The series Deadwood ranks among the best of episodic television because of its vivid characters, along with its ruthless violence and its florid – and unexpectedly foul – language. It is the apogee of the Loquacious Western.
For fans of Deadwood, there is now Deadwood: The Movie, an affectionate update of our frontier friends – both vile and righteous. Deadwood: The Movie is just as character-rich as the series. If you already know the characters, that is. And one of the denizens utters the line, “Does brevity exist in your repertoire?
More than a decade has passed since the events of the Deadwood series. The occasion of South Dakota’s statehood has brought back merciless George Hearst with another monopolist scheme, this one based on the new technology of telephone wires. Motivated by old grudges and new greed, he threatens a spate of Deadwood stalwarts: Charlie Utter, Trixie, Sol Star, Marshal Seth Bullock, Samuel Fields and Mr. Wu.
At last, Al Swearengen’s life of dissolution has taken its toll on his health. But his personality still comes through his slurred speech, and he observes all from from his balcony – the Oracle of Deadwood.
It’s all an entertaining swan song for our favorite characters; Calamity Jane, Joanie Stubbs, Mrs. Ellsworth, Doc Cochran, Tom Nuttall and E.B. Farnum all show up, too.
Deadwood: The Movie is broadcast on and can be streamed from HBO.