Ep 5. The Trial of Jack McCall

In the fifth episode of Deadwood season one, titled The Trial of Jack McCall, tensions in the lawless town of Deadwood come to a head as Jack McCall, the man who murdered Wild Bill Hickok, is brought to trial.

The episode opens with the townspeople gathering for the trial, which is held in the Gem Theater because it is the largest building in town. The makeshift courtroom is crowded and chaotic, with people vying for seats and shouting over each other. It quickly becomes clear that this trial is no ordinary court proceeding.

The trial itself is presided over by Judge Smith, who has been brought in from Yankton to oversee the proceedings. The prosecution is led by Sol Star, a prominent merchant in Deadwood, while McCall is defended by a young lawyer named Tom Mason.

As the trial begins, it becomes clear that McCall has little respect for the court or the law. He is frequently belligerent and refuses to answer many of the prosecution's questions. Mason, on the other hand, is inexperienced and seems to be struggling to mount a defense for his client.

The trial itself is filled with twists and turns, as witnesses take the stand and conflicting stories about the murder emerge. Some witnesses claim that McCall had a personal grudge against Hickok, while others suggest that he was hired by powerful interests in the town to carry out the killing.

As the trial drags on, tensions in the town continue to rise. Many of the townspeople believe that McCall is guilty and want to see him pay for his crime. Others, however, believe that he was justified in killing Hickok, who they see as a dangerous outsider.

While Judge Smith tries to maintain order in the courtroom, it becomes increasingly difficult as people begin to shout and throw objects at each other. The proceedings become so chaotic that Sheriff Bullock is forced to step in and restore order.

As the trial comes to a close, it becomes increasingly clear that the verdict is far from certain. Mason's defense of McCall is weak, but the prosecution's case is also filled with holes and contradictions. Whether or not McCall will be found guilty remains to be seen.

Throughout the episode, tensions in Deadwood are on full display, as various factions jockey for power and influence. The trial of Jack McCall is just one example of the chaos and lawlessness that is prevalent in the town.

Overall, The Trial of Jack McCall is a tense and dramatic episode that sets the stage for the rest of the season. It explores complex themes of justice, revenge, and power in a town where the rules seem to be constantly shifting. As the trial comes to a close, it leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what will happen next in the world of Deadwood.