10 TV Shows With Great First Episodes

Deadwood was a fantastic series that never got the audience or the attention it deserved. Lost among other HBO masterpieces like The Wire and The Sopranos, Deadwood remained an underdog despite glowing reviews, and was cancelled after three seasons. While it perhaps doesn't live up to the legacy of its rival shows, it did have one thing they didnt': a stellar first episode.

Deadwood immediately places the audience in a particular place and a particular time, with its authentic sets, sizzling dialogue and flawless acting bringing the lawless world of 1876 America to life. Most of the key players are introduced and are immediately interesting: Timothy Olyphant's Seth Bullock is shown to be a moral yet hard man, John Hawkes' Sol Star is placed as the show's heart and Seth's good right hand, and Ian McShane's violent, foul mouthed Al Swearengen instantly stands out as a series highlight.

While Deadwood was never concerned with overarching storylines, focusing more on the townspeople, their relationships and their reactions to the encroaching law and order of civilised America, the pilot is full of enthralling moments and begins several intriguing plot threads, including the massacre of a family leaving the town and the rivalry between Wild Bill Hickok and Jack McCall, the man who would eventually kill him.

It may be slow paced and incredibly wordy, but Deadwood's first episode is a masterpiece, and leaves you craving more.