I’ve been wrapped up with a big wedding the past week [not mine, but I was Best Man] and missed this story altogether.
Just picked up the DVDs sets on a decent sale at Best Buy [$90] for both. Though I watched them during broadcast, it’s been a while and it was great to re-discover them in preparation for the upcoming season. I actually was anticipating this more than the return of the Sopranos.
Talking to a friend yesterday and he [not a Deadwood fan] mentioned this news. I thought for sure he must have been mistaken. Sadly, he wasn’t. It would be a real shame if this came to pass, especially [according to the articles] Milch was only planning on one more season, anyways. Perhaps something will work out. It would suck to have no closure on such a fantastic series.
A pair of 2 hour specials has been agreed upon to conclude the series.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Variety.com‘Deadwood’ not dead yetMilch, net agree on pair of specials for series finale By DENISE MARTIN “Deadwood” lives. After a month of what seemed like public negotiating, HBO and “Deadwood” creator-exec producer David Milch have kissed and made up, as it were, agreeing to produce a pair of two-hour specials that will serve as the show’s series finale. While Milch’s grisly Western had been presumed a goner last month after HBO announced it would not be renewing options on the large cast (Daily Variety, May 12), HBO said Sunday that the series and its fans would get closure in what amounts to a four-hour event. HBO will have to renegotiate new deals – now for a pair of two-hours as opposed to a full season – with all of the players. Although no one is locked into continuing with “Deadwood,” an HBO reprep said the network was confident in reaching all the deals necessary to proceed with the show in its new incarnation. No decisions had been made about a production start date or a premiere date. Insiders say HBO was uncomfortable with the hefty costs of holding the actors over an indefinite amount of time now that Milch would be splitting his time between another season of “Deadwood” and his new surf noir pilot “John in Cincinnati,” also set up at the pay network. “Deadwood” rotated in at least 20 major characters during season two. In addition, each episode of “Deadwood” is said to cost around $5 million to produce and require 15-16 days of shooting – a hefty tab even for HBO. And although both Milch and HBO say the parties had always intended for the series to end after four seasons, economics at the cablercabler have changed. “The Sopranos,” which begins production on its final episodes shortly, is more expensive than ever, while new series – including the expensive $100 million first season of “Rome,” a co-prod with the BBC, and “Big Love” – haven’t exactly ignited ratings or subscriptions. For Milch, keeping “Deadwood” alive in some form saves him from seeming as though he was abandoning the show after HBO offered a truncated fourth season of six episodes (Daily Variety, June 2). “I am thrilled that we were able to figure out a way to continue,” Milch said in a statement. “No one was ready to let go of the show, and I’m really glad we’ve found a way to proceed that works creatively.” Decision to continue also spares HBO brass criticism that they were prematurely pulling the plug on a series with both critical acclaim and a loyal following – two elements that earned lauded but ratings-challenged crime drama “The Wire” a fourth season, due this fall.
A single two hour episode would seem inadequate to resolve the series, but this seems like just barely enough to keep a really bad taste out of my mouth.
Yahoo has a 3 - 4 minute featurette up regarding Season 3 and Sunday’s Premier. Terrible quality on that Yahoo player - but it’s heavenly getting a glimpse of more new footage.
That was solid episode to start off the season. I love the dynamic of having Swearengen and Bullock allied against a common enemy, especially with Swearengen as the levelheaded voice of reason. The show’s found a great antagonist with McRaney’s Hearst.
First episode in and we already get a great Bullock beatdown. And even better - it’s Farnum on the receiving end.
What’s up with Bullock’s constant rubbing of his nose?
Jane still manages to have some of the best lines. “Every day takes figuring out all over again how to f*ckin’ live.” Perfect.
Mrs. Bullock’s anachronistic lessons were um…interesting. Gave us a good chuckle.
While it’s irrefutable that Farnum is a weasel, that beat down was pretty severe.
The scene between Al and Hearst was incredibly well-written and acted. Al complacently letting Hearst speak and pour his shots for him, then confirming his ‘dangerous’ status by standing up and swigging directly from the bottle while staring him down. Ian McShane is untouchable in this role.
Great episode, all of the factors that make the show great were present especially the always lovable Albert Swearengen. Farnum getting pummeled was an extra nugget of goodness.
The Howlin’ Wolf song at the end fit the up coming battle between Swearengen and Hearst so well. I can’t wait to see how Al get the better of Hearst. I wonder if Jane will die before the season is over? “Custer was a Cunt. The end” great line. The thing about it being a historic TV show is you know, that some people will die, and some people will live. I know that Farnum, Bullock’s, Swearengen, and Starr live and do very well in history. I know Jane dies in Deadwood, but not when and how. I have heard the name Joddy Stubbs some place before, so she may live, and be a historic figure.