What made the show great was spending time with these characters.” This holds true in the film. As Timothy Olyphant told me, “My recollection of what made the show great was never the plot. David Milch’s improvisational approach to writing the series meant that it was often stronger in individual moments than as a long-form narrative.
Deadwood season 3 finale movie#
The movie is not a flawless piece of work - but then, neither was the show. And this great series having so lived in recollection, it is my considerable happiness to see it again. Deadwood: The Movie feels as much about the experience of bringing the show back to life as it feels about this particular story. It’s not just Alma’s line, but the film opening with Calamity Jane saying, “Ten years gone,” or Charlie Utter reacting to Alma and her daughter Sofia’s arrival with, “What a grand surprise after such a piece of time.” It’s Al Swearengen asking Seth, “Where you been, Bullock?” (“Right up the fucking road, Al,” Seth quips.) It’s everyone reflecting on the passage of time - of Al being sick, of Cy Tolliver being dead and gone, of some figures like Jane being stuck in emotional stasis, while others like Seth have changed considerably since last we saw them. This movie, though, can’t help but feel self-aware. In its original run, Deadwood didn’t have much use for meta commentary. As a woman of means, though, Alma has experience making small talk in the most uncomfortable of circumstances, and she sincerely tells him, “You having so lived in recollection, marshal, it is my considerable happiness to see you again.” Their feelings for one another remain intense, but Seth has long since recommitted to his wife Martha, and neither knows quite what to say to the other. Įarly in Deadwood: The Movie, former lovers Seth Bullock and Alma Ellsworth share an awkward reunion at the hotel Seth owns with Sol Star.
Deadwood season 3 finale full#
This column contains full spoilers for Deadwood: The Movie.