Deadwood

[Digital Gonzo 2013]

This episode is all about the three-season western TV series from HBO. In case you've not had the pleasure it's a foul and filthy depiction of life in a mining camp in South Dakota 1876-1877. Absolutely every character is carefully crafted in shades of dark grey. There is grim violence, interactions of a carnal nature and such language as you've never heard. The dialogue is lyrical and Shakespearean and everything revolves around power, control and gold. 

Far from ending up depressing as it might sound, the few pinpricks of light, moments of innocence and surprisingly frequent levity lend the show a hopeful air and you will swiftly find yourself warming to many characters who at first may seem repellent to your delicate tastes.

Ian McShane, Timothy Olyphant, Jeffrey Jones, Powers Boothe, Brian Cox, and dozens of other immensely talented actors lend their skills to the roles and by the time you hit the end of season three you will wish there were more episodes. We're focusing on characters and events from season one so if you really don't want to know anything then watch that first. Bear in mind that this is partly based on true events that are a matter of historic record.  My ultimate assertion is actually that the key to Deadwood is performances and we can't really spoil those.

Joining me to discuss the machinations of skulduggerous frontier folk are Gary Blower of GameBurst, Joshua Garrity of Cane and Rinse and Sharon Shaw of DorkCast.

Next week... My Little Pony: Friendship is magic. 

I'm not even close to kidding, and there ain't many podcasts out there ready to tackle these two back to back.