Seth, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his wife and child, doesn't particularly want the job of local sheriff, but is still more than a little miffed when the crooked Con Stapleton (Peter Jason) worms his way into the position. The disabled cleaning woman Jewel (Geri Jewell) appeals to Doc Cochran to create a brace for her leg and improve her mobility so she doesn't annoy Al so much. Al, meanwhile, appeals to bagman Adams (Titus Welliver) to help him deal with the corrupt magistrate. And Alma's father Otis (William Russ) arrives in the camp. He's there ostensibly to help his daughter out, but Seth can see right through the man: he's just interested in her claim.
'Deadwood' continues to impress with its convincing atmosphere and intelligently written characters. No character here, even Al, is purely good or purely bad; instead, we get a bunch of fully fleshed-out individuals who are flawed and realistic. Even Seth is not immune from impulsive behavior; due to his anger over the sheriff situation, he rats on Sol when his business partner gets a freebie from Trixie.
Guest star Russ ('Boy Meets World') is excellent. One thing that this viewer has loved about this series is the way it employed so many of the best character actors in the business. He seems sincere, and comes off as amiable enough, but you can still sense some shadiness beneath the surface.
One of the best things about this episode was the showcase it gave to actress Jewell. She does a wonderful job, and has great scenes with co-star Brad Dourif (a.k.a. Doc). But Ian McShane (a.k.a. Al) is just fantastic as always, always coming up with another facet to his character; his final monologue is great stuff, and pretty amusing considering the fact that he's getting "pleasured", shall we say, as he recites it.
'Jewel's Boot is Made for Walking' was scripted by co-star Ricky Jay (a.k.a. Eddie).
Eight out of 10.
'Deadwood' continues to impress with its convincing atmosphere and intelligently written characters. No character here, even Al, is purely good or purely bad; instead, we get a bunch of fully fleshed-out individuals who are flawed and realistic. Even Seth is not immune from impulsive behavior; due to his anger over the sheriff situation, he rats on Sol when his business partner gets a freebie from Trixie.
Guest star Russ ('Boy Meets World') is excellent. One thing that this viewer has loved about this series is the way it employed so many of the best character actors in the business. He seems sincere, and comes off as amiable enough, but you can still sense some shadiness beneath the surface.
One of the best things about this episode was the showcase it gave to actress Jewell. She does a wonderful job, and has great scenes with co-star Brad Dourif (a.k.a. Doc). But Ian McShane (a.k.a. Al) is just fantastic as always, always coming up with another facet to his character; his final monologue is great stuff, and pretty amusing considering the fact that he's getting "pleasured", shall we say, as he recites it.
'Jewel's Boot is Made for Walking' was scripted by co-star Ricky Jay (a.k.a. Eddie).
Eight out of 10.