“Can you let me go to Hell the way I want to?”
The settlement of Deadwood is at an inflection point. The area became a beacon to those seeking to escape the bounds of civilization by finding wealth in the freezing waters of the Dakotas. Individuals of all stripes and backgrounds flooded into the camp and have been trying to create a social hierarchy ever since. In the midst of the chaos, people like Al Swearengen have built criminal empires and become wealthy. And they’re also desperate to maintain that control.
People, however, seem to have an innate need to create structures around themselves to protect those who can’t protect themselves. When Alma discovers that her husband is dead, and she suspects foul play, she turns to Wild Bill Hickok as a solution. And the redemption of Wild Bill is a wonderful metaphor for our reliance on society, as well as a reminder that thunder is always rumbling in the distance.
In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss “Here Was a Man”, but they don’t say it in thunder. Plus! The guys chat about an idealized version of the government and state, insulting animals, and the many reasons one might need a new suit.
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Supplemental Reading:
The Deadwood Bible: A Lie Agreed Upon
Deadwood: Stories of the Black Hills
Reading Deadwood: A Western to Swear By
Theme Song:
Western ShowDown by HoliznaCC0 is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License.