Ep 1. Deadwood

It is the year 1876 and the small mining town of Deadwood, South Dakota is beginning to take shape amidst the sprawling prairie and rocky hills of the American West. The first episode of Deadwood season 1, entitled "Deadwood", introduces viewers to the rough-and-tumble world of this frontier settlement, where the promise of abundant riches attracts a motley assortment of prospectors, gamblers, and shady characters.

As the episode opens, we are introduced to our main protagonist, Seth Bullock, who arrives in Deadwood with his business partner, Sol Star, in tow. The two men are on a mission to open a hardware store in this burgeoning town, but first they must navigate the unsavory characters who inhabit its streets. The opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the episode as Seth and Sol encounter a trio of men who are attempting to rob a stagecoach. Seth's no-nonsense sense of justice is on full display as he thwarts the robbers in a violent confrontation.

As Seth and Sol begin to set up shop in Deadwood, they quickly discover that the town is controlled by ruthless businessman and saloon owner Al Swearengen. Swearengen's machinations to maintain his grip on power drive much of the action in the episode, as we see him scheme and manipulate the other inhabitants of the town to his own ends. Among the characters under Swearengen's thumb are Trixie, a prostitute at the Gem Saloon, and Dan Dority, Swearengen's chief enforcer and right-hand man.

Amidst this web of violence and intrigue, a few figures emerge as potential allies to Seth and Sol. Calamity Jane, a legendary figure of the Wild West, makes a memorable entrance as she stumbles drunkenly into town. Though Jane's rough exterior initially alienates some of the townsfolk, she quickly establishes herself as a loyal friend to Seth and Sol, even as she struggles with her own demons.

Another character who will play a key role in the series is Wild Bill Hickok, a famous gunslinger and poker player. Though we only get a brief glimpse of him in this episode, his presence looms large over Deadwood, with many of the other characters eager to impress him or learn from his example. One of those characters is Charlie Utter, a friend of Wild Bill's who is also seeking his fortune in Deadwood.

As the episode progresses, tensions begin to mount between Swearengen and the other residents of Deadwood. When two new arrivals, Mr. and Mrs. Garret, levy accusations against Swearengen for poisoning their son, the situation comes to a head. The resulting courtroom scene is a masterclass in tension and character development, as we see each of the major players in Deadwood respond to the crisis in their own way.

Overall, the first episode of Deadwood sets the stage for a complex and compelling drama that will explore the gritty realities of life in the Old West. While the series is undoubtedly bleak and violent, it also boasts richly drawn characters and a deep sense of historical authenticity. With its excellent writing, superb acting, and beautiful cinematography, Deadwood is a must-watch for fans of period dramas and Westerns alike.