Deadwood
Y
June 9, 2006
9 p.m. Sunday, June 11
HBO
I'm sure one thing has nothing to do with another. Still, I kept thinking the reason strong-willed, larcenous Al Swearengen (Ian McShane) seemed more melancholy than usual in the new third season of "Deadwood" was because he knew it was the last one. HBO hasn't made it official but reports are that, despite the investment in a set that's bigger than some neighborhoods, HBO has chosen to let "Deadwood" ride off into the sunset.
A review isn't the place to analyze a business decision but, from a creative and artistic point of view, it will be sad to see this series go. The third season, as much as the two preceding ones, continues to breathe new life and vigor into the Western genre. What's more, the actors have become so comfortable in the skins of their characters, we can now appreciate the complexity of their personalities and desires. Heaven help us, but there are aspects of even Swearengen's henchmen that are becoming heroic.
In this season's "Deadwood," the camp attains a sort of social adolescence. Political and business institutions start to take root. Earlier, Swearengen gradually and grudgingly ceded power to Sheriff Seth Bullock (Tim Olyphant) and fellow saloon owner Cy Tolliver (Powers Boothe). Now, even that triumvirate is eclipsed by evil tyrant George Hearst (Gerald McRaney). Deadwood is no longer about cornering the booze, drug and hooker markets but about the drama and the struggle -- often violent -- to form a community. Enjoy it while it lasts.
HBO
I'm sure one thing has nothing to do with another. Still, I kept thinking the reason strong-willed, larcenous Al Swearengen (Ian McShane) seemed more melancholy than usual in the new third season of "Deadwood" was because he knew it was the last one. HBO hasn't made it official but reports are that, despite the investment in a set that's bigger than some neighborhoods, HBO has chosen to let "Deadwood" ride off into the sunset.
A review isn't the place to analyze a business decision but, from a creative and artistic point of view, it will be sad to see this series go. The third season, as much as the two preceding ones, continues to breathe new life and vigor into the Western genre. What's more, the actors have become so comfortable in the skins of their characters, we can now appreciate the complexity of their personalities and desires. Heaven help us, but there are aspects of even Swearengen's henchmen that are becoming heroic.
In this season's "Deadwood," the camp attains a sort of social adolescence. Political and business institutions start to take root. Earlier, Swearengen gradually and grudgingly ceded power to Sheriff Seth Bullock (Tim Olyphant) and fellow saloon owner Cy Tolliver (Powers Boothe). Now, even that triumvirate is eclipsed by evil tyrant George Hearst (Gerald McRaney). Deadwood is no longer about cornering the booze, drug and hooker markets but about the drama and the struggle -- often violent -- to form a community. Enjoy it while it lasts.
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