Deadwood: First Season Review

I finished the first season of Deadwood and I have to say, this 2004 HBO series has really caught my interest.

The story takes place during the late 1800's. The west at this time was not governed very well so many places did not have laws. It was easy to kill someone, burn a barn down, or rob someone blind... and get away with it.

The story itself resides in the town of Deadwood Dakota, but most of the interaction takes place in a brothel/saloon. Anywhere where people can gamble, screw, and drink. Violence in Deadwood is a constant, so is swearing... I wish I had a tally for every time someone said "cocksucker".

The hardships of that era are also highlighted... a lack of medicine or proper hygiene, open cruelty towards the sick or handicapped. The rights or roles of women limited to being a prostitute or wife. I don't know that either was better considering you were often denied a proper education and a man's actions (no matter how cruel or unfair) were always justified.

Yet this show is so engaging! Dark humor is juxtaposed to actual cruelty... so at times I'm not sure if I should laugh or cover my eyes. There is friendship, loyalties, and endearing compassion that is neither cliche or under used. Particularly in the case of the town pastor who you learn to love as his health fails...

The town doctor who often looks as though he's going mad, has you empathizing with his plight and limited capacity to help others. (Limited in the sense that modern medicine is clearly not like it is today).

Jewel, the "gimp" as she is referred to has such a tiny role in the series... yet towards the end of the season, I'm so moved by how they write her character. Revealing the sometimes frail and precious notions of joy.

Famous, historical characters are introduced such as Wild Bill Hickok. Another by the name of Calamity Jane... surprisingly through some research, a lot of what occurred in the series is close to actual events.

In fact Al Swearengen, was indeed a historical figure that operated a brothel by the name of the "Gem Saloon". The character is played by Ian McShane... who I have decided, despite being 67 years old... is one of the hottest old dudes I've seen in a while. Even with his paunchy furry gut! I looked at pictures of him when he was younger, and his lack of wrinkles turn me off.

As far as young guys go, Timothy Olyphant plays the sexy Seth Bullock. A lawman who eventually becomes sheriff of Deadwood. He has an overriding sense for law and justice, unable to escape the role as it is so much needed. When he passed away (September 23, 1919) he was buried alongside Wild Bill Hickok, and Calamity Jane.

What I enjoy most about this first season is the historical atmosphere that appears true to the times. You can almost taste the grit in your teeth, the pinch in your boots, your saddle sore legs. There is all this effort, from enforcing the law to printing a newspaper, that by all accounts seems like a useless undertaking for all the work it requires.

The characters, the gruesome and the charming, have been written with careful consideration. People like Seth Bullock, as honorable as he is... is brutal when delivering justice. Al Swearengen who is well versed in villainy, is still a man with weaknesses, with passing seconds of humanity... that makes watching him from a distance very enjoyable.