Ep 7. E.B. Was Left Out

E.B. Was Left Out is the seventh episode of the second season of the hit western drama series, Deadwood. The episode picks up from where the last one ended, with tensions high as Alma Garrett and Ellsworth's affair becomes public knowledge, causing uproar among the town's residents. Alma begins to feel guilty about putting her daughter through the scandal, and Ellsworth decides to leave Deadwood with his wife and son. Meanwhile, the tensions between Alma and Hearst escalate as Alma refuses to sell him her gold claim, which he needs to complete his mine. In order to put pressure on her, he employs a cunning new associate, Wolcott, to negotiate with Alma and threaten her with violence.

The episode primarily focuses on the character of E.B. Farnum, the owner of the local hotel in Deadwood. E.B. becomes increasingly paranoid and anxious throughout the episode, as people begin to leave him out of important meetings and conversations. He feels that he is losing his power in the town and becomes desperate to regain his place among the elite residents. However, his attempts to do so only lead to further ridicule and alienation, causing him to spiral into a state of self-pity and depression.

E.B.'s troubles begin when Alma and Hearst's representative, Wolcott, hold a meeting at the hotel to discuss Alma's gold claim. E.B. interrupts them, hoping to insert himself into the conversation and curry favor with Hearst, but he is immediately dismissed and ridiculed. This causes him to become increasingly paranoid and desperate, leading him to use his position to eavesdrop on conversations and try to blackmail people.

Later in the episode, a group of wealthy businessmen gather at the hotel to discuss the creation of a new bank in Deadwood. E.B. is excited to be included in the conversation, but the businessmen quickly shut him down and refuse to let him participate. This rejection sends him into a downward spiral of self-pity and worry, causing him to lash out at others and alienate himself even further.

Despite his troubles, E.B. remains a compelling character throughout the episode, thanks to the nuanced and layered performance by actor William Sanderson. Sanderson masterfully conveys E.B.'s insecurities and anxieties, as well as his desperate attempts to regain his status in the town. As the episode progresses, the character becomes increasingly sympathetic despite his flaws and shortcomings.

In addition to E.B.'s struggles, the episode features several other compelling storylines. One of the most interesting is the ongoing battle between Alma and Hearst. Alma proves to be a formidable opponent to Hearst, refusing to sell him her gold claim despite the increasing pressure he puts on her. Their interactions are tense and fraught with danger, creating a palpable sense of tension throughout the episode.

Another standout storyline is the departure of Ellsworth and his family from Deadwood. This plotline is handled with sensitivity and grace, as Ellsworth and Alma share a poignant goodbye before he leaves with his wife and son. The scene is beautifully acted by both actors, with a sense of bittersweetness that lingers long after the episode ends.

Overall, E.B. Was Left Out is a standout episode of Deadwood's second season. It expertly juggles multiple storylines and characters while still maintaining a sense of cohesiveness and momentum. The performances are uniformly excellent, with William Sanderson giving a standout turn as the beleaguered and complex E.B. Farnum. The episode also sets the stage for several exciting developments in the show's ongoing narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of the series.