Deadwood

Yet another great series by the hits-creating machine that is HBO. I really have come to believe that EVERYTHING they put out deserves to be viewed, even just for the production values and the effort they put into delivering a top notch product over and over again.

Having a western slant, this show wouldn't seem like my cup of tea, but the fact of the matter is that the western setting is nothing more than that, a setting. The stories that involve the characters are as varied and interesting as those you'd find on The Sopranos or Sex and the City.

Ian McShane plays the likeable baddy with so much charisma and panache you root for him on every occasion. He chews the scenery, dominates every scene he's in and is missed from all in which he is not.

And he's not the only one who turns in great performances. On the contrary, the entire (very vast) cast is terrific (the casting director was a genius).

The technical production (cinematography, art direction, makeup, costume design) is phenomenal and the music is great.

I watched the entire three seasons in quick succession and would absolutely recommend it to everyone.

Grade: 9