No Other Sons or Daughters (Deadwood episode)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| “No Other Sons or Daughters” | |
|---|---|
| Deadwood episode | |
 |
|
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 9 |
| Guest stars | see main article |
| Written by | George Putnam |
| Directed by | Ed Bianchi |
| Production no. | 99753 |
| Original airdate | May 16, 2004 |
| Episode chronology | |
| ← Previous | Next → |
| "Suffer the Little Children" | "Mr. Wu" |
"No Other Sons or Daughters" is the 9th episode of the HBO original series, Deadwood. It was the ninth episode of the first season. The episode was written by George Putnam and was directed by Ed Bianchi. It originally aired on May 16, 2004.
[edit] Guest roles
- Marshall Bell as Magistrate Clagett
- Sean Bridgers as Johnny Burns
- Kim Dickens as Joanie Stubbs
- Ricky Jay as Eddie Sawyer
- Geri Jewel as Jewel
- Jeffrey Jones as AW Merrick
- Ray McKinnon as Rev. H.W. Smith
- Bree Wall as Sofia Metz
- Keone Young as Mr. Wu
[edit] Plot synopsis
As morning dawns in Deadwood, a nervous Swearengen shares his apprehension with Trixie over the coming treaty between the territorial government and the Sioux to annex the Black Hills, and the town, as an official part of the United States. He mentions he is to discuss the camp’s future with Magistrate Clagett. He asks her how her arm is healing before leaving her alone in the room.
Yankton representative Magistrate Clagett arrives and discusses with Swearengen the attitude of the legislature regarding the safety of the current businesses and claims to property in Deadwood once annexation begins, assuring that they are not under threat; but lays out a plan for a steady series of bribes to make sure things run ‘smoothly’. He also suggests that an ad hoc government be set up amongst the town elders to prove the willingness of Deadwood’s citizens to create a foundation with which to work from. Finally, he almost mentions a document of great import has arrived in his lap concerning the saloon keep; a warrant for Swearengen’s arrest for murder in Chicago - a disappearance of which will cost Swearengen an additional five thousand dollars.
At the Grand Central Hotel, Alma is introduced to Ellsworth by Bullock. He explains how Ellsworth will work for wage on her claim to keep her title active. The two quickly take a liking to one another. Farnum, meanwhile, is excited when an employee discovers the undelivered letter written by Hickock for his wife before his murder and hands it to his boss. Though he berates him for his failure to deliver the letter, Farnum happily pockets it.
Swearengen makes the rounds through Deadwood -rallying the elders together for a meeting at his place to form a government. Tolliver, Bullock, Sol, Merrick, Farnum, Nuttal and Cochran number among the luminaries.
At the plague tent, Reverend Smith’s health continues to detiorate - his limbs are beginning to go numb, and he confesses that he is scared he can no longer feel the love of Christ when reading scripture. Jane grows impatient with his delusions and curses him out, but expresses her worry that he has been hiding the extent of his deterioration from Doctor Cochran.
Joanie Stubbs decides to take Tolliver up on his offer to get herself a brothel, and she begins searching for a location. She stumbles into Utter who is also busy with a new venture; opening his Freight and Postal Delivery service.
At the Gem, the meeting begins - Swearengen making it clear that the forming of a munipal government will prove to Yankton that they are “worthy enough to pay them their f**king bribes”. Farnum elects himself for mayor, and since no immediate objections are put forth he is elected; much to everyone’s horror. The rest of the ‘elections’ are completed - a late arriving Utter serving as Fire Commissioner and Bullock becoming Health Commissioner.
Later, with the Gem back to business, Star goes to the Gem to see Trixie, but she does her best to discourage him. "I don't want what I can't have” - but says she may come to the store one day.
Cochran (with prompting from an inebriated Jane) pays a visit to the Reverend. Smith attributes his suffering to the will of God, but Cochran isn’t convinced. Unable to do anything to help him, and faced by Smith’s own convictions and unwavering faith, Cochran realizes there’s little he can do.
In the Bella Union, the murder of the two young con artists Flora and Miles is still weighing heavily on the mind of dealer Eddie Sawyer. Tolliver, angered by his morose attitude, insults and derides him.
At the end of yet another binge, Calamity Jane decides it's time to ride out of town. She admits to Utter she cannot stay sober; and that she refuses to be a drunk where Hickock is buried. The two friends share a goodbye of sorts and Jane leaves camp.
In Alma Garret’s room, Bullock checks up on Alma and is pleased to see she approves of Ellsworth and his capability to aid in managing her claim. Uncomfortable in their mutual attraction (but both equally horrified at the thought of Farnum as mayor) Bullock makes mention of his wife and son in Michigan, whom he has written about joining him with Deadwood’s stability becoming more assured. Alma stiffens at the news, but Bullock later explains that his wife is his brother’s widow; and the child was their son. The two say an awkward goodbye, and Alma is left alone in the dark with her thoughts.
[edit] Notes
- The music in the closing credits is "Stars and Stripes Forever" by Jelly Roll Morton.
