After a literal year away from the mic, J and I are very happy to be back! For the next few weeks, we will be covering Season 2 of Deadwood, beginning with “A Lie Agreed Upon, Part 1.” Since last we entered the frontier town, a lot of news — both positive and negative — has emerged around the show. This includes the tragic deaths of both the incomparable Powers Boothe, who plays Cy Tolliver in the show, and of Ricky Jay, a magician and performer who played Eddie Sawyer. Their characters were as memorable here as anyone else in this intimidating ensemble cast and they will be missed.

J and I also briefly touch on the fact that, 12 years after the Season 3 finale, we are finally getting a Deadwood movie from David Milch and the cast. Details are scarce even as production photos begin to emerge but we are eagerly anticipating a return to one of the best-realized worlds in television history. How will they handle the time jump? Will the film feel like Deadwood as we once knew it? According to reports, we’re set to find out this October Spring.

For the season premiere, J and I reflect on the open conflict between Seth (Timothy Olyphant) and Al (Ian McShane) which finally boils over into a physical fight on the thoroughfare. We observe the contrast between Al an Cy Tolliver (Boothe) once again as Al’s softer side gets the better of him during the brawl. Meanwhile, Cy wrestles with Joanie Stubbs’ (Kim Dickens) sudden and strategic push for independence with the help of newcomer Maddie (Alice Krige). Finally, we discuss the arrival of Martha Bullock (Anna Gunn) who is immediately aware of the open secret regarding Seth and Alma Garrett (Molly Parker), but nevertheless has to adjust to life with a man she hardly knows.

~ Søren

We’ll be back next week to discuss Season 2 Episode 2, “A Lie Agreed Upon, Part 2.”

~ Søren

This podcast uses a clip from the song “Western” by Dave Depper / CC BY 3.0.