In the beginning, there was Deadwood

Boston Brahmin loves his local library (yeah, New England!). In addition to books, they have an extensive DVD collection. Since BB doesn't subscribe to cable television, he had never seen the HBO series "Deadwood" until he saw the first season on DVD.

"Deadwood" is historical fiction, set in 1876 in a small mining town ("camp") in Dakota Territory. Gold had been found in these hills, but they had not yet been incorporated into the United States, so it was still the crucible in which the country was still being cooked.

"Deadwood" is far more realistic than the insipid Westerns that we are used to seeing. The best thing about it is the language: old, yet very rough and full of profanity, just like the primeval mining towns must have been in the olden days, before there were any laws.

The British actor Ian McShane (extreme left in the picture above) plays the remarkable warlord-like Al Swearengen, owner of the Gem Saloon, where all manner of vices abound. Also appearing are a host of historical characters including Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and others.

Do you like "The Sopranos"? "Deadwood" makes that look like kindergarten: it explores not just crime but also law, politics, architecture, capitalism, and power. Caution: this series is not for the squeamish, nor for children. (See Nancy Franklin's review of the first season in The New Yorker from June 2006).

Run, don't walk, to get the DVD version of Deadwood. The DVD mastering is very high quality, and I believe all three seasons are available. The writer/creator David Milch (who created police dramas like "NYPD Blue") has created a masterpiece.