Ep 6. The Big Killing

The American West season 1 episode 6 is titled "The Big Killing." In this episode, the focus is on the infamous town of Deadwood and the events leading up to the historic shootout on its streets. The episode explores the tensions and animosity between the different factions vying for control of the town, including the lawless elements, the politicians, and the ruthless business interests.

The episode starts with a flashback to the early days of Deadwood when it was just a small mining camp. As the town grew, so did the conflicts and violence. The episode then shifts to the present day, with the arrival of legendary gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok and his friend Charlie Utter.

Hickok is brought into the conflict between the rival factions, with various characters trying to court his allegiance. Meanwhile, tensions continue to mount, with several key figures plotting against each other.

The episode builds towards the infamous "Big Killing" on Main Street, where several influential figures are gunned down in broad daylight. The episode depicts the chaos and panic of the event, as well as its aftermath. The town's leaders struggle to regain control, and the violence threatens to spiral out of control.

As the dust settles, Hickok is left to contemplate his place in the town and his own mortality. The episode ends with a sense of unease and uncertainty, as the characters contemplate their uncertain futures in Deadwood.

Overall, "The Big Killing" is a tense and action-packed episode that highlights the lawless and unpredictable nature of the American West. It is a sobering reminder of the violence and conflict that defined the era, and the struggles of those who sought to tame it.