Ladywood

We've reached the series finale of Deadwood, so it's time to reflect upon all the things we've loved as well as all the things we would have done differently. (Hey, you know the drill by now...because we're writers. Writers in LA.) The movie is nigh, and we thank you for listening with us this far!

A moment of silence for a Ladywood favorite as we discuss Deadwood's penultimate episode. Hearst takes violent action, and we mourn along with the characters for the ensuing loss. From there, retaliation takes things to another level -- and as we move into the final episode of the show's run, it remains unclear who will come out on top.

It's a stunner of an episode as we head into the home stretch of season three. When someone shoots at Alma during her daily walk to the bank, our regulars band together to scheme and strategize, tension rising all the time. Oh, and also the actors have some nonsense going on? And Cy is being a dick for no reason? But we're not gonna let those distractions ruin an otherwise great episode.

It's a bad week for season three's new side characters, as the Earp brothers end their Deadwood adventure without much fanfare and Odell meets a sad fate off screen. As we ask ourselves what the point of all that was, another questionable event looms: the town's first Amateur Night! What talents hide in the crowd of hoopleheads? We shall see.

Inscrutable plots abound this week as Lou's son Odell rides into town with big news for Hearst about a gold claim in Liberia, while Cy considers ways to turn Alma's backslide into drug use to his benefit. We're not 100% sure how everyone's going to make their plans come together, but we're along for the ride. Meanwhile, Lynn makes a bold claim about Best Male Feminist for the episode.

The doors of the Deadwood bank are opening and the hoopleheads are ready to deposit that gold -- if they can wrap their minds around it. As this dovetails with the return of Hostetler and General Fields with the horse that killed William Bullock, Seth tries to broker a deal to keep Steve the Drunk from inciting violence over ownership of the livery. And in other horrors, Con Stapleton gets laid. (My god.)

This week, many of our beloved characters find themselves calling on their inner bravery. Whether facing a dangerous medical procedure, a violent enemy, or a classroom full of inquisitive children, it's peril around every corner. All that, plus the long-awaited election speeches, oooh!

Deadwood's second season closes out with perhaps our favorite episode so far, as George Hearst finally rolls into town against the backdrop of everyone preparing for the Alma & Ellsworth nuptials. There'll be murder! There'll be dancing! There'll be attempted murder in the middle of the dancing! This is Deadwood at its best.

As the camp comes together for the sad business of saying goodbye to young William, other unsavory business continues in the background, with Lee taking his most unforgivable actions so far and Commissioner Jarry plowing ahead on annexation terms with no regard for anyone's grief. Meanwhile, Alma makes a big decision.

The first trailer for the Deadwood movie has arrived! We are excited!!!

The camp sits in the balance between life and death this week, as collective hopes, prayers, and despair color all other interactions. We admire the excellent acting on display during this sad episode, as well as the smaller moments layered into the slower narrative. RIP William, RIP boyhood, etc.