While on his hunt for escaped murderer Jack McCall, Seth is attacked and menaced by an Indian whom he then kills in self-defense. Seriously wounded, he is later discovered by Charlie Utter, newly returned to the area. Back in camp, a plague of smallpox is underway, and the camp fathers have to meet to decide what to do about the situation. Doc Cochran realizes that Jane, who'd spent all that time in the wilderness with the sick Andy Cramed, may be of great use since she didn't get sick herself. Al keeps putting pressure on E. B. to keep tabs on Alma & Trixie so that an offer can be made on the Garrett claim. And Cy begins to worry about Joanies' behavior.
Typically zesty writing (by Malcolm MacRury) and efficient direction (by Davis Guggenheim) make 'Plague' another worthy chapter in this series. More than anything, this viewer enjoys the way that Trixie & Alma are pulling the wool over the eyes of E. B. and Al. The big meeting between the camp fathers is quite fun because here we get to see some of the finest character actors in Hollywood sharing a scene. Al really gets into the whole process of devising a newspaper article that will tell Deadwood citizens what is being done about the plague situation. It's also nice to see Jane (with Robin Weigert in fine feisty form) show her softer side in scenes with Alma & Trixie, and a bright-eyed and newly talkative Sofia (the adorable Bree Seanna Wall).
Parisse Boothe, the daughter of series regular Powers Boothe, makes her debut on the show in the small role of Tess; she would go on to make 15 more appearances, both credited and uncredited.
Eight out of 10.
Typically zesty writing (by Malcolm MacRury) and efficient direction (by Davis Guggenheim) make 'Plague' another worthy chapter in this series. More than anything, this viewer enjoys the way that Trixie & Alma are pulling the wool over the eyes of E. B. and Al. The big meeting between the camp fathers is quite fun because here we get to see some of the finest character actors in Hollywood sharing a scene. Al really gets into the whole process of devising a newspaper article that will tell Deadwood citizens what is being done about the plague situation. It's also nice to see Jane (with Robin Weigert in fine feisty form) show her softer side in scenes with Alma & Trixie, and a bright-eyed and newly talkative Sofia (the adorable Bree Seanna Wall).
Parisse Boothe, the daughter of series regular Powers Boothe, makes her debut on the show in the small role of Tess; she would go on to make 15 more appearances, both credited and uncredited.
Eight out of 10.