I find that some of the best shows on TV follow a similar path. They are extremely well written and the cast is above par. The shows are directed perfectly and the overall product proves that the brains behind, and in front of, the camera knew exactly what they were doing. And they did it well. Unfortunately our national television audience has more of an appreciation for celebrity downfalls, reality hoopla and poorly written programming. Excellent shows are usually award-nominated and/or award-winning yet receive very low ratings. In fact, if "Seinfeld" came out today I doubt it would last two seasons. It's ratings didn't blossom, and it's extraordinary humor not appreciated, until a few years into its run (thankfully the audience climbed on board and the show lasted as long as it deserved). Such shows include "Arrested Development", "Sons and Daughters", "Family Guy" (I believe it was cancelled and brought back 3 times) and one of my favorites of all time - "Deadwood".
My father is a huge fan of classic westerns and he, after years of buying him the DVDs and telling him what a great show it is, immediately became a hardcore fan. He called me after watching four hours in a row explaining what an amazing program he thought it was (which I had been trying to tell him for years). He finished Season 1 and the next day I went home with Season 2 as a gift - he had already received the first disc from Netflix.
"Deadwood" truly brings the wild west alive. With such known characters as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok amonst a slew of others on the largest tv set in history (they literally built an entire town) the viewer finds themselves in the center of a lawless territory surrounded by killers, lawmen, thieves, drunks, whores and about any sort of person who would find solice in a town without rule. The look and feel of this HBO Original give you the sense that you are watching, perhaps, a John Huston western. The dialogue is that of a Shakespearean tone, with a variety of expletives intermingled.
There are so many characters and storylines that collide you will have to watch each and every episode (while severely paying attention and understanding the script) to truly know who and what you are watching . . . and you will not be disappointed. In fact, much like my Dad, I imagine you will run out for Season 2 (which opens with a bang) the second the Season Finale ends.
It is hard to explain in detail the brilliance of this show. It's harder to explain why it only lasted three seasons. Do yourself a favor and pickup Season 1 and prepare for life in the cruel, rough and tough outlaw-driven town of Deadwood.
"Pain or damage don't end the world. Or despair or f*cking beatings. The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man... and give some back."
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