Though there have been bigger and flashier shows on HBO, Deadwood remains one of the best series the cable channel has produced. Set in the Old West, Deadwood explored the various characters who come to the lawless town of Deadwood, South Dakota to make their fortune.
With the amazing cast, crackling dialogue and brilliant storytelling, the series was always a thrill to watch. As a sign of its quality, even the lowest-rated episodes on IMDb never dip below 8.0. But while there might not be any bad episodes of Deadwood, some need to be the worst. Here are the worst episodes of Deadwood according to IMDb.
Deadwood (8.3)
It’s not uncommon for a show to have its first episode be one of its lowest-rated episodes. Those episodes can be extremely difficult to pull off in a satisfying way. They have the job of introducing the audience to this world, characters and story in a way that makes you want to watch more.
As difficult as that is, Deadwood made a pretty compelling episode of television. The show does a great job of setting the stage without overwhelming the audience. The only potential downside is that it’s not yet clear what the story of it all will be.
Complications (8.3)
Complications picks up in the aftermath of Al Swearengen’s successful but painful surgery. Incapacitated, Al is forced to stay in bed as mayhem breaks out in the town. After the county commissioner posts a controversial statement in the paper, an unruly mob breaks out. Meanwhile, Alma deals with an unexpected pregnancy.
The episode is fast-paced and exciting as tensions rise in the town. We get to see some great character interactions as well as the continued threat of outside forces destroying Deadwood. Perhaps the only reason it is not as highly rated is the fact that Al is not in on the action.
Childish Things (8.3)
As Hearst’s company begins to buy up all the available gold claims in the town, Al and Seth Bullock make plans for Deadwood’s future. Ellsworth, hoping to help the woman he cares about, proposes to Alma while Tom Nuttall gets a new bicycle which creates a lot of excitement in the town.
The scene of Tom riding his new bicycle through the town as everyone cheers him on is certainly the highlight of the episode. The relationship between Ellsworth and Alma continues to charm, but the inaction of Al and Bullock might make the episode a little disappointing.
Unauthorized Cinnamon (8.3)
This episode comes as tensions in the camp are reaching an all-time high. As the camp “elders” meet to discuss their next move against Hearst, Bullock proposes an idea that may mean no further bloodshed. Hearst himself discusses business with Aunt Lou’s son and Doc Cochran’s illness gets worse.
The episode takes place over a single night as the key characters prepare for what they imagine will be a war with Hearst. We get a lot of our favorite characters sharing scenes together, but the more passive move forward might have been a bit anti-climactic for some.
Full Faith And Credit (8.3)
Full Faith and Credit is an episode that sees progress come to Deadwood. Alma opens the town’s first bank and has to struggle with its people understanding the concept. Al is summoned to a meeting with Cy Tolliver and George Hearst while Bullock tries to broker a peace between Steve and Hostetler.
Though a solid episode, some of the storylines might have ended contrary to audiences’ expectations. Bullock going between the equally stubborn Steve and Hostetler is very funny, but it comes with a surprising end. Al’s meeting doesn’t prove as dramatic as one would think.
The Trial Of Jack McCall (8.2)
Following the cowardly murder of Wild Bill Hicock, the town prepares for the trial of the murderer Jack McCall. Bullock deals with his responsibility in the camp with Hicock now gone and the threat of a plague breaking out in the town becomes a real possibility.
The episode is certainly not dull. There are plenty of great character moments as Jane cares for an ill man and Trixie becomes Alma’s helper. The fact that justice is not found for Hicock might be the only reason for a lower rating.
No Other Sons Or Daughters (8.2)
In an effort to keep their freedom, the “elders” of Deadwood seek to form a government for the town. This leads to some unexpectant appointments of positions. Meanwhile, Bullock and Alma grow closer as he advises her business and Joanie finally makes her move to start her own business.
The forming of a government might not sound like the most exciting subject matter, but when handled in Deadwood, it can be quite compelling and hilarious. But perhaps the dry political talk turned some viewers off.
New Money (8.2)
The showdown with Al and Bullock at the beginning of Season 2 is one of the most memorable moments in the series. New Money shows the aftermath of that battle with Al nursing a grave medical situation. Bullock also struggles with his new family in the camp and Mister Wolcott arrives in town.
The episode gets the second season storylines moving and the table set. This makes for a slower episode than usual, though still a worthwhile one. Once again, with Al out of the action and nonverbal for the episode, the show does seem to lose a bit of its spark.
Leviathan Smiles (8.2)
Leviathan Smiles continues the waiting game as the town waits to see what Hearst’s next move will be in his war against Al and Bullock. Things are complicated with a pair of new arrivals in town, Wyatt and Morgan Earp. Meanwhile, Jack prepares for the passing of his friend.
This is another episode that might be a bit slower than the others. Also, what some fans might have taken issue with is the fact that a legendary figure like Wyatt Earp is not made to be a very interesting character.
Bullock Returns To Camp (8.1)
As the title of the episode alludes to, Bullock returns to Deadwood after having set out to track down and capture Jack McCall so that he could be subject to a true trial for the death of Wild Bill. Al continues to pursue Alma Garrett’s gold claim while Alma herself tries to deal with the aftermath of her husband’s death.
Again, if this is the lowest-rated episode of the series, that speaks to just how good Deadwood is. However, it is easy to see where some viewers might not have loved the episode. After expecting a satisfying revenge plot on Bullock’s part, McCall is brought to justice in an anti-climactic, straightforward way.
