Should I Check This Out - Deadwood season 2

Quite some time after my review of season one, I recently finished watching Deadwood season two. While I enjoyed the slow-burning first season, this one was something of a mixed, or should I say heavy, bag. Laden with story, characters and history, I certainly rank Deadwood among the shows only for the 100% invested - miss a scene at your peril!

As I found out midway through, expecting a plot point to later be explained in detail, this is a fast moving show, even though it is set entirely within the town itself. Following last season, the townspeople are fighting to ensure the independence of Deadwood, which was the reason for so many venturing out there in the first place. Obviously there's tonnes more as characters cope with changing times and developments within the town. In particular, Seth (Timothy Olyphant) Bullock's wife arrives with her deceased husband's son and trouble boils over Alma (Molly Parker) Garret's claim.

Played by Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad alarm bells may be ringing), her and Bullock's scenes form a third of the show, with Al (Ian McShane) Swearengen taking another. It's a credit to the writers for managing such richly drawn characters at once but some fair better than others. McShane shines again, giving a grand and powerful performance, as does the ever cool Powers Boothe. Having been so good last time, Garret Dillahunt returns under a different role and is equally amazing. The same can be applied to the rest of the cast who continue to impress, however there is a stiffness to Olyphant and Gunn's scenes that is hard to ignore over this season. It is a deliberate move by the writers but one that doesn't help the show given all the other developing stories which are generally more engaging.

That's not to say season one was a smooth and accessible ride or that these scenes are poor in quality, it is that this will test the casual viewer when they're trying to figure out what Yankton are up to and what the deal is with this guy called Hearst. But when the show is on form, it's a breeze to watch and easy to enjoy. The writing is topnotch, along with the direction and hugely impressive attention to detail of the time period. While it may take some getting use to, there are many great scenes and memorable characters who come and go throughout the season.

It is a shame though that I can't recommend Deadwood as a whole to everyone. It is amazing but not in that accessible Game of Thrones way. This is a show that rewards patience and a strong attention to everything. If you miss something it is easy to get swept away and not know what's going on. On occasion, I found myself researching into everything I had already seen, just so that I was prepared for the next episode.

Season two improves on all fronts and fans of the first will love this. As for me, I thoroughly enjoyed it but it will be some time before I dive back in for the third and final season. All things considered, Deadwood is one fine show.