‘Deadwood’ wrap-up movie is satisfying but not perfect

In 2006, “Deadwood” was one of five drama series on HBO.

Critical darling “Six Feet Under” ended the year before with what might be the greatest series finale in TV history. “The Sopranos” and “The Wire” would finish their runs within the next two years. “Big Love” was just beginning its five-year run, a long time in HBO land. “Rome” would soon be canceled after two years, because HBO did not like to shell out the money for its costumes. That left “Deadwood,” which while critically acclaimed, had only a quarter the viewers of “The Sopranos.”

This was still five years before “Game of Thrones” began, so that big money had not yet begin to roll in for the network. “Deadwood” averaged about the same number of viewers per episode as early “Game of Thrones,” but these were the days of frequent HBO cancellations. The network chose not to renew the contracts of the “Deadwood” actors, effectively ending the show a month before the airing of season three.

For 13 years, the season three finale of “Deadwood” had to serve as the series finale. The show’s cancellation took place after filming was complete, thus the writers wrote the finale with big ideas for season four.

If there were to be no season four, the only hope remaining was a made-for-tv-movie to wrap things up. Fans clamored for the big showdown between major characters Al Swearengen (Ian McShane) and George Hearst (Gerald McRaney), as well as other unresolved plot lines. However, the actors had gone on to other projects, a few died and the sets were torn down. Hope was all but stamped out.

In 2018, news that filming was underway on “Deadwood: The Movie” became as beautiful to the ears of hardcore fans as the twisted, Shakespearean dialogue for which the series is known. Series mastermind David Milch kept the hope alive, and the film made its debut on HBO last month. It was worth the wait.

The film picks up a decade after the end of season three, as the town of Deadwood celebrates South Dakota’s recent statehood in 1889. Viewers know that plot point will be pushed aside; the film cares more about reuniting old friends and old enemies. A few characters, such as Hearst and Alma Garrett (Molly Parker), return to town for the celebration. A murder most foul early on sets the stage for revenge as Marshal (formerly Sheriff) Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) knows no boundaries in his search for justice. As the show was always wont to do, the film ensures that every character has a bone to pick with several others.

For me, the film has two problems. I blame HBO for the first because without a season four, the film was forced to sideline some characters in its 110 minutes so many did not get their just due. I am also at fault for not rewatching the series prior to viewing, thus my memory is clouded by other Western shows in the time since, such as “Hell on Wheels.” Plus, I’ve seen so many “Deadwood” actors in different projects.

The series comes highly recommended, and the film is a fine bookend to the likes of a show we will never see again. B+

Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@pioneerpublishers.com.