One of the perks of being a member of the Media (ahem) is getting into stuff free, shaking hands with politicians (why do they always seem to smell so good?) and getting press kits with cool stuff in them. HBO sent me this info (I WISH they would send preview tapes, but I guess our paper isn’t big enough for that. Anyway, here’s info on the first episodes of Deadwood, which kicks off its third (and possibly last) season June 11. Thought I’d share what they sent me. I’ll condense as much as possible
The cast of regulars are back, the usual suspects, including Powers Boothe as Tolliver. Also appearing will be Brian Cox as Jack Langrishe and Gerald McRaney as George Hearst in recurring guest stars.
Episode 1: “Tell Your God to Ready for Blood” June 11
Deadwood’s first true elections are approaching, with the offices of sheriff – Bullock vs. Harry Manning, a bartender at Number Ten – and mayor – E.B. Farnum vs. Sol Star – to be contested. At the Gem, one of Hearst’s Cornish workers is killed, raising Swearengen’s suspicions that the incident was a staged Hearst power play. Meanwhile, complications involving Alma’s pregnancy alarm the Doc and Ellsworth. Adams’ orchestrated foreclosure gives Star a new home, with discreet access next door for Trixie. Jane prepares to share her experiences scouting for Custer with the camp’s children (!). Dismayed by her inability to make a clean break from gut-stabbed Tolliver, Joanie contemplates the easy way out. Hearst offers Bullock his political backing in exchange for Bullock’s promise to extert influence over certain areas of the camp. Episode is directed by Mark Tinker, written by David Milch and Ted Mann
Since this is my first time using the spoiler tags, I’ll let this fly and see if it works.
Crap! It looked ok in preview. Sweet, kind, generous Mod, could you fix the spoiler tag? Thank you!
I am such a :wally
OK, saw what I did wrong. I’m an idiot. Now you have evidence. A typo! I should be fed to Wu’s pigs.
Anyway, Ep. 26: “I Am Not the Fine Man You Take Me For” June 18
A cryptic note delivered by Captain Turner tips off Swearengen to another bloody incident at the Gem. Hearst makes his intentions known in a more straightforward message. Jane finds a captive audience for her oratory skills. The candidates are met with indifference. Alma’s health raises the issue of Sofia’s stewardship. Andy pays an unexpected call on Tolliver, with a different agenda and outcome. Directed by Dan Attias, written by David Milch and Regina Corrado.
A heads up – Ian McShane is a guest on Craig Ferguson’s show tonight – CBS after Letterman.
Thanks for fixing the first spoiler. Anyway, the HBO release goes on.
Episode 27: “True Colors” June 25
Deadwood ushers in some new arrivals: Jack Langrishe, a flamboyant stage promoter and old friend of Swearengen, and Aunt Lou Marchbanks (Cleo King), Hearst’s longtime cook, who settles in as the Grand Central chef. Also returning to town is a newly Westernized Wu, with news for “Swegin” about a soon-to-arrive group of Hearst workers. A recovered Alma decides to approach Hearst with a claim deal, over Ellsworth’s objections. Bullock discovers the truth about the Gem killings and puts Hearst on notice. Hearst calls Tolliver’s bluff, then offers him a fresh start. Written by Regina Corrado and Ted Mann, directed by Gregg Fienberg.
That is all they’ve sent me so far.
I wish I could stay awake long enough to see the McShane interview tonight.
I won’t be up for it either, but I set the DVR. If he says anything worth reporting, I’ll post it tomorrow. Heck, it’ll probably be on-line somewhere. Everything is on-line. 
If real history is anything to go by, I suspect Teddy Roosevelt might meet Seth Bullock this season.
That would be great, if Teddy Roosevelt makes an appearance, either in the regular season or in the “movies”.
Watched Ferguson last night. Cut and paste from what I posted at TWOP:
They were both funny, Craig and Ian. Craig commented that Ian should be a “Sir” by now, like Ian McKellan. McShane quipped that McKellan was known as “Damien”. It took me a second to get what he meant. Dame Ian! Craig: “You mean Gandalf is gay?” <wink wink>
They showed a clip from season three, Al and Seth talking about some violence at the Gem. Al only had to be bleeped twice.
Craig asked him about Deadwood. Ian said they’d had a scary couple of weeks of cancellation rumors, but they were getting two two-hour movies to finish things up.
They talked about Lovejoy, showed a clip from Sexy Beast, Ian talked about a couple of movies he’s working on, and they joked about fellow Brits. Ian’s going to be speaking at some kind of event featuring Sean Connery. Craig joked about Connery wanting to beat him (Craig) up.
They talked a little bit about Milch. Craig said Milch was insane, and he told a story about Milch showing up drunk for the old Tom Snyder show, on a day when he wasn’t even scheduled. Not sure if that was true or a joke.
Ian looked good. Seeing him as himself only reinforces what a great acting job he’s doing as Al.