HBO’s Deadwood may not have been the highest-rated of the cable channel’s shows, especially compared to The Sopranos and Game of Thrones, but popularity for this pulpy Western has only grown over the years. Set in the titular outlaw town in the Old West, the drama followed various characters willing to live a dangerous life in order to make their fortune.
With its thrilling stories, intoxicating dialogue, and an outstanding cast, Deadwood is one of those series that is a joy to revisit again and again. Though it only ran for three seasons, it managed to pack in a considerable amount of great television. Here are the best episodes of Deadwood, according to IMDb.
Tell Him Something Pretty (8.6)
The final episode of the series might not have been the farewell all fans were hoping for, but it was a satisfactory wrap-up of the season-long story involving George Hearst. As the powerful man seeks revenge for an attempt on his life, the rest of the camp prepares for war.
As was often the case with this series, the problems were not resolved in the big, bombastic ways other shows might have done. Rather, the whole thing comes to an end with characters making hard decisions with deadly consequences.
Amalgamation And Capital (8.7)
Deadwood does an impeccable job of lulling the viewer into a state of comfort before reminding them of the dangers of this world. Such is the case with “Amalgamation and Capital” which deals with the various plots and opportunities at work in the camp.
The episode is filled with the kind of humor and compelling character interactions that make the show so enjoyable. But in the episode’s final moments, when tragedy strikes, it leaves us with a terrible gut punch that changes everything.
Mister Wu (8.7)
Mister Wu might not be the most prominent of characters on the show, but this episode gives him a bit of the spotlight for a change. After his opium shipment was attacked and Al’s share stolen, Wu and Al devise a plan to get the dope back and deal with the ones who are responsible.
Though the case of the missing drugs is the main crux of the episode, there are also several big moments for key characters, such as Joanie moving out from under Cy, and Silas coming back to camp. It also provides another violent example of Al’s ruthlessness.
A Lie Agreed Upon: Part 1 (8.8)
The second season picks up several months later and starts the new season off with a bang. Changes are coming to the camp with Joanie’s new business taking off, Jane returning to camp, and Seth and Alma carrying on their not-so-secret affair.
The episode is a welcome return to this place and the characters, doing an excellent job of reconnecting the audience and starting things off at a fast pace. However, the real highlight of the episode is the brutal and epic showdown between Al and Seth — which had been coming for a long time.
A Constant Throb (8.8)
Al Swearengen, certainly the most compelling character on the show, was introduced as a violent and evil man who seemed to be the villain of the series. Though he certainly never became a good guy, he did find himself siding with the good guys more often as the series went on.
This episode is so enjoyable because we get to see the best of both sides of Al. With Seth away from camp, Alma becomes the target of Hearst’s men and she turns to Al for help. We see him take genuine offense to the attack, and his retribution as a result is classic Al.
Here Was A Man (8.9)
Wild Bill Hickok was probably the most famous character to appear in the first season of the show. The famous Old West figure was portrayed as a man who still carried himself as a larger-than-life figure but one who saw himself at the end of his life.
This episode is a fateful one for Hickok as he meets his end at the hands of a cowardly card player. Meanwhile, Alma deals with the aftermath of her husband’s death which pits her against Al and his desire to take her gold.
The Catbird Seat (8.9)
The conflict with Hearst provided a perfect villain for the final season of the show as well as a tense storyline. Following the attack on Alma, Hearst continues his aggressive push against his opponents in the camp with deadly results.
The violence had been simmering all season long and this is when it finally boils over. The reaction from the people in the camp and the set-up for the final confrontation make this one of the most exciting and pulse-pounding episodes of the series.
A Two-Headed Beast (9.1)
This Season 3 episode is a brutal one but a crowd-pleaser nonetheless. After holding power over the camp through intimidation, Hearst begins to learn that there are some people in Deadwood who he can’t push around so easily.
The episode has a lot of developments, but the big moments involve the face-off with Hearst. Specifically, the fight between Dan and Hearst’s henchman the Captain makes for one of the most violent and shocking moments in the series. And Seth’s way of dealing with Hearst is a cherry on top of it all.
Boy-The-Earth-Talks-To (9.1)
The storylines for the second season reach their climax in this season finale while setting up an uncertain future for the camp. As George Hearst arrives in Deadwood, violence erupts among the Chinese gangs, and the election are underway.
The episode does a great job of delivering thrilling and satisfying conclusions to some of the most interesting storylines while leaving us wanting to see what will come of these new developments. It is a violent, intense episode that also features great character moments.
Sold Under Sin (9.2)
This episode marks the end of the show’s stellar first season and encompasses all the things that make it such a compelling series. When the military arrives in town, it provides problems for Al, who looks to put his troubled past behind him through any means necessary. Meanwhile, Seth takes drastic measures in dealing with Alma’s greedy father.
The episode is really about Al and Seth as characters. We see what each of them are willing to do when pushed to their limits, but also what sets them apart.
