Something Pretty

"You ever think, Bullock, of not going straight at a thing?"
In this final episode of "Something Pretty" dedicated to "Deadwood," Clay and Wes delve into "Deadwood: The Movie," the last piece in the tapestry of the "Deadwood" saga. This episode not only marks the end of our in-depth exploration of the "Deadwood" universe but also serves as a farewell to the series that has captivated our attention and discussions.
"Deadwood: The Movie" reunites viewers with the beloved characters of the original series, set a decade after the events of the show. It's an interesting conclusion, tying up loose ends and offering a satisfying resolution to the stories that fans have cherished. The film, which brings back many of the original cast members, is notable for its portrayal of characters who have visibly aged and evolved. Everyone looks very old!
In this episode, Clay and Wes discuss the experience of returning to the "Deadwood" setting after a hiatus. They touch upon the surprise and nostalgia of seeing the actors reprise their roles, now older and embodying the passage of time. This aspect brings a unique and poignant dimension to the movie, resonating with viewers and fans alike.
A significant part of the discussion revolves around the mental health of David Milch, the creator of "Deadwood," during the production of the movie. Milch's battle with Alzheimer's disease adds a layer of profundity and poignancy to the movie's creation. The hosts also delve into the historical context of "Deadwood," particularly the acrimonious arguments with HBO that led to the series' premature conclusion after three seasons.
Furthermore, Clay and Wes analyze the character development and changes observed over a decade later. They debate the intentions and achievements of the movie, scrutinizing what it sets out to do versus what it accomplishes, providing listeners with a comprehensive and critical view of the film's impact and legacy.
As we close this chapter on "Deadwood," we extend a heartfelt thank you to all our listeners for their unwavering support and engagement throughout this series. Your enthusiasm and insights have been invaluable to our journey through the gritty and compelling world of "Deadwood." For more fascinating podcast content, we invite you to visit thepenskyfile.com! Thank you for being a part of "Something Pretty," and we look forward to our next series.
If you've enjoyed this show, please consider rating us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! It helps by letting people know that the show is worth sampling.
Links:
Support "Something Pretty" on Patreon
Listen to our other podcasts
YouTube
Join our Discord
Supplemental Reading:
The Deadwood Bible: A Lie Agreed Upon
Deadwood: Stories of the Black Hills
Deadwood: The Golden Years

"We were in the back room putting things together from the ground up... Learning from those that came before - them that had a lot of blood on their hands."
Welcome to another episode of "Something Pretty," where hosts Clay and Wes venture into the world of HBO's "Luck." This series, created and written by David Milch, the mind behind "Deadwood," and with its pilot episode directed by the acclaimed Michael Mann, offers a narrative set in the high-stakes environment of horse racing.
"Luck" delves into the intricate world of horse racing, encompassing the lives of owners, gamblers, jockeys, and trainers. Set primarily at the famed Santa Anita Park, it's celebrated for its authentic and detailed portrayal of the racing industry, as well as its complex and multifaceted characters. The show weaves together various storylines, from the gritty realities of the betting world to the personal dramas unfolding behind the scenes.
In this teaser episode (the full show is available on our Patreon), Clay and Wes dissect the pilot of "Luck," exploring its narrative structure, character development, and the thematic richness that Milch and Mann bring to the table. The series is notable for its cinematic quality, especially with Mann's directorial prowess in the pilot, and Milch's signature storytelling style, which deeply immerses viewers in the world of horse racing and its surrounding intrigue.
Our discussion of "Luck" will also focus on how it compares and contrasts with other works by Milch, including "Deadwood." This deep dive is perfect for fans of intense drama, sports enthusiasts, and those who appreciate the layered storytelling that HBO series are known for.
If you're interested in hearing the full episode, please support us via our Patreon.
Next week, we'll be back with a full episode on this feed, as we discuss "Deadwood: The Movie" and close out our podcast.
Thanks!
Links:
Support "Something Pretty" on Patreon
Listen to our other podcasts
YouTube
Join our Discord
Supplemental Reading:
The Deadwood Bible: A Lie Agreed Upon
Deadwood: Stories of the Black Hills
Deadwood: The Golden Years
Reading Deadwood: A Western to Swear By

