“Something Pretty” is a podcast dedicated to covering the television series “Deadwood”!
“Something Pretty” aims to discuss every episode (and movie) of HBO’s “Deadwood” through a combination of humor, background reading, and narrative analysis. Wes (he of the clammy hands) and Clay (he who speaks in thunder) dive deep into the early 2000s series and examine its themes, characters, plotlines, and novel use of language.
“Deadwood” is considered to be one of the great “peak television” dramas, alongside its contemporaries like The Sopranos, Mad Men, The Wire, Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, and Oz. Of that group, it is notable for being the only western (contrary to what certain people think). And while it does examine the standard western themes of change, freedom, and society, it also mixes in much of the worldview of its creator, David Milch.
If you love David Milch’s critically acclaimed neo-western then you’re sure to enjoy joining Wes and Clay on their podcast journey through the series. While Wes has seen the show multiple times, this will mostly (see the “Introduction” episode) be Clay’s first viewing. Therefore, spoilers will be avoided as best they can and episodes will be treated as they come, without discussion of upcoming events.
But be warned: as one would expect with the beautiful vulgarity of a series like “Deadwood”, this podcast contains some extremely adult language. Parents beware!
Subscribe to Something Pretty
Are you a fan of HBO’s “Deadwood” and looking for a podcast to dive deeper into the show? Look no further than “Something Pretty”! Our hosts break down each episode and offer insightful analysis of the characters, themes, and storylines. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a newcomer to the series, “Something Pretty” is the perfect podcast for any “Deadwood” enthusiast.
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What is Deadwood?
HBO’s “Deadwood” is a critically acclaimed television series that originally aired from 2004 to 2006. Set in the lawless town of Deadwood, South Dakota in the late 1800s, the show follows a cast of colorful characters as they navigate the rough-and-tumble world of the Wild West.
At the heart of the series is the rivalry between two men: Seth Bullock (played by Timothy Olyphant), a former lawman who has come to Deadwood to start a hardware business, and Al Swearengen (played by Ian McShane), the ruthless owner of the Gem Saloon and de facto leader of the town. Their conflict is emblematic of the larger struggle for power and control in Deadwood, as various factions jockey for position and alliances shift constantly.
The ensemble cast includes a range of characters, from the wily E.B. Farnum (William Sanderson) to the noble doctor Amos Cochran (Brad Dourif) to the ruthless businessman Cy Tolliver (Powers Boothe). Each character is richly drawn and complex, with their own motivations and agendas that often clash with one another.
“Deadwood” is known for its intricate writing and dialogue, which combines the poetic and the profane in equal measure. Creator David Milch infuses the show with a sense of authenticity, drawing on historical accounts and research to create a vivid and immersive world. The show also deals with weighty themes like morality, justice, and the nature of power, making it much more than just a simple western.
Despite its critical acclaim and passionate fanbase, “Deadwood” was canceled after just three seasons, leaving many storylines unresolved. However, the show’s legacy lives on, and it is widely regarded as one of the greatest television dramas of all time. Its impact can be seen in other prestige dramas that followed, and its influence can still be felt in the way that television storytelling has evolved in the years since it first aired.
Praise for “Something Pretty”
I just decided to rewatch and wanted to see if there was a podcast doing the same and found this show. Great info and discussion. Funny and entertaining
Lsutim, Apple Podcasts 03/2023
They are very thorough in their analysis. I’ve binge listened. One of the best podcasts for HBO’s Deadwood fans. If you liked the show, it’s a must listen.
Ravenz, Apple Podcasts 05/2023
Wes and Clay are a duo who truly enrich a rewatch of Deadwood, one of television’s best ever. Guys, how about tackling another of them after you complete Deadwood? The Wire, Breaking Bad, Mr Robot, Twin Peaks the Return, Six Feet Under… I’d rather rewatch great TV than settle for the mediocre, and a great podcast like yours adds dimension to the experience for the rewatcher — or first timer. More, please!
victoria1957, Apple Podcasts, 06/2023
Background Reading
To help guide the conversation of “Something Pretty”, we’ve read a few books for some background knowledge.
First, there’s the very dry and plodding “Deadwood: The Golden Years“. If you’ve ever wondered about the gross profit from selling every ounce of whiskey in a gallon jug in 1876, this is the book for you. It is a collection of facts and tall tales from the “golden era” of Deadwood which coincides with the period that the television show presents. It’s not the most lucid read, but it’ll help provide some historical context for the series.
We’ve also read the Milch penned “Deadwood: Stories from the Black Hills” which gives some insight into the characters and plots of the show. It uses the interpretations of Milch and the actors to flesh out the series. It’s more of a coffee table read – breezy and lightweight and easy to pick up and put down on a whim. If you want to get a variety of sometimes conflicting opinions from Milch, this is the book for you.
For the academically minded, “Reading Deadwood: A Western to Swear By” provides a variety of critical essays that cover everything from the opening credits to the language of the series. Each essay has a plethora of citations that will further enhance your understanding of the television show. Dry, but readable.
David Milch’s memoir, “Life’s Work” is a short autobiography of the show’s creator and writer. As Milch is currently suffering from the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s Disease, the memoir was written with the aid of friends and family. It details Milch’s childhood and college experiences, as well as his move into television. It grapples with the difficulties of his diagnosis and is a last effort to get his story on the page before he passes.
And lastly, Matt Zoller Seitz’s “The Deadwood Bible” provided incalculable information about the show. With details about David Milch’s personal life and career path to episodic reviews, the Bible is a book that should be owned by every fan of the series. It will be our primary source for the “Something Pretty” podcast. We highly recommend it!
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Thanks for listening!
Thank you for checking out “Something Pretty”! As life is one vile fucking thing after another, we hope that you might alleviate the suffering of others by spreading the word about this podcast.
As Reverend Smith says, we are all one body! Ensure that the ears tell the feet about that great “Deadwood” podcast it listened to the other day…
Our theme song is “Western ShowDown” by HoliznaCC0 is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License.