from the "bad guys". Deadwood and Justified both put that twist on it, that the characters supposedly going by this credo don't exactly beat themselves up about it if they have to fib and are more interested in doling out punishment than in a fair fight. Cause that guy was NOT going for his gun, he had a knife

And yes, I agree that we can all be grateful that we live in a time and place much more advanced than this. But it's still fun to spend some imaginary time in this world. That's the great thing about stories: all the fun and none of the dangers and discomforts!

[mare27]

Jul 20, 2015 16:55:04 GMT -6 squeegee said:

I thought episode two was even better than the pilot. I think it was after this episode that I was hooked rather than after the pilot when I first watched Deadwood. You really have to see the first two episode to understand what the show is about. The story with the little girl and the Doc, Jane and Charlie taking care of her is so moving in so many different ways. And such amazing characters!

I agree that the second episode gives us more understanding of what Deadwood is and who these characters represent.

I think the little girl, saved in the first episode and then taken care of by various members of the Deadwood community (over the series) sort of represents the
community itself, struggling and growing...each main character has a connection to her and they all care for her, as they are able.

We see the relationship between Wild Bill and Seth become more important, both ex-lawmen, both trying to do the right thing, in their own way.
But, I saw the gunplay in the bar quite differently...
I saw Wild Bill ask Seth to keep an eye on the "other man" (Phil)...Bill knew the one was there to cause him harm, Tom Watson...as Tom approached Wild Bill, Hickok drew first and shot him, Seth kept an eye on the other, "Phil", but did not shoot or hurt him...Wild Bill said "that man meant me harm" and Seth backed him up, saying "I saw him go for his gun" Phil then survived to be in a later scene- to be killed by Al...Tom Watson, was the brother of Ned Watson, who Wild Bill and Seth both drew on and killed following the rescue of the girl. Unless I missed something, that is what I recall.

Loved the scene of the newspaper man gossiping in the restaurant, identifying residents for the benefit of Seth and Sol. And how all the men stood when Alma, a society lady, entered the room. They are not used to women like Alma in Deadwood. She is a novelty.

Loved Charlie trying to take care of Bill.

Loved Jane learning to dress wounds with Doc's help...she's more than a drunken foul mouthed wretch.
Loved the confrontation with Seth and Sol versus Al, trying to strike a deal. "What business of that is his?" "You Mean What business of his is that?" "Don't tell me what I fuckin' mean!" And Later, "What's your partner so mad about...?"

Al wanting Dan to kill the child and Dan reluctant to do it, we learn a lot about that dynamic...

Favorite scene...Doc and Al in the street, after Al has been to see the girl...great dialog and tension.
Favorite line, there are a couple...Doc "I'd rather be lucky than smart!" and Jane crying to Charlie and then saying, "I've got him Triangulated..."

And as far as wanting to live in those days...I am quite sure I would not survive it...As was said about dentistry and cleanliness and the law...Also imagine the food, as they speak of the biscuits with the bugs in them...and Farnum preparing meals...
And since 95% of the women in town were prostitutes and the men outnumbered the prostitutes by 20 to 0ne (this is from writer/creator of Deadwood David Milch) I cannot imagine being a part of that world.
That scene with Tom Watson and his dick hanging out, coming from the whore's room...filthy, dirty, drunk, and stupid...what those women had to put up with! Just to stay alive. and did they have any hope?...I guess we find out later that Trixie moves on....but that is getting ahead of the story.

This was a very good episode...



As an added fun thing to do, we could watch for those who were in "Deadwood" and who we also saw in "Justified"...

For instance in this episode we have Jack McCall (Garret Dillahunt) later to be seen as Ty Walker.

[bookperson39]

Jul 10, 2015 0:14:33 GMT -6 ripetebook said:

Since this seems the place where posts are read...there is an article that claims pbs's poldark is the 18th century version of Justified?? May give Poldark look see just for argument sake?

I saw and loved the first series so I see no need to watch this one, but I may break down and try it. I'm with you.....I don't see a lot of similarity except that it features a dashing hero who knows his own mind.