(S03E01) One of the things you need to realize about this show is that you're bound to get confused. Especially after you've gone a year without seeing an episode and hearing that trademark "F this and F that and F you" dialogue. It takes a good ten minutes for your ears and mind to adjust. Part of is also the multitude of characters. But you have to respect a show that's so ambitious in that respect and Deadwood does it well.
I will say though, it was a great feeling to see Swearengen walk out onto his deck and slug down some coffee from that dirty tin mug. I missed this guy... which is odd, because I don't think I'd want him as a friend.
As tends to be the case in the town of Deadwood, everything is in disarray. Even more so since George Hearst (the famed prospector) arrived in town. He's bought just about every plot and claim in town and while his worth is far and away at first, Alma Garret Ellsworth's single claim is right behind him. Naturally he wants it.
Elections are coming. Bullock is running to maintain his seat as sheriff with the only competition being some guy who tends bar at Nuttall's. Sol has entered the race for mayor against E.B. and it seems that Al is secretly backing Sol without Sol's knowledge. Al sends out Silas to default on a loan taken from Sol and Alma's bank. This way Sol gets the house that the loan sat on and he can keep Trixie in it since the townfolk don't want a potential mayor "associating with whores." At least that's the way I interpreted it.
Earlier in the day, one of Hearst's miners was shot in the Gem and Swearengen is fairly certain that Hearst himself orchestrated it to see how Bullock would react. That way if Bullock was to go easy on the case, then Hearst might be more inclined to back Seth for sheriff. Bullock won't be bought though and he enters an odd alliance with Al to help stop Hearst. Later, after Al promises to be a thorn in Hearst's side, George sends the same killers he hired before to go after Al.
During their meeting, Hearst alludes to having knowledge of Bullock and Alma's affair. Without considering the possibility that he tipped Hearst himself, Bullock assumes it was E.B.'s big mouth and kicks the crap out of him.
Over at the Bella Union, Joanie has been looking after Sy's whores while he convalesces from the stab wound given to him by the Reverend Cramed. She isn't doing well though, and she heads over to a new hotel run by a Brit named Shaunessy. She rents a room and holds a gun to her head. Then she leaves. I got the impression that she does this daily.
Other happenings:
- The stablehand Hoffstedtler has left town and Steve, the guy that tried to screw Bullock's horse last season, now runs the carriage house.
- Martha now teaches school for about a dozen of the town's children.
- Jane is still a drunk, but it leads to some great lines. Her version of her time spent scouting with Custer? "Custer was a cunt. The end." Priceless.
- Alma has fallen ill while still pregnant. She says she wants to keep the baby but I'm worried because Cochran is treating her pain with lanthanum (which she used to be addicted to).
As a result of the sour taste in his mouth after meeting with Hearst, Al cancels the election speeches. Which is good for E.B. since he couldn't really speak clear anyway. Now we just wait and see if Al makes it through the night. He'll be fine. Hearst's men don't seem too quick anyway.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-12-2006 @ 8:38AM
Lee said...
A brit names Shaunessy? That's funny.
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6-12-2006 @ 11:35AM
dk said...
YES - everything the Sopranos isn't - smart, funny, shocking, thrilling - this show is great and there is solittle filler
knock knock - it's Albert Swearengen
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6-12-2006 @ 11:41AM
Jason said...
I think you meant "laudanum" (an opium based liquid often used in old patent medicines) not "lanthanum" (a metallic chemical element and proud member of the periodic table)... Just so's ya know :-)
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6-12-2006 @ 1:00PM
Faith said...
The best show on HBO, hands down. Al Swearengen truly is the greatest character on television ever. I, too, loved the knock-knock "It's Albert Swearengen!" line (I want to make it my sign on sound). Another great line: "I will profane your remains, EB. Gabriel's horn will draw you from the ass of a pig." God. The man is brilliant.
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6-12-2006 @ 1:11PM
Kevin said...
Best show on HBO? Best show T.V. Period! I was much more happy to see this new Deadwood as opposed to Brokeback Sopranos. What a stinker the Sopranos has turned out to be.
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6-12-2006 @ 5:45PM
shannon wynne said...
One mistake in last night's show...Al entered a room announcing his name as Albert Swearegen...when actually in real life it was Alfred ...also, I think she was addicted to Laudenum.
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6-12-2006 @ 10:04PM
SJ said...
Some of the best quotes:
"You are a fucking miracle Johnny! It's close to a mortal certainty."
"He can't whore fuck no longer with impunity."
"Quick prick suck Bullock? "
"Bloodletting, on my premises, that I ain't approve of, I take as a fucking affront..It puts me off my feed."
All these quotes are Swearengen's...just brilliant.
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6-12-2006 @ 11:56PM
Phish said...
Agreed, one of the best shows on TV ever, in the top 5 easily! Brilliant writing, amazing performances. How there won't be a 4th season baffles me completely!
HBO should make a new channel to reach more viewers, only serials, with ads, no subscription fee, included in the basic package, or at least a minimal subscription fee, so they can still say F*CK every 5 seconds! LOL
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6-13-2006 @ 10:40AM
Kathleen said...
A great way to start season 3...updating all the characters and letting us know the import of Hearst's still being in the camp.
Wanting Alma's claim and trying to enlist Bullock in his endeavor to obtain it....the lines are being clearly drawn for us.
Laudanum is the drug (opium derivative) Doc was giving Alma and he will, as anyone with a past affliction knows-- re-awaken the demon.
The best show on television...perhaps ever.
HBO needs to rethink the renewing of the entire (12 episode) Season 4. Without Deadwood they are just TV.
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6-13-2006 @ 11:36AM
Bob said...
Surely, surely surely venerable HBO will come to its senses and give this show a full fourth season. It's the best thing on any TV ever. They'd be fools to lose it! ...Well, maybe they are. But I sure hope not.
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6-13-2006 @ 4:04PM
David Krygier said...
Oh my Gawd! Deadwood and Rome are the reason I STILL
have a TV in my house. They are the perfect fusion of
Directing, Acting and Writing. I would pay triple my cable fees for access to a channel that produced shows of this calibre. No Kidding!!!
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6-13-2006 @ 6:28PM
Ron said...
I could not agree more with the comments above. I watched the entire series again because my girlfriend had not seen it. She hates westerns. Well, not anymore. She loves Deadwood. I had forgotten how great the show really is. I found it even better the second time. What is HBO thinking? I don't care about any more episodes of the Sopranos. They have effectively killed it. Horrible last season. Entourage is just awful. Without Deadwood I think I will consider dropping HBO altogether.
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6-26-2006 @ 2:15AM
Chris Cogs said...
I'm sorry say that after watching almost every episode of Deadwood, I choose to not inhabit the mindspace of their Hell. I can't think of one good revelation or insight that has come from this well acted drama (for me). It's a good feeling to know that with one "click" I can leave them behind forever. Good stewing all!
Reply
6-26-2006 @ 2:42PM
Mike said...
Linear thinking doesn't suit you much, does it?
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2-09-2007 @ 10:06AM
AS said...
>I'm sorry say that after watching almost every episode of Deadwood, I choose to not inhabit the mindspace of their Hell. I can't think of one good revelation or insight that has come from this well acted drama (for me). It's a good feeling to know that with one "click" I can leave them behind forever. Good stewing all!
by Chris Cogs
Yo Chris...the Disney channel awaits! enjoy
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