Series great, DVD not so great
Just a quick review. Deadwood is an amazing achievement in television drama. HBO have a great track record with these sort of more serious and challenging shows, and an equally good track record abandoning them for unexplained reasons with unresolved plotlines. This is evident on this season 3 DVD set which not only features no extras (in common with the season 1 and 2 region 2 sets except for a few photographs on season 2) - but also fails to even include so much as animated menus. This may seem trifling, but it annoys me as its more evidence of the abandonment of the viewer/consumer as the channel ditches a show - even the print quality on the box is poorer than the others!

Rent this, don't buy it.
Having been impressed by the first two series of Deadwood, I was expecting another well written dramatic jewel. What a disappointment. The plot, such as there is, meanders along, with new (superfluous)characters thrown in with the obvious intent of providing continuity for the next (never to be completed) series, more incoherent drunken ramblings from Calamity Jane, a pointless cameo from Wyatt Earp and a finale that, by the time it arrives, is so overdue that it comes as a relief from the tedium, despite it's complete lack of drama.
Series 3 of Deadwood is rubbish. It could have been a masterpiece. However, having said that, the acting of Ian McShane et al is still superb. Pity the poor actors who have to work for such idiots as HBO - a gang of con-artists to release this and let it ride on the reputation of series 1 & 2. They'll not see another penny of mine.

Oh, for a fourth series...
In keeping with many of the reviewers, I am an enormous fan of this series. As such, Series 3 is ultimately disappointing, lacking the fluid pacing of 1 & 2, though retaining its intriguing dialogue. One is left wishing for a different direction, more of this and definetely less of that...

The outstanding character remains Al Swearengen. The writers have gifted him the material that amuses and illuminates, that speaks the ultimate truth of the darkness of human motivation. Of course, Ian McShane delivers with consumate surety - Al is a legend. Less can be said of Seth Bullock. One keeps hoping that Seth will explode onto the consciousness of Deadwood, setting his stamp on the town. However, he fails, blown in conflicting directions as each new breeze dictates. He has the potential but, it seems, not the contolling mindset to dominate.

The series was diluted by too much attention given to minor or unimportant characters. The tussle over the blacksmith shop is a case in point, diverting but frustrating as one wants to return to the important plot lines. Brian Cox, a talented actor, and inhabiting an interesting character in Jack Langrische, is also an unnecessary sideline. The eccentric Calamity Jane, whom we all surely have a soft spot for, is positioned within a relationship with Joanie. I did not believe in the dynamic of this couple, which was a shame.

The series moves in a jerky manner. Our attention is always engaged but with less compulsion than previously. You will certainly enjoy the series and it remains a gem. Make your own judgement. I hope that, as unlikely as it now seems, Deadwood will return for a shortened fourth series. Al Swearengen cannot be denied.

an Unfinished Symphony
I defer to those who have outlined the characters and plot of Deadwood.I just want to express how I feel having just watched the last (ever?) episode.An Unfinished Symphony is not quite right, so I will try for a different metaphor.
Your team qualifies for The Champions League.You follow all the group games and the Knock-out stages.
They reach the final, by being advenurous and fascinating to watch.You watch the hours of build up before the game.The anthems ,the kick about.
The match starts,cagey,tactical,one for the purists.Brilliant.Half time comes nil-nil the teams go off.
And they never ever return.You are left in your seat totally perplexed. Who let this happen?What now ?


Deadwood 3 - Dead loss
If you loved series 1 & 2 be warned this is not a patch on them: tiresomely inappropriate repetitive profanity, slow plot, lack of tension, pointless and unconvincing verbosity, useless secondary characters and sub plots. Save your money!

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