Deadwood episode review — 3.11 — The Catbird Seat

Original air date: August 20, 2006
Director: Gregg Fienberg
Writer: Bernadette McNamara

Rating: 9/10

Given how the series was cancelled and didn’t truly conclude, it’s kind of amazing that the second to last episode is as dramatic and seemingly climactic as it is. There are a lot of moving pieces here, and Hearst finally kills Ellsworth, leaving Alma a widow once again.

Deadwood is united after the death of one of their own — so much so that Trixie tries taking revenge on Hearst, but she only wounds him.

This leaves her running to Sol Star for help, and this was when the episode was really exciting. Malcomson gives such a great performance here, and the way the score ramps things up really makes this feel like the climax of the entire series.

I think it’s one of the best, most entertaining episodes of the series. With only one episode left, I’m feeling even better about the show.