Twenty years ago, HBO unleashed on the world what is to my mind one of the best drama series in the history of television, Deadwood. I watched it the first time around and have been revisiting it in the past few days, literally in the same week it premiered all those years ago as chance would have it. If you haven’t seen it, you are missing out on a true masterpiece.
I love Deadwood, and especially its language. Like everything else in this show it has a purpose in supporting the storytelling. Notice how it purposefully avoids making any direct claim or challenge. Without the reassuring structure of social norms, and in the absence of mediating institutions, the characters must tread carefully. Political manoeuvres are negotiated with extreme caution, and the precise meaning of communications are analysed deeply. It is by no means coincidental that two of the most cowardly characters, the newspaper editor Merrick and hotel owner Farnum use the most deliberately opaque language. And what a wonderful (albeit odious!) character Farnum is.
Agreed 100%. And Farnum has some of the best soliloquies in the entire show. His internal dialogue that we get to hear adds a layer of complexity to a character otherwise lacking in depth as a human. Your comment about lack of structure and mediating institutions reminds me a bit of the Vikings, who inhabited their own version of the "Wild West." They, too, were barbarous and violent people but they actually did very well through other means to limit complete chaos in the absence of a state or any other similar apparatus (formal police, etc.). "Community policing" at its finest. At least in the early part of the period before actual state formation took hold in the form of European-style monarchies. See my other post about honor and violence in the Viking Age for more :)
When Deadwood first screened, we didn't have the cable service it was on, so I missed out. However, years earlier I was touring the Black Hills area of South Dakota with my Mum and we spent a bit of time in modern-day Deadwood, which was wonderful, because despite its (then) 20th century makeover, many of the real places, including the saloons etc, were/are still there. As are the graves of some of those (in)famous individuals from history and the movies. I had forgotten all about the show until your post reminded me... so, I think it's time I checked it out. Thank you!
I love Deadwood, and especially its language. Like everything else in this show it has a purpose in supporting the storytelling. Notice how it purposefully avoids making any direct claim or challenge. Without the reassuring structure of social norms, and in the absence of mediating institutions, the characters must tread carefully. Political manoeuvres are negotiated with extreme caution, and the precise meaning of communications are analysed deeply. It is by no means coincidental that two of the most cowardly characters, the newspaper editor Merrick and hotel owner Farnum use the most deliberately opaque language. And what a wonderful (albeit odious!) character Farnum is.
Agreed 100%. And Farnum has some of the best soliloquies in the entire show. His internal dialogue that we get to hear adds a layer of complexity to a character otherwise lacking in depth as a human. Your comment about lack of structure and mediating institutions reminds me a bit of the Vikings, who inhabited their own version of the "Wild West." They, too, were barbarous and violent people but they actually did very well through other means to limit complete chaos in the absence of a state or any other similar apparatus (formal police, etc.). "Community policing" at its finest. At least in the early part of the period before actual state formation took hold in the form of European-style monarchies. See my other post about honor and violence in the Viking Age for more :)
Just read it, what a fascinating topic!
Glad you liked it!
When Deadwood first screened, we didn't have the cable service it was on, so I missed out. However, years earlier I was touring the Black Hills area of South Dakota with my Mum and we spent a bit of time in modern-day Deadwood, which was wonderful, because despite its (then) 20th century makeover, many of the real places, including the saloons etc, were/are still there. As are the graves of some of those (in)famous individuals from history and the movies. I had forgotten all about the show until your post reminded me... so, I think it's time I checked it out. Thank you!
I never had an inclination to watch Deadwood. Your review has changed my mind. Thanks
You're welcome. Thanks for reading! I hope you find it interesting and worth the look.
We are watching episode two now and you’re right it is very well done!
Great review! I’ll check it out and appreciate your article. ☀️
Hi Marianne! You're welcome!