Oh, no.
Poor William. Poor Martha.
Poor Ellsworth.
Poor Hostetler and the General.
Poor me. This is the first one that really seemed to clunk. I understand the plot does not have to be moved every second of the show, but there really seemed to be about 5-10 minutes worth of show to this one. Looking back, I really can’t think of exactly what took up 45-55 minutes worth of time, other than the Yankton extortion and dragging the fat guy around the street. Far too much of random cast members standing around looking concerned.
I really like the show; I’m trying to figure out if I was off tonight or it was. Either way, I hope it doesn’t continue.
I thought tonight’s episode was first-rate, really good character-driven drama (the William-is-dying stuff) on top of a plot-furthering bit of exposition (Swearingen’s imaginary Montana vs. the Commissioner, Tolliver, and Walcott).
It didn’t feel off to me, but I’m biased, so I probably wouldn’t admit it if it did.
Seth is finally realizing his obligations as a father – husband next? MissIzz’s story line appears to be resolved. Sol and Trixie got some much needed screen time. Andy’s back. The annexation machinations are about to pay off. I see a setup for the Chez Amie being turned into a hospital. Alma is forced to think about the proposal.
I haven’t a clue what’s up with Wu next week. Anyone make sense out of the previews?
No fault with tonight’s eppy here.
[spoiler]
Silas returns
Ms Iz signs off and gets her money - I just wonder how long she will retain it (and her life).
More contrite words regarding Trixie’s true purpose in the hardware store.
Why did Sly insist on the big guy being drug to Joanie’s? I realize Doc’s office was full with William, but surely there were other options. Jane carrying in the rakes was priceless.
Speaking of William - RIP. Doc knew his time was better spent elsewhere even if that did mean operating on the big guy (or treating the hernia for that matter).
Did Jane appear sober for the majority of the episode?
Was Sol awaiting a telegram and if so, from whom? [/spoiler]
What was Wu trying to give Jewel?
I hoped it was the miraculous Chinese herbal cure for a crushed chest and a busted skull, but I think it was food. She’d been standing out there for awhile.
As for the question in the spoiler box, I didn’t get that Sol was waiting for a telegram.
That’s what I thought at first. ‘Ancient Chinese secret, huh?’
Two more episodes in the season? WTF? That’s not a season…that’s a few months. Followed by a very LONG off-season. What am I going to do without Deadwood?
6FU, Rome, Sopranos, The Wire, CYE
The jury is stil out on the return of Carnivale :dubious:
I heard Carnivale was cancelled, but no official announcement yet.
We’ll have the Deadwood Season 2 DVD by fall, won’t we? I’m hoping for some more excellent extras, especially if they filmed the party where Sol’s or Dan’s band played, and Silas did imitations of various actors auditioning for Al’s part. 
Rome looks cheezy, but I’ll give it a shot, I guess…
There was actually a lot of dramatic movement in this ep, there just wasn’t a lot of “action.”
Miss Iz’s storyline seems to have been wrapped up, at least for the time being.
The death of William is obviously a significant development, not the least of which because it forced Seth to come out of his emotional bunker for once and really be there for Martha and William. The scene when he was speaking to William as his “father” was one Tim Olyphant’s best scenes of the series.
I think the whole Yankton/Montana/Hearst cocksuckers affair basically boiled down to Al scamming Hearst out of some money but I’m a little muddled as to how. I’ll have to watch it again. I think Cy had a little admiration and envy in his voice when he commented on Hearst being “the biggest fish I ever saw landed.”
I think that Alma is going to say yes to Ellsworth and that she may feel a litle chastened after hearing from Trixie. (“Are you worried about having to fuck him? Cuz he won’t make you.”)
My favorite line of the episode was from Wolcott: “I am a sinner who does not expect forgiveness…but I am not a government agent.”
I’m wondering if Martha will just go back, in her grief, to her previous home; what does she need Seth for now? I was wondering last week why her softening of heart toward him after the previous week when she outright rejected any future offers he might make. Even as Seth ran with the dying child in his arms, he called, “Mrs. Bullock!” Not “Martha.” Or would that be the expected public behavior, even in such a situation? Would Seth care if she left? Other than the guilt?
Good Questions
IMHO - Seth needs to extract the 2x4 he’s had stuck up his ass all season.
I don’t think the normal Deadwood citizen would call out to their spouse “Mrs x” instead of their first name.
By “poor Ellsworth” I meant that it seems obvious that with William’s death, Mrs. Bullock will be going home, leaving no obstacle to Seth and Alma getting together again. Poor Ellsworth, who’s had his hopes raised and put his honor on the line for nothing.
On the other hand - he may well be relieved if Seth & Alma end up together. The proposal was more for her honor than his.
Oh, I don’t know. He might have been hoping for benefits!
My favorite part of the episode was Richardson with the antler. He was just so sincere.
It’s interesting to see Andy back. Was there some possible foreshadowing when E.B. made a crack about charging more for priests who set up gambling tables in his rooms? Perhaps I’m just cynical, but I wonder how much of the old Andy still exists.