Deadwood (TV Series) Reconnoitering the Rim (2004) User Reviews

Introduces the second Saloon

[SleepTight666 · 9/10 · 6 July 2009]

A fantastic third episode with some excellent performances and dialog.

This episode introduces the second Saloon, owned by the most despicable bastard of the entire series (sans Steve). His name is Cy Tolliver, he does not seem to be so bad right now but he will be before the first season ends. Two other important characters are introduced; the wonderful and gorgeous Joanie and Eddie. Both are mostly homosexual though Eddie was never deeply developed.

The main storyline in this episode are setting up the Wild Bill Hickock persona and the fate of Brom Garett.

I love Wild Bill, he was such a tragic person. His scenes with Montana aka Seth are great. And Jane's character is so sweet to him, she was never that sweet to anybody. Not even Joanie.

Brom's character is just a dumbass, he threatens Al which put him in his grave. On a plus side, Dan found some gold.

FOUR and a half stars.

"I don't think he took your point...quite."

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 9 January 2022]

Seth and Sol finally strike a deal with Al to purchase a plot, and commence construction of their building. Brom is frustrated with his situation, pleading to Wild Bill & Charlie to help him out, and then confronting Al about it, although this is clearly an unwise move. But the main point of interest in this excellent third episode is that a new saloon is set to open in town, and Al is of course NOT happy with this development. He does NOT want any competition, and even confronts the business owners about the matter.

This series continues to be compulsively watchable, with an impressive mix of grim & gritty atmosphere and a practically operatic level of profanity. Moreover, the characters continue to be interesting, layered individuals, with assets as well as flaws. Regular cast member William Sanderson (E. B. Farnum) does some of the best acting of his career as E. B. is caught spending time at the new saloon, and, being forced to admit to some involvement in their arrival in town, fears that Al will impulsively decide to knock him off. Giving the proceedings a shot in the arm are the array of new characters, especially "Bella Union" boss Cy Tolliver (the great Powers Boothe). Also making their first appearances are Ricky Jay, Kim Dickens, and Larry Cedar. Dickens has a great moment when, in response to Al "apologizing" for his profanity by saying "pardon my French", she remarks that she speaks the language.

Some of the stars (Timothy Olyphant, John Hawkes, Brad Dourif, Molly Parker) don't get as much to do this time around, but the ensemble here is still full of solid performances. Keith Carradines' Wild Bill is the kind of guy who will actually go to sleep in a hallway rather than making a stink about lodging situations for himself and his associates; he's great as always.

There is an appropriately dark moment (figuratively and literally) near the end that will obviously have interesting consequences since it does get witnessed.

Eight out of 10.

Bella union

[CursedChico · 8/10 · 4 November 2020]

Bella union, a new competetive place for Al arrived. The owner of it, is probably a strong man and probably crueld and bad we did not see it yet.

he and al will do lots of fight probably in future.

I dont understand also how people earn money and go for gambling or go for buying sex. They seem do nothing all day except priest, farmer, gold searchers.

Bullock now bought the area and al probably sold it to keep him close against other gambling center and against bill.

Jane wants to be with bill but bill does not want it probably.

The rich guy who bought the area was murdered by al. It is sad for his wife. She said dont go to him. I hope bullock can take revenge of it.

I also dont understand why people dont kill each other in a day. We dont see any gun shots, even not fights. How can a town like this exist? It is like 2000s towns?

Or why for example bill was not killed by ambush, for example while walking or in the toilet.

That german girl is in always bed. She should walk sometimes:)

Anyway, in this episode i knew characters more. Next episodes will be better.