The Ultimate Ranking of Deadwood: From Worst to Best, Unveiling the Epic Journey Across 3 Seasons & the Explosive Sequel Movie

Summary

The ensemble performances, historical accuracy, and distinctive language of Deadwood contribute to its authentic portrayal of the American West, setting it apart from romanticized depictions.

Deadwood: The Movie provides closure for fans of the show's beloved characters, but it may be perceived as more of a reimagined conclusion to Season 3 rather than a direct continuation of the series' narrative arcs. Season 1 of Deadwood showcases exceptional character growth, compelling melodrama, and a distinct biblical influence on the dialogue that evokes a Shakespearean feel, resulting in a fulfilling and self-contained season.

Deadwood and its sequel Deadwood: The Movie have achieved iconic status as a prime example of Prestige TV. While the series aired from 2004 to 2006, each season had memorable aspects. Written by David Milch, Deadwood is a Western drama set in the mining town of the same name after the Civil War but before its official incorporation into South Dakota. It serves as a lawless haven for settlers, with The Gem being the focal point of nighttime activities, overseen by rugged saloon owner Al Swearengen. Cowboys, thieves, prospectors, and prostitutes take advantage of the lack of organized law.

What sets Deadwood apart is its ensemble cast, particularly the performances of Ian McShane as Al Swearengen and Timothy Olyphant as Seth Bullock, the town's former settler turned sheriff. Their portrayals, combined with a skillful blending of historical events and legendary figures such as Wild Bill Hickok, create a sense of authenticity. From the down-to-earth attire of the characters to the distinct language used in their conversations, the show captures a lived-in atmosphere that shatters any romanticized notions of the American West. Each season thrives on compelling storylines and impactful character choices, infusing the frontier with vibrancy and making it feel like a vivid moment in history rather than a distant memory.

4 Deadwood: The Movie

Fans were pleasantly surprised when, a decade after its cancellation, Deadwood: The Movie finally arrived, providing closure for beloved characters. It successfully brings everyone back to a transformed Deadwood in 1989, as the town prospers as a stop on the railroad. The once lawless and dangerous place has evolved significantly since its days as a den for prospectors and criminals.

Although the real town of Deadwood was nearly destroyed by a fire, this point could have been explored in a hypothetical fourth season. Nevertheless, a new tragedy, such as the death of Al Swearengen, serves as a unifying event for the community. It is satisfying to watch George Hearst finally face the consequences of his actions at the hands of a more composed Sheriff Bullock. However, for some viewers, the movie felt more like a reimagined conclusion to Season 3 rather than a true continuation of the show's storylines. While the plot is serviceable, it lacks the impact and memorability of the original series, especially considering the changes made to Al Swearengen in his final days.

3 Season 3

Season 3 commences and concludes with the arrival of George Hearst, a renowned newspaper magnate, in Deadwood. He aims to acquire all the available claims and amass his wealth through mining. His aspiration to become an industrial titan overshadows the entire season and its characters, transforming former enemies into unified allies against the universally despised villain. This season adopts a more serialized approach compared to the previous two, as the town reluctantly acknowledges that Hearst is beneficial for business but detrimental to their personal interests. When he eventually departs to exploit the resources of another town, it is a bittersweet ending.

Prior to Hearst's departure, it is Trixie who, after enduring mistreatment throughout the seasons, finds her rage and becomes the only one with the resolve to confront the town's biggest bully. However, the season falls short by not granting every character the same level of depth and closure. Although one of the highlights of Season 3 involves Brian Cox's portrayal of Jack Langrishe, a flamboyant actor leading a vibrant theater troupe that introduces culture to the territory, his storyline ultimately lacks direction.

2 Season 2

In Season 2, the performers excel in their roles, the interpersonal relationships evolve, and Deadwood transforms from a shabby town to a thriving industrial hub during the Black Hills Gold Rush. The season kicks off with a dramatic clash between Al Swearengen and Seth Bullock, setting the tone for the confident and adventurous storytelling that follows. As the town embraces a newfound civility, the darkness of its origins is pushed to the outskirts, allowing the storylines to venture into unexpected and daring paths.

While the dialogue may feel excessive compared to Season 1, it comes alive when delivered by Calamity Jane in her moments of misanthropy. The development of Joanie Stubbs' character as she blossoms at the Chez Ami, and the unveiling of the vulnerable side of Cy Tolliver, demonstrate that two characters who were previously intertwined can embark on entirely new paths when their purpose is not solely defined by each other. Season 2 captures the peaceful anticipation before the clash, when the wealthy elite will attempt to seize everything the resilient residents of Deadwood have worked hard to create.

1 Season 1

Deadwood's first season excels in character development, melodrama, pacing, and strong performances from its talented cast, making it one of the rare television series with an exceptional debut. The dialogue captures the influence of the Bible on the language spoken in the American frontier more effectively than even the best Western films, resulting in a dialect that sounds Shakespearean to modern ears. Additionally, Season 1 introduces certain characters who never make it past this season, such as Wild Bill Hickok (Keith Carradine) and Reverend Smith (Ray McKinnon), or characters who never reach the same level in subsequent seasons, like Doc.

Throughout Season 1, pivotal moments shape the remainder of the series, including intense stare-downs between Al and Seth, Doc's fervent plea to God, and the haunting bathtub scene featuring the murder of Jimmy Irons. The courtship between Sheriff Bullock and Alma Garrett also adds crackling tension, as both characters are bound by 19th-century social norms that require them to suppress their own desires for propriety's sake. Moreover, the first season of Deadwood stands on its own and can be enjoyed independently of its successors, providing a wholly satisfying experience.