Welcome
From the street, the holding area, and our lives with and without Deadwood, this is a blog for Deadwood’s background players. We hope to post about what’s happening with the Background Players, players’ talents, additional gigs, etc… As well, if you have a question that we can help find an answer to, we’ll give it a try, and in the future, with permission, we’ll even try to snag an interview or two with someone in the cast or crew who can better answer your query.
But first, we need permission from the producers; we’re on it. As we move forward, there are a few things we want to lay straight: From a working point-of-view, Deadwood is a first-rate production where, for the most part, modesty prevails and everyone is treated with respect, and we hope that our comments, and yours, will achieve the same standard. As well, we can’t divulge new characters or plots for the show, but if we gain the trust of the production company, we may be able to drop a few story related tidbits in the future–again, we’ll seek permission.
From the HBO Deadwood Website: Click on an actor to read more.
For now, please let us know your thoughts or questions by sending an email or leaving a comment.
I have a question. What is the identity of the woman lowering herself into the bath during the introductuon of every episode of Deadwood? I’d just like to see the front of her, that’s all.
Keith,
Until we get her permission, I don’t want to leave her name here–I can tell you that “Bobby” is the name of the horse in the opening, and one our own BPs, Derrick Gastaron, is the guy who bites the gold nugget.
Hi Mike, I got big kick out of reading the article in “los angeles” magazine,about the Deadwood background.I’m proud to be counted as one of the “Leper Colony”.”Sleepy” Dave gave me a call,and asked if I had read the article in the calendar section of today’s L.A.Times(5/22),about the possible demise of Deadwood.It all boils down to $$$.HBO spends a reported $100 million on the first 12 episodes of the epic “Rome”,then renews it for a second season,despite lackluster ratings.What the hell is going on!?Chris Albrecht,HBO’s chairman/cheif executive says that he’s not worried that Deadwood’s end will lead to subscriber losses.”It’s news to me that people subscribe to HBO for only one thing”,he said.I think that mister Albrecht may get a rude awakening.I thought people subscribed to cable channels like HBO and Showtime,because they offered alterative programming to regular tv shows.When one of my favorite shows isn’t on,neither is the tv.
Hey John! [above...hehe]
Even if Deadwood is picked up, it is unlikely I’ll ever get a chance to work on the show again. But I REALLY hope the show gets a 4th season. Working on the show, especially with respect to all the great and cool people I got to work with and meet, includes some of my most fondest memories!
But, in line with my groan-inspiring, ‘pun’ brand of humor, I have an optimistic observaton:
To all those who were lucky enough to work in the Bella Union, and you know who you are, no matter what happens: at least we’ll always have Parisse… hehe
[==P==]
PS - Parisse Boothe is one of the most down to earth, easy to get along with and work with ladies I’ve ever met, especially considering who is in her immediate family…
John Stapp, I’m with you on this one…I am crushed that Deadwood wont be returning for another season (two 2-hr movies, does not constitute a season)….and never before had I considered cancelling my subscription to HBO — but am giving it some serious thought now. What on EARTH is HBO thinking???? This is the smartest show on tv — do you always have to appeal to the lowest common denominator?
Tonight’s Deadwood—boring and just like the Sopranos, the writers just have to put in their politically correct ideas, the racial issue, and now tonight the lesbian issue. It just ain’t the same.
I started as a BP in season 2, and this was my first gig in Hollywood. What a way to start a career in acting. You fellow BP’s were alot of fun and I learned alot from you guys. I have taken a break from hollywood and plan to be back in the spring. I know I will run into you guys down the road and hope to see you all again. Maybe the TV movies will start the spark for more series shows. From California to Minneasota, people I have met can’t get enough of the show. Have faith guys!!!!
What is Gerald McRaney like?
That fight scene was really something…and the eye…ugh!
Did any of you guys work on that episode?
Thanks!
John Stapp, I just subscribed to HBO. Deadwood is the only thing I watch on this channel. If and when Deadwood is dropped, so will HBO be dropped from my cable.
Can you tell me anything else about “Bobby”, the horse shown on the opening credits? Is he the same horse shown in later shows with the touched up star on his forehead?
Thanks!!!!!
Sue Smith
Midland, TX
Great Blog.
Like most of you, I have been a huge fan of Deadwood since the first episode. In general, I think that HBO has a lot of great things for TV. Sunday night HBO is the only TV my wife and I watch regularly.
While none of us can control the future whatever it may be for Deadwood, it’s been a fantasitc ride. Deadwood is some of the best TV writing I have ever witnessed. The depth of the dialog is like nothing I have ever witnessed.
While all I state above is genuine and heartfelt, I would like to go on record as stating that I think the season finale was a big dissapointment. I think they could have given their loayal fans a lot more then we got. Sorry to say, but I was disappointed.
Is there really not going to be a fourth season of Deadwood???
HBO started something with this project and it angers me that they don’t want to see it through. I am sure that it is expensive to produce this kind of project, but that is too bad. When you begin something like this for your viewers and it becomes so successful, and then to just drop it because of monetary concerns before completing the telling of the tale? Sorry HBO, even your weak compromise of two, two hour long shows next season is frail at best.