"Some things I know and some things I don't know."
Welcome to the teaser for an exclusive Patreon podcast episode of "Something Pretty," where we delve into the intriguing world of "John from Cincinnati," HBO's enigmatic series. In this special episode, your hosts, Clay and Wes, take a deep dive into the pilot of this unique show, exploring its connection to Deadwood.
This is just a teaser! The full episode is found on our Patreon.
"John from Cincinnati" stands out with its blend of surf culture and mysterious elements, set against the backdrop of Imperial Beach, California. The series, known for its cryptic narrative and compelling characters, offers a fascinating study in storytelling from HBO, the network that brought us "Deadwood."
As we dissect the pilot episode, we'll explore the thematic elements, character development, and narrative style that make "John from Cincinnati" a noteworthy chapter in HBO's lineup. Our hosts will provide insights into how this show fits into the larger context of television during its time, and its potential links to the storytelling techniques seen in "Deadwood."
Subscribe to our Patreon for the full episode, and immerse yourself in the discussion and discovery of one of television's most intriguing shows. "Something Pretty" continues to bring you thoughtful, in-depth explorations of compelling TV narratives, one episode at a time.
Next week we'll be discussing Milch's next project, "Luck".
Thanks for listening.
Links:
Support "Something Pretty" on Patreon
Listen to our other podcasts
YouTube
Join our Discord
Supplemental Reading:
The Deadwood Bible: A Lie Agreed Upon
Deadwood: Stories of the Black Hills
Deadwood: The Golden Years
Reading Deadwood: A Western to Swear By
Life's Work
Theme Song:
Western ShowDown by HoliznaCC0 is licensed under a

As the "Something Pretty" podcast concludes its in-depth exploration of the "Deadwood" series, the journey is far from over. Before delving into "Deadwood: The Movie," the podcast plans to take a detour to cover a few significant and related projects that emerged in the decade between the end of the series and the release of the movie.
These podcasts will be available in full at our Patreon website. Please consider joining.
Our first topic: 2007's "Hitman", starring Seth Bullock himself!
"Hitman," released in 2007, is an action-thriller film based on the popular video game series of the same name. The film features Timothy Olyphant, known for his role as Sheriff Seth Bullock in "Deadwood," in the lead role as Agent 47. This character is a mysterious and elite assassin known for his precision, skill, and the iconic barcode tattooed on the back of his head. The movie revolves around Agent 47, who becomes embroiled in a political conspiracy and finds himself pursued by both Interpol and the Russian military as he treks across Eastern Europe. The plot thickens with twists and turns, as 47 tries to unravel the conspiracy while dealing with moral dilemmas and his own enigmatic identity.
Regarding Timothy Olyphant's involvement in "Hitman," it's noteworthy that he accepted this role under pressing circumstances. Following the cancellation of "Deadwood" in 2006, Olyphant found himself in a financially challenging situation, having made significant investments in real estate. Consequently, Olyphant took on the role of Agent 47 in "Hitman," a movie he reportedly disliked, as a means to stabilize his finances.
Fortunately, "Justified" wouldn't be that far off.
If you enjoyed this short clip, please consider supporting the show via our Patreon. You'll gain access to the full episode of "Hitman" as well as 200+ other podcasts.
Thanks for listening!
Links:
Support "Something Pretty" on Patreon
Listen to our other podcasts
YouTube
Join our Discord
Supplemental Reading:
The Deadwood Bible: A Lie Agreed Upon
Deadwood: Stories of the Black Hills
Deadwood: The Golden Years
Reading Deadwood: A Western to Swear By

"You mistake for fear, Mr. Bullock, what is in fact preoccupation. I'm having a conversation you cannot hear."
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed audience, we're at a poignant juncture in "Something Pretty," presenting Episode 36, the culmination of our Deadwood journey. This episode, titled "Tell Him Something Pretty," marks a significant chapter as hosts Clay and Wes dissect the series' finale. In this landmark episode, they acknowledge the weight of concluding not just the season but the entire Deadwood saga. Spanning 36 episodes, they've experienced a rollercoaster of emotions and pivotal moments, culminating in this finale.
Regarded as Deadwood's most heart-wrenching episode, "Tell Him Something Pretty" is the focus of deep analysis. Our hosts explore the fitting nature of this episode to the series' overall ambiance, highlighting Deadwood's inclination for complex, unconventional storytelling.
Clay and Wes meticulously examine the endgames of Deadwood's diverse characters. From Al Swearengen to Bullock, Alma to Trixie, each character's path is scrutinized with respect and depth. Furthermore, they delve into the tone of the final episode, capturing the essence of Deadwood through its blend of melancholy, redemption, and stark depiction of the camp and its inhabitants.
However, the journey with "Something Pretty" isn't over yet. Clay and Wes announce upcoming content, including discussions on "Deadwood: The Movie" in their main podcast. For Patreon supporters, exclusive episodes await, delving into Timothy Olyphant's "Hitman," pilots for David Milch's "John from Cincinnati" and "Luck," and a cinematic Western reflecting the Deadwood era.
As we bid adieu to the Deadwood series on "Something Pretty," we eagerly anticipate future discussions and explorations. A heartfelt thanks to our audience for accompanying us through this extraordinary exploration of Deadwood's world and characters! Stay tuned for more enthralling content from Clay and Wes, as they continue their journey through the realm of exceptional (and not) storytelling.
If you have enjoyed the show, please consider either supporting us on Patreon or leaving a rating and review for "Something Pretty" on your favorite podcast app.
Links:
Support "Something Pretty" on Patreon
Listen to our other podcasts
YouTube
Join our Discord
Supplemental Reading:
The Deadwood Bible: A Lie Agreed Upon
Deadwood: Stories of the Black Hills