Deadwood - The Complete First Season (2004)

The likes of a mind as of Milch...

Controversy surrounding this series invariably focuses on the supplementation of brutal obscenity to the lavish Victorian-era linguistic style. Those who argue this, supposedly on the side of morality, invariably omit the fact that, in the pilot episode of this series, eight people, both male and female, meet their demise at the hands of other human beings. The language is the problem? To quote Mr. Swearengen: "I'm a purveyor of spirits, dope included, and when chance affords, a thief, but I ain't no f-g hypocrite."

The inclusion of modern slang, if that is indeed all it is (I cannot for one pass judgement... I find all sources on this subject inherently biased), is fundamental to the thematic resonance of this series. How far removed is our society from this barbaric world when our primary objections lie entirely within excessive use of (realistically harmless) four-letter words? Words hurt feelings. Murder, I feel, is somewhat worse.

David Milch has given us a show with insight into the true nature of humankind... and I would expect no less from a former professor of English literature at Yale University (yep, look it up). If brilliant contemporary storytelling necessitates insignificant historical inaccuracy, well... then so the f-k be it.

This is the best show on TV today, and among the best of all time. This is storytelling that lends credit to the idea that we are, indeed, every bit as intelligent and thoughtful as we are idiotic and scornful.

History is a lie agreed upon. 5 f-g stars.

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