Deadwood - The Complete First Season (2004)

The Best Program on Television!

This DVD of the first season of "Deadwood" is worth every cent. For those of us who are fanatical viewers, the bonus disc is outstanding, and greatly enhances the enjoyment of the series. For those who are new to the program, I would suggest viewing the bonus disc first, to get a feel for the series prior to watching the first episode. There is nothing in the nature of a real spoiler on the disc, and I was very impressed with the features, especially the one on the history of Deadwood, the town. It includes photographs of the real people who were the inspiration for many of the characters in the series, and interviews with the actors who portray them.

The plot of the series has been related elsewhere on this page, so I will not give a rundown of the storylines, except to say that they are skillfully entertwined. The relationships between the characters are complex, particularly the relationship between Al Swearengen and the prostitute Trixie, and the parallel relationship between rival saloon owner Cy Tolliver and his madame, Joanie. Al is more openly physically and emotionally abusive to Trixie than Tolliver is to Joanie (his abuse is more psychological). Be advised that this series is not for young children, as they may find many of the images disturbing, especially the violence and strong sexual themes. One small spoiler: The women introduced in the first season seem to have had a history of sexual abuse, starting as young girls, which is not spelled out directly, but is hinted at in the course of the episodes. Also, the language used is not for "gentle viewers," who may be upset by the constant use of a certain phrase, but the shock value is over (or at least it was for me) by the second episode. There is also a very good feature about the language on the bonus disc.

The sets, the music, and the writing are fantastic and the acting is outstanding. I was so happy that Ian McShane received a Golden Globe for his performance as Al, after the series was shamefully ignored at the Emmy Awards. Powers Booth, often overlooked when the awards are handed out, is equally good as Tolliver, while Keith Carradine puts in a memorable performance as Wild Bill Hickok. Robin Weigert, who is a new performer for me, does a wonderful turn as Calamity Jane, who is profane when drunk, but tender and caring when sober.

The second season started on March 6th, and hold the promise of being every bit as good as the first season, with some new plot twists and turns. Don't wait to by the DVD set of Season One, so you can revisit Deadwood again and again.

All news on this site are owned and copyrighted to their respective publishers. this is a non commercial website.