10 Reasons You MUST Finally Watch Deadwood
6. The Constant Scheming
Deadwood is a thriving town built on money and ambition and as a result, there's plenty of scheming and planning going on behind the scenes, much of it dastardly and unsavoury.
It's no coincidence that much of the scheming is on the part of Al Swearengen. Bribes are made, "accidental" deaths occur and the general business of the town is manipulated in such a way that Swearengen benefits.
E.B. Farnum, as the owner of the local hotel, acts as a vital go-between, whispering in the right ears and providing information on newcomers but it's not always clear whose side he's on.
Throughout the series, Swearengen (amongst others) clashes with some major players: Sherrif Bullock, of course, Cy Tolliver (owner of the rival casino/brothel) and George Hurst, a major threat to Deadwood's future in Season 3.
Often these schemes and plans are unveiled through long open monologues or diatribes, either directed towards other characters or just performed out loud for the benefit of the audience.