As a first time blogger, I apologize to start with a negative. However, I can not help questioning why there was no pay off at the end of season three!!!. So much build up, such powerful tension between a number of amazing characters. The “chinamen” had their rifles, the little man was ready with the shank…plans were made positions were taken and then………..Hearst leaves. so long, farewell, have a nice trip! AHHHHH with word of Deadwood’s ending, how dissapointing that one of my favorite shows of all time would end in such an anti-climatic way. Is this an homage to a true to life Deadwood, where not all battles are fought with a clear victor? alas, I prepared myself mentally for one of the most dominating season finales of all time….and I’m left with Bollocks strong words, chinamen with no battle to fight and a little man with a shank that has no home.
I’m with those of you who are upset and crushed by the fact that HBO has canceled Deadwood. My husband David was a extra on the show. He stared in the second season and continued in the third. I haven’t missed one episode, and realy think it should be picked up, it’s the best show! HBO you’re history on my tv!
Wow, bad news all around.
First, I’m sorry to hear about Michell being taken off life support. My heart goes out to his family.
Secondly, two days ago Jim Glennon, one of the Directors of Photography, died of a blood clot dislodging from his leg and entering his heart. He was already in the hospital for reasons unknown to me. I have yet to hear if there will be a service, but when I do, I will post the information.
Take care everyone, and I hope to see you all on set when/if the two DW movies happen. With your guns in the holsters that is.
Keith Jones,
I don’t know if you ever found the answer to your question. I don’t have HBO so I bought the whole first season. If you listen to Molly Parker and Keith Carradine’s comments during the first episode, Molly admits to being that person…so its no big secret!
What magazine!!! I didnt hear about that. What up guys!!!!!!!!!
Whas going on you guys!!!!! Came by to say what up!!Im chillin in texas for a while. Hopefully be back in the spring. Hope all is well with everyone.
Don Baugh , hey it’s Michael Brage what’s up. Hope your doin OK. I’m going to be in town soon. Call me and let me know what your phone number is, mine is 612-860-1042. Hope to hear from ya.
Vic,
The ”lesbian issue”? I didn’t see that as injecting PC agendas into the show. That’s life buddy, there are lesbians, that’s been around…a long time. Honest, they didn’t make it up ten years ago and then try to add it to history later. And, the ”racial issue”? How can you have a historical show like Deadwood with black characters and NOT have race be an issue, it’s a few short years after slavery was abolished, you don’t think it belongs there? Should they just do shows where it’s only full of ”issues” that you have on your mind? Anything else is just PC stuff from hollywood? Good God man. Are you really serious? I’m not black or gay and I didn’t see anything about those plotlines as PC, forced, unrealistic or pbs specialistic. What else about society would you like left out? Maybe they shouldn’t of had the ”horse issue” where horses sometimes get hurt, maybe that’s like a PC agenda where they’re trying to slip animal rights themes into the plot. Maybe all the Indians at the time should be portrayed as being happier and already owning casinos! Maybe all the prostitutes should be as well off as the ones at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch and none of Deadwood’s working girls should ever be seen without a smile on their face or telling a hardluck story. To think that they might not just be horny for a living is just some kind of leftwing propaganda right? lol. The Sopranos too, with all that domestic bickering with Carmella…clearly a woman wrote that show or else she wouldn’t be so uppity with Tony! Give me a break.
I could somewhat imagine the woman in the tub being Molly, but I honestly thought that her comments with Keith Carradine about the opening tub woman being her was just enjoyable humorous banter, and I don’t believe she was really saying it was her. It also seems that comment about the identity of woman in the tub was a running comic theme in the episode commentary.
I also agree with denouncing HBO for allowing Deadwood to slip away. It’s the best western series I have ever seen, and the cast (main and extras) was simply superb. I hope Milch writes a screen play to finish up (or perpetuate) the series. With the constant output of so much movie crap, how could someone not pick up Deadwood, the movie.
Mike Kelley
I could somewhat imagine the woman in the tub being Molly, but I honestly thought that her comments with Keith Carradine about the opening tub woman being her was just enjoyable humorous banter, and I don’t believe she was really saying it was her. It also seems that comment about the identity of woman in the tub was a running comic theme in the episode commentary.
I also agree with denouncing HBO for allowing Deadwood to slip away. It’s the best western series I have ever seen, and the cast (main and extras) was simply superb. I hope Milch writes a screen play to finish up (or perpetuate) the series. With the constant output of so much movie crap, how could someone not pick up Deadwood, the movie.
Mike Kelley
Hi all,
Boy I really miss the show. Now HBO has nothing.
Couldn’t happen to a better bunch of people.
Does anyone here know where I can get screengrabs of Season Three? I’d really appreciate your help.
Hope all is well with you all.
Love, Grace manda3@earthlink.net
your space is amazing!
A word vomit explosion!!! I’m glad to hear about that