Deadwood : Complete HBO Seasons 1-3 (12 Disc Box Set) [DVD] [2004]

Set in 1876, the town of Deadwood finds itself host to a mixture of rounded, three-dimensional characters. Given that it’s in gold-rush territory, it’s little surprise that it attracts a large number of undesirables, with an ongoing battle between the lawmakers and breakers. But arguably none come more undesirable than saloon owner Al Swearengen, the morally corrupt man who effectively owns the town. Memorably portrayed, in a flat-out career-best performance, by Ian McShane, Swearengen is the troubled heart of Deadwood, and is one of the very best characters that HBO has ever brought to the screen. It's little wonder that the fabulous supporting cast have to be on top of their game to even attempt to match McShane's towering portrayal.

If there's a slight grumble about this three-season box set, bringing together every episode of Deadwood, it's that the show doesn’t really come to an end particularly well. There's an argument that it suits the nature of the programme, however, although it doesn't stop you wanting a slightly tidier conclusion. Yet all considered, television drama simply doesn’t come much better than Deadwood, and you’ll struggle to find anything on your shelf to match it. Outstanding television.

Synopsis
HBO delivers another stunning, evocative drama in DEADWOOD. The channel has an impressive reputation when it comes to producing edge-of-your-seat television (THE SOPRANOS, SIX FEET UNDER), and DEADWOOD follows neatly in that tradition. Set in 1876, the story unfolds just two weeks after the defeat of Custer at Little Big Horn. The grim and unsentimental series revolves around the outlaws, miscreants, and murderers in the frontier gold-rush town of Deadwood in the Dakota Territory. Seth Bullock, a former Montana sheriff, and his buddy Sol Star arrive in town to set up a hardware store; soon, they're crossing paths with such legendary Western figures as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Reaping the benefits of the lawless, merciless world is Al Swearengen, the saloon and brothel owner. Presented here is the show’s first, second, and third series.

Actors: Brad Dourif, Robin Weigert, Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Keith Carradine