Deadwood (HBO 2004-2006, Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane)

Western drama series. July, 1876: Seth Bullock abandons his position as Marshall in the Montana Territory to begin a career as a hardware merchant in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, a burgeoning, lawless gold-rush town set in the heart of Native land. Joining Bullock in the endeavor is his friend Sol Star.

Also drawn to Deadwood is Wild Bill Hickok, the famed gunfighter and lawman. He travels with his old friend Charlie Utter and the foul-mouthed Calamity Jane. Ruling over much of the town is the foul moutherd Al Swearengen.

Season two saw the action move to 1877 and Deadwood growing a pace heading right into becoming a town; Seth Bullock is town sheriff and Cy Tolliver is a brothel owner and Al’s chief rival in town.

Season three saw the arrival of a ruthless new businessman George Hearst (Gerald McRaney) who has big plans for Deadwood, even if that means making enemies whilst he does so. The rivalry that develops between Hearst and Swearengen drives through the heart of this season and builds towards the climax of the season – Deadwood’s first election.

A “reunion” movie has long been rumoured to be in the works.

production details
USA / HBO / 36×60 minutes / 21 March 2004 – 27 August 2006

Creator/Executive Producer: David Milch

cast
Timothy Olyphant as the new lawman Seth Bullock
Ian McShane as the ruthless town boss Al Swearengen
John Hawkes as Sol Star
Molly Parker as Alma Garret
Powers Boothe as Cy Tolliver
Robin Weigert as Calamity Jane
Brad Dourif as Doc Cochran
Leon Rippy as Tom Nuttal
Paula Malcomson as Trixie
Sean Bridgers as Johnny Burns
W. Earl Brown as Dan Dority
Dayton Callie as Charlie Utter
Jim Beaver as Ellsworth
William Sanderson as E.B. Farnum
Kim Dickens as Joanie Stubbs
Jeffrey Jones as A.W. Merrick
Titus Welliver as Silas Adams
Anna Gunn as Martha Bullock
Garret Dillahunt as Francis Wolcott
Bree Seanna Wall as Sofia Metz
Josh Eriksson as William Bullock
Gerald McRaney as George Hearst