The final complete season of HBO's remarkable Deadwood series is full of surprises and devastating experiences as the nascent, dangerous town prepares to join Dakota territory in 1877. As in the previous two seasons, the question of who will control the town's resources, assets, and people drives much of the drama, affecting all manner of relationships and alliances, often between the most unlikely people. The dominant storyline in Deadwood: The Complete Third Season concerns upcoming elections for mayor and sheriff of the mucky, gold-mining town. The real juice, however, is not so much between the individuals running for office as between two power brokers each trying to steer the results toward their own purposes. Saloon owner and Deadwood's puppetmaster, Al Swearengen (Ian McShane sustaining his brilliant peformance in the previous two seasons), works closely with incumbent lawman Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) on retaining the latter's seat. But Bullock himself has difficulty surrendering his penchant for taking unambiguous action and relying on few words, especially when he has to act like a politician and deal with people such as George Hearst (Gerald McRaney, playing the real-life father of William Randolph Hearst). Swearengen's rival, Hearst--a self-made industrialist who gained his fortune through mining--has every intention of overtaking Deadwood, with his eye particularly on the lucrative mine owned by Bullock's former lover, Alma (Molly Parker). (The violence Hearst employs to get to Alma's claim will stun many Deadwood fans.)

A Slip from season to season

Season one was one of the best things I've ever seen on TV [[ASIN:B0006FO5LO Deadwood - The Complete First Season]]. Season 2 was close, but not quite there [[ASIN:B000EULSR0 Deadwood - The Complete Second Season]], and season 3 slipped a little more. The sets, costumes, acting, and cinematography remain excellent. But the storyline seems to grow increasingly burdensome. It's still worth watching, if nothing else to complete the series.

Too Soon Gone - I Miss Deadwood!

Raw & Dirty, Intense & Incredible. I loved this series, and am still reeling that there will not be a 4th season, and the movies that were supposed to 'wrap everything up' probably won't be made. I have seasons 1, 2 & 3 on DVD, and if you like gutsy & very realistic drama, you might just love it! Not for the squeemish, or for anyone easily offended...the language is vulgar and flaygrant, and 2 of the main locations are saloons/bordellos. The acting is the most intense & incredible acting I've ever seen...it puts The Sopranos to shame. The characters are deep and damaged, and even the good guys aren't perfect. Plot lines make you keep digging for answers, and eager to watch the next episode. Not for everyone, but if they EVER decide to make the movie versions, I'm going to dance like I'm in the Gem Saloon...with my pockets full of gold nuggets, and Al Swearingen is shooting at my feet! In my 50 years, this is the best TV Drama I've ever seen. Ever.

Deadwood

Awesome series!! Too bad it had to end at the third Season. Hopefully there will a movie in the future!!