Ep 12. Sold Under Sin

In Deadwood season 1 episode 12 titled "Sold Under Sin," tensions are high as the town prepares for the upcoming elections. Al Swearengen's grip on power is threatened by the arrival of magistrate Clagett, who warns Al that he will be arrested unless he uses proper sanitary practices at his brothel. Meanwhile, tensions between Sheriff Seth Bullock and merchant E.B. Farnum continue to grow as they prepare for the elections.

As the election approaches, the candidates make their final campaigns for votes. Seth Bullock's friend Sol Star decides to run against E.B. Farnum for the position of mayor, while Wild Bill Hickok tries to stay out of the fray.

But the election takes a backseat when news arrives that a group of soldiers is coming to Deadwood. Al Swearengen sees an opportunity and sets a plan in motion to get his hands on the soldiers' gold. Meanwhile, tensions come to a head between Bullock and Farnum, leading to a violent confrontation.

With the soldiers' arrival looming, the town of Deadwood is on edge. Al and his associates try to carry out their plan while Bullock and Hickok do their best to keep the peace. But as the day of the soldiers' arrival draws closer, it becomes clear that tensions in Deadwood may be too high to prevent conflict.

"Sold Under Sin" is a thrilling episode that sets up the climax of the first season. The election and the soldiers' arrival provide a backdrop for the intense character dynamics and power struggles that drive the show. Al Swearengen remains a fascinating anti-hero, as he tries to retake control of the town and secure his own power. Meanwhile, Sheriff Bullock's passion for justice conflicts with his own temper and stubbornness, making him a compelling protagonist.

The episode features strong performances from the entire cast, including Ian McShane as Swearengen, Timothy Olyphant as Bullock, and Keith Carradine as Wild Bill Hickok. The supporting cast also shines, particularly Brad Dourif as Doc Cochran and Molly Parker as Alma Garret.

"Sold Under Sin" also continues to explore the themes of morality and sin that drive the show. The title itself is a reference to a passage in the Bible about the consequences of sin. As the characters navigate their murky moral choices, the episode asks questions about what it means to be good or bad in a lawless town like Deadwood.

Overall, "Sold Under Sin" is a fantastic episode of Deadwood that sets up the stakes for the season finale. With the arrival of the soldiers and the tensions between the town's citizens, anything could happen in the final episode of the season. Fans of the show will not want to miss it.