Deadwood (2004)

About Deadwood

Deadwood is an acclaimed Western drama Television series that ran from 2004 to 2006 on HBO. This epic tale is set in the town of Deadwood, South Dakota, an outlaw settlement teeming with crime and corruption in the late 1800s, during the peak of the American Gold Rush.

Making / Production

The series was created, produced, and largely written by David Milch. Over its three-season run, the series garnered critical acclaim for its complex characters, provocative themes, and realistic portrayal of the raw and often brutal High Plains Frontier community.

Actors

• Timothy Olyphant portrayed Seth Bullock, a steadfast lawman whose commitment to justice frequently collides with the lawlessness of Deadwood.
• Ian McShane gave a riveting performance as Al Swearengen, the brutal and cunning owner of the Gem Saloon.
• Molly Parker played Alma Garrett, a widowed prospector who wrestles with her addiction and place in a male-dominated world.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The character of Al Swearengen was based on a real-life bar and brothel owner in Deadwood in the late 1800s.
• Several historical figures, including Calamity Jane and Wyatt Earp, feature in the series.
• A meticulous attention to period detail resulted in a remarkably authentic evocation of the era. Even the profanity used in the show was researched to be historically accurate.

Awards

Deadwood received numerous awards and nominations throughout its run. It won eight Emmy Awards, one Golden Globe for Ian McShane (Best Performance by an Actor), and was nominated for the Outstanding Drama Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards.

Quotes

• "Pain or damage don’t end the world, or despair or f***in' beatin’s. The world ends when you’re dead, until then you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man, and give some back." - Al Swearengen
• "My job ain’t to follow the law, Al. My job is to interpret it. Then enforce it. Accordingly." - Seth Bullock

Music, Soundtrack

• The series’ score was composed by Michael Brook, known for his emotive themes and innovative use of instrumentation.
• The closing theme, a plaintive piano piece, was composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, a two-time Oscar-winning composer.