From the network of HBO,Deadwoodwas a 2004 thriller series set in the town of Deadwood, South Dakota. The series starred Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, and Robin Weigert. The series was based on the real town of Deadwood and its history of lawlessness. The series follows the story of a bunch of people who flee to Deadwood in hopes to get rich. However, once there, they encounter a lot of chaos in the town because of its lack of law.
Many of the characters in the show were inspired by the real-life people in Deadwood. It defied the lines of becoming like a typical Western TV show by adding layers of mystery and confusion. For a show in the early 2000s, the set and costume designs were totally on point and spectacular. The show in just the first few episodes was able to garner a lot of international attention and soon became the most recommended show of its time. The producers brought the wild West in a very modernistic twist so that audiences could relate to it more.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of the show was thevariety of interesting characters. Each character in the show had unique traits which made it hard for the viewers to choose their favorite. Fans of the show became extremely upset due to the abrupt ending of the series. However, fans are got excited as a movie ofDeadwoodcame out in 2019 as a continuation of the series. The movie also features almost all the original cast, making some of the most major characters return on screen after years.
6Calamity Jane
Calamity Jane is one of thefan-favorite characters of the seriesand the movie. She is a complete drunkard who just uses foul language casually in her conversations with everyone. Robin Weigert’s performance as Jane thrives in the show as he shows an extremely tough outlook, but is a softy inside. As opposed to the boss-woman roles Robin Weigert is known for taking on, Calamity Jane was just surrounded by extreme chaotic energy. She is not approachable and lashes out at others who try to help her, but is someone with the purest intention. Her character is one of the most complex in the show.
5Joanie Stubbs
Another female character who is a boss woman in the show is Joanie Stubbs, played by Kim Dickens. Like the other women in the show, she is supposed to be petite as the head madam of the Bella Union, but soon goes out into the world and fulfills her dream. Joanie opens her own brothel in Deadwood and does not let anybody look down on her. She is another epitome of strength as she deals with her setbacks and helps those around her in need. Her friendship with Jane is also a very heart-warming one as both of them complement each other to perfection. Her character also makes a return in the movie.
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4E.B. Farnum
Themost obnoxious characterin the series, perfectly portrayed by William Sanderson, is E.B Farnum. Viewers of the show just found it impossible not to love him. He is the most self-centered character in the series who could talk about himself for hours and not get tired. His ambitions go far beyond his reach and his fits of anger totally justify his unworthy election as Mayor of Deadwood. Even though the people of the town have extreme hatred for him, his obnoxiousness does not stop him from giving his point of view in everyone’s lives. This behavior, although it may seem annoying, adds a comedic element to the environment.
3Al Swearengen
Ian McShane’s character Al Swearengen is the highlight of the show. He is categorized as the antagonist of the show, starting off with hisvillainous and murderous auraright in the pilot episode. However, his character development in the show is what makes him an extremely prominent character. The viewers get to see him develop into a warm person who experiences love for the first time. This change was an extreme transition from the self-sufficient person he was before. Al Swearengen used to be the mastermind of Deadwood; using everyone around him for his own advantage. He was one of the most beloved characters that fans of the show were extremely excited to see in the movie again.
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2Alma Garret
Alma Garret, played by Molly Parker, is thecenterpiece of the whole show, making her one of the strongest characters. Starting off as a normal wife with opium addiction, she later evolves into someone who takes a huge step for herself and her gold claims. Molly Parker completely embodied the character of Alma Garret, portraying everything emotional to perfection. Her character is also the most progressive one, as she is the first person to suggest the idea of opening Deadwood’s first bank. Her reappearance in the movie was also extremely awaited as her character was last seen struggling in the series before its abrupt end. Alma portrays smartness, wit, and major independent strength.
1Seth Bullock
Thegood guy ofDeadwoodis Seth Bullock, played by Timothy Olyphant in the series and the movie. He is the complete opposite in mannerism to what Al Swearengen is. Seth reflects all the good and just things a person should have, despite living in a havoc-wreaking town. Seth is the sheriff of Deadwood, and his job is not easy at all. However, his partnership with Al is what makes him more weary of the necessary evil of the town. Timothy Olyphant was the perfect man to play Seth, as his charm in embodying the character showed on the screen. Though he may be a nice person, it does not stop him from getting angry. He is to be feared in town because of his anger, showing the character’s range of emotions.
