Deadwood's Shocking Plot Twist: Unraveling the Real Reason Behind William Bullock's Demise in Season 2!

This article contains references to child death and trauma.

Summary

The shocking death of William Bullock in season 2 of Deadwood was a result of behind-the-scenes drama. His demise deeply impacted the emotional journey of the season, bringing the characters together in a heartbreaking scene that provided a final emotional catharsis.

In spite of the underlying issues, the demise of William Bullock gave rise to impressive performances by actors Timothy Olyphant and Anna Gunn, showcasing their exceptional talent.

Deadwood experienced a shocking loss in season 2, but it was not without reason. This 2004 American Western drama series depicted the settlement and growth of Deadwood, South Dakota, in the 1870s, spanning three seasons and a subsequent movie. The narrative revolved around Sheriff Seth Bullock (played by Timothy Olyphant), who relocated from Montana to establish a hardware business in the newly-formed Deadwood camp. Alongside him, William Bullock (portrayed by Josh Eriksson), the son of Seth's brother and Martha Bullock (Anna Gunn), enters town with his recently bereaved mother and is taken under Seth's wing.

William's character in the show was mostly fictional but loosely based on the actual history of Douglas Kislingbury, who was the real-life sheriff's nephew. By the time Season 2 rolled around, viewers had become well-acquainted with the perils of living in 1870s Deadwood, where a single wrong glance could result in a fatal bullet to the head and a simple procedure like kidney stone drainage could trigger a stroke. The second season took place seven months after the events of the first season, during a period when some semblance of order had been established in the settlement. However, everything took a horrifying turn when William was unexpectedly and tragically killed. This shocking moment left the audience reeling and raised questions about what had transpired off-screen to disrupt William's character development and the supposed blossoming paternal bond between him and Seth.

William Bullock Was Killed Off In Season 2 After Deadwood Writers Fought With The Actor’s Family

William Bullock's demise in the show was truly heart-wrenching, but it appears that it was influenced more by off-screen conflicts rather than the overarching plot. As a substantial amount of time has elapsed since Deadwood concluded, Olyphant, the lead actor, has become more candid about the behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Among these revelations is a noteworthy tale involving Eriksson, the actor who portrayed William Bullock, and Milch, the creator of the show.

William’s Death Led To One Of Deadwood’s Most Heartbreaking (& Profound) Scenes

During an episode of The Rich Eisen Show, Olyphant revealed that a particular character on the show, potentially a younger one, was causing trouble behind the scenes. This led to some commotion as someone connected to that actor was being difficult. Frustrated by the situation, Milch decided to take action and one night, he approached Olyphant's trailer and simply stated, "We're going to eliminate the problem by getting rid of the kid."

In a rare moment of joy, the characters of Deadwood come together with smiles on their faces as Tom Nuttall reveals a vintage bicycle. However, their happiness is short-lived when chaos ensues as a runaway horse dashes through the bustling market lanes and tragically tramples eight-year-old William Bullock. This devastating event, initially conceived out of frustration, ultimately shapes the final storyline of season two. Show creator Milch foresaw a promising outcome for actor Olyphant, proclaiming, "It's going to be incredible for your character," and indeed, it allows Olyphant to embark on a profound emotional journey.

Season two of the TV drama from the early 2000s was already hailed as a meticulously crafted masterpiece. However, it is William's death that serves as the catalyst for the season's emotional climax. It also allows Gunn to deliver a standout performance that deeply impacts viewers in the episodes ahead. The scene where she quietly gives her dying son permission to let go is haunting and remains one of the most memorable moments of the show. Though William Bullock's death may have been influenced by behind-the-scenes drama, it ultimately shaped the second season and highlighted the exceptional talents of Olyphant and Gunn as actors.

Sources: The Rich Eisen Show and Decider.