Deadwood story arc question

September 2, 2007 2:21 PM

Deadwood TV series question -- my wife and I have reached critical mass in not understanding one of the story arcs. (Possible spoilers inside for those who haven't made it to the middle of Season 2)

Here is the question: Please elaborate on the motives regarding the deal that Al Swearengen and Ms. Isringhausen are making. I understand Isringhausen is bribing Swearengen $50K to confess that he ordered the killing of Brom Garrett at Alma Garrett's request. But I don't understand the motives involved. Are we to believe Al is seeking the immunity and money? And are we to believe Isringhausen intends to use the confession to try taking down the Garrett gold claim? Why would Al agree to a deal with the devil that lets the Pinkertons get a foothold in town, if he hates them so much?

Please be aware I am only about 2/3rds of the way into Episode 21 so please try to withhold spoilers and just talk motives. We had to stop the DVD last night as the plot was running away from us.

I read the HBO Deadwood episode guide but it's mostly a verbatim description of the script without any analysis. I feel like I need a Cliff Notes for Deadwood to understand some of the story arcs. I'm trying to wrap my head around what is going on between Tolliver, the Hearsts, and the opium traders. Any such Cliff Notes?

posted by hodyoaten to media & arts (5 comments total)

I'm pretty sure this explains itself in the episode. Just watch the rest.
posted by selfnoise at 2:26 PM on September 2, 2007

(I'm not trying to be difficult, I just want to avoid unneeded spoilers)
posted by selfnoise at 2:26 PM on September 2, 2007

That's perfectly cool... I just want to make sure my assumptions of what's going on is in the ballpark.
posted by hodyoaten at 2:28 PM on September 2, 2007

Just watch the rest.

Exactly.

BTW -- the Wikipedia entry on the television series often provides background and motives -- but, best to by-pass for inevitable spoilers -- and/or a curious eye dipping down lower on the page! ; )
posted by ericb at 2:34 PM on September 2, 2007

Big IIRC warning.

Ms. Isringhausen is acting on behalf of the family of Mrs. Garrett's dead family. Proving that Mrs. Garrett was involved in the death of Mr. Garrett would allow the family to overturn the will/probate that gave Mrs. Garrett the rights to the claim/mine.

Swearengen is acting out of greed and and to draw Isringhausen/Pinkertons in deeper so he can try to extract even more money from them. Also, I think at that time, Swearengen is still mad at Bullock, and making things bad for Mrs. Garrett makes things bad for Bullock.
posted by Argyle at 2:34 PM on September 2, 2007