20 TV Show Pilots That Are Totally Flawless

David Milch is undeniably one of TV's greatest writers, and the way in which he lends his unique voice to Deadwood is what makes its pilot episode such a revelation. From the very first scene, the tone is set, the dialogue sings, and the characters are fully-formed against the show's expansive set pieces and gritty tone.

Through series protagonists Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen, the episode expertly introduces audiences to the eponymous town's growing lawlessness, its scheming locals, and the threat of everyday frontier life, and does so with sharp historical detail and some of the most impressive production design ever seen on the small screen.

For all its visual splendour, though, Deadwood's self-titled pilot thrives best with its cast, which includes stars Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane and Paula Malcolmson all on top form as they effortlessly sell the vulgar poetry of Milch's energetic and daring script.